Using WebQuests in the Classroom

Developing and locating

inquiry-oriented activities that

utilize the Internet

Agenda

Overview of WebQuestsLook at some examplesPlay the role of the student in a WebQuestSearch for WebQuestsHow to modify or make your own

WebQuest

What is a WebQuest?

inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web

designed to use the learners’ time wellsupport learners thinking at the levels of

analysis, synthesis, and evaluationdeveloped in 1995 by Bernie Dodge with

Tom March

There are five basic components of an average WebQuest.

Introduction Task Process Evaluation Conclusion

 

•set the stage for the activity •catch the student’s attention to draw them into the quest

•provide background information

•state what the students will be required to do

•avoid surprises down the road •detail what products will be expected and the tools that are to be used to produce them

•give a step-by-step description, concise and clearly laid out •provide links to Internet sites interwoven within the steps

•display a rubric to measure the product as objectively as possible •leave little room for students guessing what the teacher wants

•summarize the experience •allow reflection about the process •add higher level questions that may be researched at another time. •give food for thought as to where they can go with the info they have learned, using it in a different situation

How do WebQuests relate to the NETS?

Basic Operations & Concepts  Social, Ethical, & Human Issues  Productivity Tool  Communication Tool Research Tool  Problem-Solving & Decision Making Tool

WebQuests can relate to every standard, depending on how they are set up.

Some Examples

Author StudyFarmer Boy and IGive Jonas a New HomeStranded

More Examples

http://schools.sbe.saskatoon.sk.ca/Victo/projects/Grassroots/Planet%20WebQuest/WebQuest2.html

http://www.bsdvt.org/webquest/rthomas/cinderella.htm

http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/newman/learningmaps/webquests/new_math_poetry/main.htm

Try One

Sources for WebQuests

http://webquest.org/matrix3.phpTry your favorite search engine with the

keyword “Webquest” and a topic you teachMake your ownModify an existing WebQuest

Sources for this presentation:

Memphis schools taskforce on technology

Why WebQuests by Tom March

Clipart and basic form from Memphis schools

Training Materials from San Diego State University