2. Webquests Sally Lewis-Pearson

3. K12 Education Definition of a WebQuest A Web Quest is an inquiry based activity in which most or all of the information is obtained using the internet.

4. K12 Education Critical Attributes WebQuests are designed to effectively use the learner’s time. To achieve this goal of efficiency and clarity, the following are components of a WebQuest… Introduction Tasks The Process Resources Conclusion Teacher Page

5. K12 Education Introduction The purpose of the Introduction section is: F To orient the learner as to what is going to be expected F Raise interest in the learner by making the topic seem... G relevant to the learner's past experience G relevant to the learner's future goals G attractive, visually interesting G important because of its global implications G urgent, because of the need for a timely solution G fun, because the learner will be playing a role or making something

6. K12 Education The Task The purpose of the Task section is: F To create a description of what the learner will have done at the end of the exercise F Examples: G HyperStudio or PowerPoint presentation G Video presentation G Build a structure G Create a new society G A verbal act, such as being able to explain a specific topic

7. K12 Education The Process The purpose of the Process section: For the teacher to suggest the steps that learners should go through in completing the task Includes strategies for dividing the task into subtasks, descriptions of roles to be played or perspectives to be taken by each learner To provide learning advice and interpersonal process advice, such as how to conduct a brainstorming session

8. K12 Education Evaluation Rubrics are the primary evaluation used in a WebQuest G Evaluation rubrics take different forms depending on the kind of task given to the learner

9. K12 Education Resources F The Resources section is a list of web pages which the instructor has located that will help the learner accomplish the task. G Resources are pre-selected so that learners can focus their attention on the topic rather than surfing aimlessly. G Resources can also be in the form of books, videos, and CD’s.

10. K12 Education Conclusion The Conclusion section of a WebQuest provides an opportunity to: G summarize the experience G encourage reflection about the process G extend and generalize what was learned

11. K12 Education Teacher Page The Teacher section focuses on: Rationale for project National and State curriculum standards Evaluation techniques Extension activities

12. K12 Education Non-critical Attributes Group and Collaborative Activities Motivational Elements Single discipline or Interdisciplinary

13. K12 Education Why use a WebQuest? Educators Integrates technology into an existing curriculum Utilize the learner’s time, focusing on using information rather than looking for it Support the learner’s thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation Students Access current information Share ideas and collaborate with others Form opinions and support those opinions with research Increased use of technology in the classroom

14. K12 Education Qualities of Effective WebQuests Challenges Flows Logically Plays to the Internet’s Strengths Evaluates Effectively Seamless Navigation and Lack of Mechanical Problems

15. K12 Education WebQuest Activity Go to http://webquest.org Find at least one WebQuest that you might be able to use in your curriculum.