Instead of having movie day on today, we will have our movie day on Monday, April 7th! Each person in the winner group will have a DVD containing their group video.
Today we start talking about WebQuest.
What exactly is a WebQuest? What are its main characteristics? What are your initial reactions to WebQuests in terms of teaching and learning? What advantages and disadvantages do you see in teaching with WebQuests? What standards in your content area lend themselves to WebQuests?
Viewing exemplary webquests is a good way to get started on your own. Go to the main WebQuest page and click the words "Find WebQuests" on the left navigation bar. Using the Curriculum/Grade Level Matrix (in the middle of the page), spend a few minutes viewing 2 or 3 WebQuests in your content area.
A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented online tool for learning, says workshop expert Bernie Dodge
- This means it is a classroom-based lesson in which most or all of the information that students explore and evaluate comes from the World Wide Web.
- Beyond that, it can be as short as a single class period or as long as a month-long unit; usually involves group work, with division of labor among students who take on specific roles or perspectives; are built around resources that are preselected by the teacher.
- Students spend their time USING information, not LOOKING for it.
Hopefully, you're beginning to formulate an idea for a "hook" for your own WebQuest. It may be related to work you have already done in our class or work you are currently completing in other courses. It could even be something completely new in your content area. After you have some ideas review the webquest rubric so that you are clear on what is expected. Before Wednesday's class, you'll want to identify your WebQuest topic. Use this website to help you in the selection process.
Generally, a good WebQuest topic should have some inherent complexity, such as controversial issues, multiple perspectives, unknowns, etc. The topic needs to have your students take information in and transform it, using their own judgement and creative problem-solving techniques -- a LoTi level 4 or higher -- the learning should be authentic. Certain topics tend to lend themselves more to the WebQuest format than others.
In Summary a WebQuest is:
1. A clear, concise introduction that provides necessary information and sets up the activity.
2. An interesting and concrete central task.
3. A collection of information resources needed.
4. A step-by-step description of the process to be used for the task.
5. Guidelines on how to organize the information acquired (questions that should be answered, etc.); this will be the backbone for the Web site students create.
6. A closing lesson that reviews what the students have learned and how it can be brought to bear on other subjects.
7. The teacher resources page includes the standards that are addressed, the appropriate grade level and directions on how the teacher can use the webquest for their classroom.
WebQuest Resources:
Some Thoughts About WebQuests
Building Blocks of a Webquest
The Webquest Design Process
Taxonomy of WebQuest Tasks
WebQuest Rubric
Process Checklist
Concept to Classroom
Searching tips
WebQuest Templates
Sample WebQuests:
Bernie Dodge's Top WebQuests
Middle School WebQuest Matrix
George Mason Univ. WebQuests
Maryland Tech Academy WebQuests
Other examples
Here are some questions to consider as you are working on your WebQuest (you do not need to turn in responses to these questions):
*Is your WebQuest topic authentic in order to engage your students?
*Is your WebQuest task challenging and doable?
*Do your learners need to think independently and critically during the WebQuest activity?
*Is collaboration between your students important for the successful completion of the WebQuest?
*What scaffolds (visual organizers, software tools, prompting questions and suggestions) are provided in your WebQuest?
Homework:
By Monday, April 7th :
- You'll want to identify your WebQuest topic. Use this websiteto help you in the selection process. It may be related to work you have already done in our class or work you are currently completing in other courses. It could even be something completely new in your content area. After you have some ideas together, please email (edit2000spring08@gmail.com) a response ( to the following questions related to your WebQuest. Make sure to include your name in the body of the email. I will provide you with feedback about your topic choice via email before class on Wednesday, April 9th.
1. Briefly describe your topic
2. Why did you choose this topic?
3. How will your WebQuest be tied to Georgia or national curriculum standards?
4. How will web resources play an important role in your WebQuest?
5. How will your WebQuest require students' deep understanding or higher-level thinking instead of mere comprehension?
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