Learning the Webquest Way Joanna Gerakios Wednesday on the Web

Objectives Define what a webquest is and explain its components Understand reasons for using a webquest Identify areas of my curriculum that lend themselves to using a webquest Conduct searches and find already-created webquests that fit my curriculum Determine how to adapt already-created webquests for my use Explore the possibilities of creating my own webquest

What is a Webquest? Developed by Bernie Dodge of University of San Diego Inquiry-based lesson model Information comes from and activities are based around the Internet Webquests101 afevideos/SearchResults.aspx?searc h=webquest

What makes a quality Webquest? Webquest is more than: A document containing hyperlinks and questions to answer Fact gathering Or just a series of activities Interesting, real-life task is at the core Involves higher-level thinking: problem- solving, synthesis, analysis, evaluation, creativity Internet is the primary resource for information Should tie to curriculum standards

Components of a Webquest Introduction  Provide overview or describe scenario  Hook the “audience”  Communicate the Essential and Guiding questions Task  Describe the desired end product or result Process  Steps needed to accomplish the task  Embed links to online information sources and helps such as organizers, guides, checklists, etc.

Components (cont.)‏ Evaluation  Describe how the process and product will be evaluated  Group and/or individual grades ?  Rubrics are commonly used Conclusion  Summarize what should be accomplished  Rhetorical questions or additional links for extension or enrichment Credits  Any books, websites, images, sounds, etc. used to prepare the webquest

Teacher Page Introduction  Origin of the lesson and what it is about Learners  Grade level, content areas, prior knowledge/skills needed Curriculum Standards  Objectives, outcomes, and types of thinking skills Process  Cut and paste Process Description for students  Add details for implementing the lesson Grouping, time needed, variations, related lessons Resources Needed Conclusion/Summary Credits

Why and when to use a Webquest? Why? Motivational Learning tied to real-world tasks Authentic audience Resources are timely and from multiple perspectives Encourage higher level thinking and cooperative learning When? Does it tie to curriculum standards? Does it replace a lesson you're not satisfied with? Do the objectives lend themselves to open-ended questioning? Is the Internet an appropriate source? Is higher order thinking involved?

Examples Civil Rights (HS)‏ Insurance Agents Weather Watchers (MS)‏ Insurance Agents Water Cycle (Elem)‏ Water Cycle Survival (Elem)‏ Survival Meterology (Primary)‏ Meterology Your Task  Search the SDSU DatabaseSDSU Database  Use the Google search, if needed  Find 2-3 Webquests that relate to your curriculum  Evaluate the lessons' usefulness—what modifications would you need to make?

Finding and Adapting Existing Webquests Start with a topic or standard Conduct a search Evaluate and determine ​ ?  Use as is  Minor changes  Need to modify See the full document: Adapting and Enhancing Existing Webquests This method requires some knowledge of web design, but there are other ways...

Other Ways to Deliver Your Webquest If you are not “up to” creating your webquest as a webpage, you can copy and paste the content into Word, Powerpoint, or a wiki or blog To give students access  Post document on school's Common Folder  Post on a wiki, blog, or Google Docs  URL of existing webquest (if not changing)‏ Use a template or online tool If you “piggyback,” remember to get permission and/or credit the source.

Tips for Tweaking Try to start with a WQ with at least 3/5: Up to date links Good layout and presentation Engaging task using higher level thinking Aligns with our curriculum Readability is a good match for your students Make list of edits or enhancements needed to meet your/your students needs Verify/update links Use Evaluation RubricEvaluation Rubric Review Design PatternsDesign Patterns Get a Peer Review Student Test Drive

Tools, Templates, and Guides Online Tools (do not require website design or upload):  Quest Garden ($20 for 2 yrs.)‏ Quest Garden  Filamentality (free)‏ Filamentality  zWebQuest (free)‏ zWebQuest Templates:  Original Template(can use in web design software or cut and paste into Word)‏ Original Template  Framed Templates (for web design)‏ Framed Templates Webquest Guides:  Design Process Design Process  Process Checklist (to use when designing/adapting)‏ Process Checklist  Process Guides (for students)‏ Process Guides

More Webquest Resources WebQuest Home The Webquest Place Concept to Classroom Webquest Workshop Exploring, Using, Adapting, and Creating Webquests Exploring, Using, Adapting, and Creating Webquests Teachers First Webquest Collection