Webquests

1
Webquests

• IU 08 Summer Technology Academy
• July 31, 2007

2
Agenda

• What is a Webquest?
• The History of Webquests?
• The Six Parts of a Webquest
• Types of Webquests
• View Example Webquests
• Benefits of Webquests
• What Types of Topics Should Webquests Be Used
  For?
• Design Steps for Webquests
• Tips For Finding Online Resources (Websites)
• What Technology is Needed to Create a Webquest?
• Webquest Resources
• A Webquest About Webquests
• In Conclusion
• Contact Information

3
What is a Webquest?

• A Webquest is an inquiry-oriented activity in
  which most or all of the information used by
  learners is drawn from the Web.
• http//204.186.159.163/securePages/Builder/editTo
  olIndex.cfm?CourseID5265

4
History of Webquests

• Developed in February 1995 by Bernie Dodge at San
  Diego University
• Today tens of thousands of teachers use the
  Webquest model.

5
The Six Parts of a Webquest

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Resources
• Evaluation
• Conclusion

6
Introduction

• Provides background information and motivational
  scenarios (i.e. Giving students roles to play).

7
Task

• A formal description of what students will have
  accomplished by the end of the Webquest.

8
Process

• A description of the steps learners should go
  through in accomplishing the task, with links
  embedded in each step.

9
Resources

• Consists of a list of resources that your
  students will need to complete the task.

10
Evaluation

• Each Webquest needs a rubric for evaluating
  students work.

11
Conclusion

• Allows for reflection by the students and
  summation by the teacher.

12
Types of Webquests

• Short Term Webquests
• Long Term Webquests

13
ActivityTake 15 Minutes to look at a few example
Webquests.

• Radio Days
• http//www.thematzats.com/radio/index.html
• In Search of Stellalunas Family
• http//projects.edtech.sandi.net/chavez/batquest/b
  atquest.html
• Shake, Rattle, and Earthquakeproof
• http//questgarden.com/46/04/2/070129191949/index.
  htm

14
Benefits of Webquests

• Webquests are rooted in learning theory and good
  teaching practice.
• Students work in cooperative learning groups
  which mirror real-life situations.
• Rather than spending substantial time using
  search tools, most or all of the information used
  by learners is found on pre-selected websites.
  Students can then focus on using web-based
  information to analyze, synthesis, and evaluate
  information to address high-level questions.
• Motivate Students

15
What Types of Topics Should Webquests Be Used
For?

• Webquests are best suited for tasks that invite
  creativity and problems with several possible
  solutions.
• You wouldnt want to use Webquests to teach
  factual pieces of information.

16
Design Steps for Webquests

• Familiarize yourself with the resources
• Organize resources
• Identify topics
• Link activities

17
Tips For Finding Online Resources (Websites)

• Check the URLs
• Check the reading level
• Dealing with bias

18
What Technology is Needed to Create a Webquest?

• Once the Webquest is set-up and designed, you
  need the following
• Web Page Editor
• Web Server Space
• Your students will need access to computers that
  are connected to the Internet.

19
Webquest Resources

• Templates
• Tutorials
• Example Webquests
• All Available Online

20
Activity

• In the next hour you will work in small groups on
  A Webquest about Webquests
• We will then spend 20-30 minutes as a large group
  discussing our results.

21
In Conclusion

• Webquests allow you to create differentiated and
  independent learning experiences in your
  classroom.
• Webquests can be created for all subject and
  grade levels.

22
Contact Info

• Rita K. Steele, Educational Technology Specialist
• Everett Area School District
• Email rsteele_at_everett.k12.pa.us
• Phone [phone]