WebQuests!

Moving Beyond Scavenger Hunts

Staff Development – July 10, 2008

Presented by:

Robin Young and Irma Bauer

Skills Teachers Need to Get Started

• How to find info online (friendly librarian and ITS can help)

• How to craft an engaging assignment

• How to construct a web page (Wikis make it easy!)

Technology Standards• Texas STaR Chart

– Create online lessons that use critical thinking.

– Teachers work in cadres to develop and implement the lessons.

• Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi)

Why Choose WebQuests:Bernie Dodge:

• "A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web. The model was developed by Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University in February, 1995 with early input from SDSU/Pacific Bell Fellow Tom March, the Educational Technology staff at San Diego Unified School District, and waves of participants each summer at the Teach the Teachers Consortium. “ http://webquest.org/index.php

Carol A.Tomlinson:

• Differentiation is recognizing kids learn differently and adapting "content, product and process" in recognition of that fact.

What are WebQuests ??

• Are online and promotes critical thinking

• Backed by research and sound methodology

• Provides a framework to start with

• Flexible for all subjects• Does not have a set length or

end product• Easy to publish and get

started• Promotes 21st Century Skills

A WebQuest is:• an inquiry-oriented lesson

format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web.

• is wrapped around an authentic, doable and interesting task

• requires higher level thinking, including synthesis, analysis, problem-solving, creativity and judgment.

Taken from http://webquest.org/index-create.php

A well prepared webquest allows teachers to work with individuals

and groups during the class period.

A WebQuest is NOT:

• a research report or a step-by-step science or math procedure.

• simply summarizing what they have learned

• a series of web-based experiences.

• a hunt for facts for a worksheet/ graphic organizer

Taken from http://webquest.org/index-create.php

Pieces of a WebQuest

• Introduction - hook• Task – identify outcome• Process (and resources) – step

by step• Evaluation - rubric• Conclusion – extending

question• Credits – who created it• Teacher Page – what do other

teachers need to know to implement your project.

See: http://wikiwebquest.wikispaces.com/

Introduction

• Your hook - Why am I about to learn this and why should I care?

• Ties into student’s previous learning.

• Foreshadows what the lesson is about with a engaging description or a compelling question or problem.

Task

• The end result – what are the students going to do in this unit/lesson.

• Doable and engaging• Makes students think

beyond basic comprehension!

• Outcome should include choices!

Process and Resources

• Step by Step instructions with the resources needed embedded in each step.

• Each step is clear and can be followed by reading it.

• Steps move from basic knowledge to higher level thinking.

• Built in Checks for Understanding

Evaluation

• Rubric for Grading.• Students should know

what they are getting graded on and how BEFORE they begin.

• Qualitative and Quantitative descriptors.

Teacher Page

• How to teach this lesson including handouts and other teaching resources.

• Very helpful for others who find your lesson and want to use it.

• Optional – but highly suggested!

What is already out there…

• Find a partner – Look for same grade level/subjects if possible

• Go to: http://webquest.org/

• Choose at least 2 webquests to evaulate using the provided rubric.

Where to Begin

• Look at your TEKS and the ARRC

• Identify an upcoming unit • Highlight Student

expectations - How can the students demonstrate these to you?

• Create the Rubric for evaluating the student learning

• Design the Project (with the help of your friendly ITS and Librarian)

End Products ~ Think about something different!

• Podcasts• Wikis• Multi-Media Presentations• Blogs• Etc.

Kids could even have a choice about what

product to complete – differentiation in action!

Design Patterns

• WebQuests usually fall into certain types of design patterns.

• Take a few minutes to look over these links to get ideas for your webquest:– http://webquest.sdsu.edu/

taskonomy.html– http://webquest.sdsu.edu/

designpatterns/all.htm

Example:

• http://texasenergy.wikispaces.com/

Sixth Grade Webquest covering energy sources – adapted from an existing webquest

You don’t have to start from scratch!

Time to Plan!

• Start planning your webquest – grab a partner or work alone – your choice!

• Use the paper provided to get started and to make your notes.

• Webquest.org – look around for more ideas.

Where to Post Your WebQuest

• Suggestion: Wikis! (wikispaces)

• Why Wikis:• Free• Easily to learn• Easy to edit• Several Teachers could edit

the webquest at any time (great for adding resources and clarifying directions)

• http://www.wikispaces.com/site/for/teachers100K

Work Time

Plan to share your webquest by the end of the day.