Developing WebQuests An overview of WebQuest functionality and utility'

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Developing WebQuestsAn overview of WebQuest
functionality and utility.
Place photo here
Mac Slocum December, 2006
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Questions/Topics to be addressed

• What is a WebQuest?
• What resources are required for WebQuests?
• How can WebQuests be used in the classroom?
• WebQuest subjects Three examples
• What are the components of a WebQuest?
• Characteristics of good WebQuests
• WebQuest resources

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What is a WebQuest?

• A Web-based lesson that taps into the context and
  power of the Internet.
• A lesson that incorporates research from a
  variety of Web sites.
• A lesson that enhances deduction, research and
  problem-solving skills.
• Citation (Dodge, 2006)

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What resources are required for WebQuests?

• Computers that can handle basic Web browsing and
  word processing tasks.
• Internet connections, preferably high-speed.
• Web authoring software (for development).
  Includes HTML editor, FTP program, photo editor,
  audio editor (if necessary), video editor (if
  necessary).
• Server space on a school network.
• Moderate technical skill.

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How can WebQuests be used in the classroom?

• Students work in teams to complete WebQuest
  assignments.
• Teams have specific period of time to complete
  assignment (1 day - 1 month)
• Output Papers, presentations, and skits.

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WebQuest subjects Three examples

• Math Titanic Analysis
• History Golden Age of Radio
• Science Alternative Energy Sources

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Math WebQuest Example Titanic

• Uses historical event as jumping-off point.
• Students research event via online resources.
• Final output Spreadsheets and databases
  analyzing event.
• Citation (McManus, 1998)

asterix.ednet.lsu.edu/edtech/webquest/titanic.htm
l
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History WebQuest Example Radio Days

• Students assigned roles Playwright, Foley
  Artist, Ad Exec.
• Roles put students into first-person historical
  context.
• Final output Students create recorded 'radio
  drama'.
• Citation (Matzat, 2005)

www.thematzats.com/radio/index.html
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Science WebQuest Example Alternative Energy
Sources

• Student teams analyze alternative energy sources.
• Research conducted via online resources.
• Final output Written report, oral presentation,
  visual presentation.
• Citation (Embry, 2005)

www.dmrtc.net/embrys/aesindex.htm
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What are the components of a WebQuest?

• Introduction - Overview of the lesson.
• Task - A series of steps involving research and
  analysis.
• Process - A description of the learning steps.
• Resources - Links to relevant online resources.
• Evaluation - A rubric for the lesson.
• Conclusion - A "closing statement" for the
  lesson.
• Teacher Info - Related guidelines and material
  for other educators.
• Citations (Yoder, 1999), (Dodge, 1995)

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Characteristics of good WebQuests

• Ties into broader class topic/lesson.
• Well organized.
• Each step leads to the next step.
• Utilizes Web-based resources.
• Clear rubric.
• Easy-to-read with a simple design.
• Citations (Dodge, 1997), (Yoder, 1999)

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WebQuest resources

• The WebQuest Page at San Diego State University
• webquest.sdsu.edu
• WebQuest Portal
• webquest.org
• Schrock Guide WebQuests
• school.discovery.com/schrockguide/webquest/webque
  st.html

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Bibliography

• Dodge, B (1997). Some Thoughts About WebQuests.
  Retrieved December 9, 2006, from Some Thoughts
  About WebQuests Web site http//webquest.sdsu.edu
  /about_webquests.html
• Dodge, B (2006). The WebQuest Page at San Diego
  State University. Retrieved December 9, 2006,
  from The WebQuest Page at San Diego State
  University Web site http//webquest.sdsu.edu/
• Embry, R (2005). Alternative Energy Sources.
  Retrieved December 9, 2006, from Alternative
  Energy Sources Web site http//www.dmrtc.net/emb
  rys/aesindex.htm
• Matzat, C (2005). Radio Days A WebQuest.
  Retrieved December 9, 2006, from Radio Days A
  WebQuest Web site http//www.thematzats.com/radio
  /index.html
• McManus, B (1998). Titanic What Can Numbers Tell
  Us About Her Fatal Voyage?. Retrieved December 9,
  2006, from Titanic What Can Numbers Tell Us
  About Her Fatal Voyage? Web site
  http//asterix.ednet.lsu.edu/edtech/webquest/tita
  nic.html
• Yoder, M. B. (1999). The Student WebQuest.
  Learning Leading With Technology, 26(7), 6-9,
  52-53.