WebQuests forUpper Elementary School

StudentsEvaluation and Selection

Presented by Denise Goble

What is a WebQuest?“A WebQuest is 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, 2005

WebQuests forUpper Elementary School Students

Special Considerations

Vast differences in learning stylesWide range of ability levelsBenefit from cooperative learningEnjoy using technology and the internet

But…Possess only basic information literacy

skillsLack sophisticated search skills

Characteristics of Students

Ability to address multiple learning stylesOpportunities for scaffolded and differentiated

instructionTeam approach enhances cooperative learning

experienceInteractive use of technology and the internet

And…Encourage higher order thinking, problem

solving, and information literacyEliminate frustration caused by inefficient

searching

Benefits of WebQuests

Using Existing WebQuests

Common problems:

Inefficient design

Broken Links

Inaccurate information

Age-appropriateness

Subject matter does not align with curricular goals and standards

Step One: Examine Elements of Design

Evaluating Existing WebQuests

Essential Design Elements

Introduction

Task

Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

Introduction

•Prepares the reader

•Provides the “hook”

•Example

Task

•Tells learners what they are going to do

•Outlines objectives

•Must be doable and interesting

•Example

Process

•Describes how to complete task

•Includes steps, resources, and tools

•Example

Evaluation

•Describes how students will be evaluated

•Performance Rubric

•Example

Conclusion

•Summarizes what waslearned

•Encourages reflection

•Includes additionalquestions or suggestions for further study

•Example

Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Two: Check for Broken Links

Older WebQuests may contain invalid links

Check ALL links

Two options for broken links:Fix or Replace

Broken Links

Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Three: Determine Accuracy and Currency

Accuracy and CurrencyOlder WebQuests may contain

inaccurate or out-of-date information

Check ALL sources

Use Website evaluation rubrics

Example

Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Four: Assess Age-Appropriateness

Age-AppropriatenessMost critical step for this age group

Is task doable given abilities of students?

Is content appropriate for ages 8-11?

Check readability◦Fry Readability Chart

Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Five: Align with Curricular Goals and Standards

Curriculum Goalsand Standards

Many WebQuests were designed for use in other states or regions

Do the objectives meet your curriculum goals?

Can the WebQuest be aligned with your grade level content area standards?

Evaluation ToolsMatrices and Rubrics

Matrices and RubricsOriginal WebQuest Rubric

by Bernie Dodge

Assessing WebQuestsby Tom March

Rubric/Scoring Guide for WebQuestsby eMints

Finding WebQuestsWould You Use These WebQuests?

Sources of Existing WebQuests

Searchable DatabasesWebQuest.org

-developed by Bernie Dodge

BestWebQuests.com-developed by Tom March

BGSU Curriculum Resource Center

Popular search engines

Practical ApplicationLet’s Search for WebQuests and Evaluate Them

Sample 1Let’s search WebQuest.org

◦Subject?◦Grade level?◦Which one should we try?

Now let’s evaluate it◦Essential Elements?◦Links?◦Reliable information?◦Age Appropriate?◦Goals and Standards?◦Would you use this WebQuest?

Sample 2Let’s search Google

◦Search terms?◦Results?◦Which one should we try?

Now let’s evaluate it◦Essential Elements?◦Links?◦Reliable information?◦Age Appropriate?◦Goals and Standards?◦Would you use this WebQuest?

Selecting ResourcesWhere to Find Information on the Internet

Finding Informationfor WebQuests

Using search engines◦Tips for effective searches

Four Nets for Better SearchingThe Hidden Web

◦Infomine◦Librarians’ Internet Index

Electronic databases◦INFOhio

Questions?