Creating Successful WebQuests

What is inquiry-based learning?

Learning that involves exploring the world, making discoveries, testing those discoveries, in the search for new understanding.

Traditional education discourages the natural process of inquiry. Students learn not to ask too many questions, and instead are asked to repeat expected answers.

Traditional vs. Inquiry-based

Closed systemEmphasis on factsResources limited to

classroomQuestions “outside

the box” are put offAssessment on

retained knowledge

Open systemEmphasis on learningResources are open-

endedExplore all questions

that may come upAssessment on all

steps of the process

Advantages of Inquiry Based Learning

Helps students identify and refine their “real” questions into learning opportunities

Validates the experience and knowledge that all students bring to the learning process

Awakens confidence, interest, and self esteem of students

Well-suited to collaborative learning environments

Can work with any age group

What’s important

Change from a focus from what we know to how we know.

Give kids a desire to raise questions and continue looking for answers throughout life

Internet can be overwhelming. Our task is to help kids understand how to make sense of the information.

What is the teacher’s role?

Facilitator of learning - ask questions that lead to more questions

Think about purpose and make plansConstantly be alert to obstacles

Essential Questions

"Schools often engage students in collecting answers, in accumulating information. But essential questions require that students spend time pondering the meaning and importance of information."

from “Trivial Pursuit to Essential Questions and Standards-Based Learning”http://www.fno.org/feb01/pl.html

What is a WebQuest?

An inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web. WebQuests are designed to use learners’ time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (Bernie Dodge)

Why WebQuests?

Offers exposure to different viewpoints that are usually needed to construct meaning on complex topics.

Allows students to benefit from being linked to a variety of web resources so they can explore and make sense of issues.

Involves or places students in situations which compel them to read, speak, listen, think and write.

WebQuest vs. Other Web-based Activities

Subject Sampler Includes a smaller number of links (3-5) organized around a

main topic. Students do, read, or see something at each site and are asked to respond to it by carrying out activities.

Treasure Hunt Contains a collection of links (8-12) essential to understanding a

given topic. One key question is posed for each link. A culminating “big question” gives students the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the topic.

Characteristics of Effective WebQuests

Increases student motivationAuthenticityDevelops critical thinking skillsCooperative learningTechnology integration

Parts of a WebQuestCritical

IntroductionTaskProcessResourcesEvaluationConclusion

Parts of a WebQuest- Non-critical

Group Activities

Motivational Elements Role to play Scenario to work within

Single discipline or Interdisciplinary

Introduction

A concise paragraph or two that supplies students with background information and motivation for completing the project.

Includes a question that students will ponder.

Example- Rock the Vote http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/lewis

/rock/index.html#Introduction

Task

Provides a clear outline of what students will accomplish

The task is considered the single most important part of a WebQuest.

Task categories- retelling, compilation, mystery, journalistic, design, creative product, consensus building, persuasion, self-knowledge, analytical, judgement, scientific

Example-Tail of 2 Millenniums http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/ofarrell/calendars

Process

A detailed, step by step guide each student team follows to accomplish the task, complete with Web links embedded in each step.

Example- An Insect’s Perspective http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/grant/insects

Resources

Contains a list of the information sources (Web sites, print books, magazines, atlases, etc.) students should use to complete the task.

Evaluation

A rubric that evaluates the work of each student team and should relate specifically to the central task.

Example- A New Twist on an Old Tale http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/

as/education/projects/webquests/cinderella

Conclusion

Wraps up the activity and gives students a chance to reflect on what they’ve learned.

Example- Finding the Lighthouse Diamond Thief http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/kroc/scimethod

Activity

Examining WebQuest Scenarios Take Me on Vacation!

http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/as/education/projects/webquests/vacation

Let’s Have a Field Day! http://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/sbcss/services/educational/cctechnology/webquest/fieldday.html

DNA for Dinner? http://www.gis.net/~peacewp/webquest.htm

Look Who’s Footing the Bill! http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/democracy/debtquest.html

Finding Existing WebQuests

Search Bernie Dodge’s WebQuest Site http://edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/matrix.html

Tom March’s Best WebQuests http://bestwebquests.com

Knowledge Network Explorer Search http://www.kn.pacbell.com/kne_search.html

GEC Computers in the Classroom WebQuest Locator http://www.gecdsb.on.ca/d&g/DP/main.htm

edHelper.com- Lesson Plans and WebQuests http://edhelper.com/cat311.htm

Evaluating WebQuests

Some rubrics for evaluating WebQuests WebQuest Rubric http://edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/

webquestrubric.html Ozline WebQuest Rubric http://www.ozline.com/

webquests/rubric.html WebQuest Evaluation Form http://www.spa3.k12.sc

.us/webquestrubric.htm

Contact Information

Sun AssociatesSuite 21655 Middlesex StreetN. Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01863www.sun-associates.com978-251-1600978-251-8700 fax

Kerry McLaughlin- kmclaughlin@sun-associates.com