Download WebQuest Basics

WebQuest Basics
The best way to understand what WebQuests can bring to your
classroom is to review a few examples. These offerings provide an
excellent introduction to the concept:
Be a Web Site Sleuth
http://www.yorkville.k12.il.us/webquests/webqwagner/webqswagner.html
Grades 2-4
Who Gets the Only Lifeboat?
http://www.yorkville.k12.il.us/webquests/webqwagner/webqswagner.html
Grades 5-8
El Nino or El No-no
http://www.powayschools.com/projects/elnino/
Grades 9-12
Notice that each WebQuest contains similar components, including a
central theme, "doable" task, detailed process and predetermined
evaluation method or expected outcome. All are critical to a successful
online learning adventure.
More than 500 WebQuests are available online, ready for use in your
classroom. Scour this collection of examples for integration into your
tried-and-true learning activities.
WebQuest Examples Matrix
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/matrix.html
Creating WebQuests
Once you've experienced the power of WebQuests, you'll want to
create one of your own. Dodge has assembled a wealth of training
resources and creation tools to help you get started. Be sure to set
aside a block of time to absorb this incredible collection of knowledge.
WebQuest Site
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/
A WebQuest about WebQuests
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquestwebquest.html
WebQuest Creation Overview
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm
WebQuest Building Blocks
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/staffdev/buildingblocks/p-index.htm
WebQuest Components
1. Introduction
Every WebQuest begins with an introduction -- a concise paragraph or
two that supply students with background information and motivation
for completing the assignment, such as an intriguing problem to solve,
exciting role to play or interesting scenario.
2. Task
The task provides a clear outline of what students will accomplish. It
should be doable and important, plus fun for students. Developing a
compelling task is often the most creative and difficult part of
authoring a WebQuest. Consult the Taxonomy of WebQuest Tasks
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/taskonomy.html
page to get ideas.
3. Process
The process is a detailed, step-by-step guide each student team
follows to accomplish the task, complete with Web links embedded in
each step. The final step in the process tasks students to translate
what they've learned into a written report, Web site, video production,
oral presentation, etc.
4. Resources
The resources collection contains a list of the information sources (Web
sites, print books, magazines, atlases, etc.) your students should use
to complete the task.
5. Evaluation
Create a rubric for evaluating the work of each student team. The
rubric should be clear and fair and should relate specifically to the
central task. More information about creating a rubric can be found
online.
Creating a Rubric for a Given Task
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/rubrics/rubrics.html
6. Conclusion
This critical step wraps up the activity and gives students a chance to
reflect on what they've learned. Set aside some time to discuss what
they thought of the process and outcome. Allow them to offer you
advice on revising the activity to make it more meaningful and
successful.
Once you've created your WebQuest, turn it into a simple Web page
and post it online. Thankfully, this helpful set of templates
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/LessonTemplate.html
will help you publish your WebQuest in a flash.
Consider providing tips for using your WebQuest in other classrooms,
plus an email link or form to allow your peers to send you feedback or
success stories.
Finally, use this handy rubric
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquestrubric.html
for evaluating your new WebQuest. You're sure to discover dozens of
ways to improve your activity before using it with students for the first
time!