An Introduction to Using WebQuests in your Classroom

1
An Introduction to Using WebQuests in your
Classroom
2

• What is a WebQuest?
• How can it benefit my students?
• What are its main components?
• View some example Webquests

3
WebQuests are focused activities in which
students utilize Web-based resources to perform
an interesting task.
4
In a WebQuest...

• You provide the websites students will use.
• real-world (experts, current reporting,
  fringe-groups)
• Students focus on using the information to tackle
  a real-world question or problem.

5
WebQuests

• Can be short or long-term projects
• Work best with controversial or compelling topics
• Often involve group work and role-play.
• Students assume roles and develop specific
  expertise on a topic.

6
What are the benefits of WebQuests?

• Motivate students!
• Rooted in learning theory and good teaching
  practice.
• Students work in groups which mirror real-life
  situations.

7
The 6 Components of a WebQuest

• Introduction
• Task
• Resources
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion

8
Introduction

• Sets the stage for the WebQuest
• Sparks student curiosity and hooks them
• Relates to learners interests
• Involves a compelling question or problem.
  Example
• Should the U.S.A. restrict trade with China
  because of Chinas human rights abuses?

9
The Task

• The end product of the WebQuest
• What you want students to do with the information
  they get
• Should be doable and interesting

10
The Process

• The specifics
• The game plan for the WebQuest
• Steps students should follow
• Contains advice on how to organize information
• Guidance on thinking process

11
Resources

• The links you want students to use
• Should be credible sites
• Lots of Educational sites available to help you!

12
Evaluation

• Explain the criteria on which student work will
  be evaluated
• Develop a nifty Rubric (authentic assessment
  tool to evaluate complex or subjective products)

13
Conclusion

• Summarize what was learned from the WebQuest and
  how students can continue to learn about the
  topic in the future

14
Example WebQuests

• Who will you Vote for?

• On The Cutting Edge

• Tuskegee Tragedy

15
What do you think?

• How could you use a WebQuest?
• What would your students think about it?
• What topics or links might you explore in a
  WebQuest?

16
The WebQuest Page

• http//edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/