Class 37: Working on WebQuest: Resources, Evaluation, Conclusion and Teacher Page

Today we will continue working on the components of resources, evaluation, and conclusion for your WebQuest project.

Resources

1. This section of the WebQuest consists of a list of the resources (bookmarked Web sites, print resources, etc.) that your students will need to complete the task.
2. WebQuests are enhanced by materials that supplement the online resources. These can include things like videos, audio cassettes, books, posters, maps, models, etc.

A sample of resources page

For the component of resources in your WebQuest, as required in the rubric, you will need at least 5 web resources for your students to use when they are accomplishing their tasks. These web resources should be age appropriate and relevant to the tasks. You might want to use those resources that Ms. Gretchen Thomas provided in last Wednesday's class.

Evaluation

1. Each WebQuest needs a rubric for evaluating students' work. The standards should be fair, clear, consistent, and specific to the tasks set.
HINT: Many of the theories of assessment, standards, and constructivism apply to WebQuests: clear goals, matching assessments to specific tasks, and involving the learners in the process of evaluation are all concepts from earlier workshops that apply here.
2. During the introductory stage of the WebQuest, it can be very helpful to point out three types of student examples: exemplary, acceptable, and unacceptable. The range between exemplary and acceptable work may be great and will spur the students to strive for excellence, while the demonstration of what constitutes unacceptable work will set clear minimum standards for all to achieve. The goal is for all students to have a good experience of the project.

Sample of Evaluation page

Evaluation examples

For the evaluation part, I wish to see direct connections between the required task and the evaluation. Your rubric should be quantified, in details and clearly stated.

Discuss how to create a rubric for the webquest based on the task description and the rolls students will be playing. We will be using this links as a resources: http://webquest.sdsu.edu/rubrics/weblessons.htm and http://webquest.sdsu.edu/rubrics/rubrics.html
You will be using this template for your rubric: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/triton/july/rubrics/Rubric_Template.html
The only thing that is missing on this template is a row indicating the maximum possible points that can be earned. You will need to add a row to this template.
The easiest way to paste your rubric table to your google page:
Copy and paste the rubric onto a word document. When you have completed your rubric it is to be linked so that it opens as a word document (Example:The same way we linked our resumes for our Autobiography)

Conclusion

1. This step allows for reflection by the students and summation by the teacher.
2. Setting aside time for discussion of possible extensions and applications of the lesson honors the constructivist principle: "We learn by doing -- but we learn even better by talking about what we did."
3. During the concluding section of a WebQuest, you can encourage your students to suggest ways of doing things differently to improve the lesson.

A sample work of Conclusion page
Conclusion examples

For the part of conclusion, you will summarize what students will learn when they finish this project, and you might also want to inspire their further thinking toward the subject content and the skills that they have been used, by asking some questions. A good example of conclusion can be like this.

Teacher Page (Remember, the audience for this document is other teachers, not students)

The teacher's page section of a WebQuest provides additional information to any teacher who might want to use your WebQuest in their own classroom. This page is helpful in providing data needed for lesson plans.

It should include:

1. A brief explanation of your WebQuest. Ex. What are the student's researching?

2. The selected Georgia Performance standard and grade level for the designed WebQuest.

3. A list of the prerequisites and materials needed for the WebQuest.

4. What skills does a teacher need in order to pull this lesson off? Is it easy enough for a novice teacher? Does it require some experience with directing debates or role plays, for example?

5. List here the sources of any images, music or text that you're using (with permission, of course). Provide links back to the original source. Say thanks to anyone who provided resources, help or inspiration.

6. Include this: "We all benefit by being generous with our work. Permission is hereby granted for other educators to copy this WebQuest, update or otherwise modify it, and post it elsewhere provided that the original author's name is retained along with a link back to the original URL of this WebQuest. On the line after the original author's name, you may add Modified by (your name) on (date)."

A sample work of Teacher page

Note: the due date for webQuest is Friday, April 18th, but on Wednesday, we will start talking about the Capstone project.