WebQuests...
What is a WebQuest? According to WebQuest.org, a WebQuest is "an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web" (Dodge, 2007). A benefit of using WebQuests is that they familiarize students with using the web and provide teaching opportunities for appropriate use of the web. WebQuests can also foster collaboration between students in the classroom, or allow students with special needs to work at their own pace towards a modified goal, and allows teachers to make real-world connections to the content to foster critical thinking skills in learners (Ikpeze & Boyd, 2007).
Let's face it, letting learners loose on the web can be a frightning thought. Who knows what they'll find out there? Then again, who knows what they'll find out there! If you've never incorporated a WebQuest into your lessons before, there are millions out there for you to search for on any topic imaginable.
Some WebQuest search engines:
QuestGarden - over 20,000 WebQuests created by teachers for teachers
Zunal WebQuest Maker - has already designed WebQuests, or teachers can join and use their free software to create their own
TeacherWeb - another search engine for finding WebQuests related to a specific topic
Glencoe Science WebQuests
Grades 9-12 Science WebQuests
WebQuests can usually be found online with a specific address that students can type into their browser to bring up the page. There is usually a home or landing page that contains the specific objective of the WebQuest with links to take students to each subsequent page. There is also a task page that specifies step-by-step instructions for the students to follow, along with links to other websites where they can research the information needed to complete the task. There is also typically an evaluation page with information on how to assess students on the task, usually in the form of a grading rubric or writing assignment. A good WebQuest gives students clear directions to move through the quest at their own pace, either working with a group or individually, in order to complete the assignment and gain knowledge about a particular topic.
WebQuests can be used as a 20 minute activity to supplement a lesson or can be an extended project for a particular unit lasting for days, even weeks.
Creating your own WebQuest can be time consuming. There are thousands of pre-made webquests already out there, and many of them are excellent. Utilizing these resources not only adds brings technology into the classroom, but it also saves a great deal of prep time. Be sure to test out all of the links on the WebQuest you want to use ahead of time, since often times links can be broken or the page may no longer exist. You can also used already-made WebQuest pages and then create your own worksheet to go along with some of the pieces of the quest page without using everything on the page exactly the way it was designed.
Let's face it, letting learners loose on the web can be a frightning thought. Who knows what they'll find out there? Then again, who knows what they'll find out there! If you've never incorporated a WebQuest into your lessons before, there are millions out there for you to search for on any topic imaginable.
Some WebQuest search engines:
QuestGarden - over 20,000 WebQuests created by teachers for teachers
Zunal WebQuest Maker - has already designed WebQuests, or teachers can join and use their free software to create their own
TeacherWeb - another search engine for finding WebQuests related to a specific topic
Glencoe Science WebQuests
Grades 9-12 Science WebQuests
WebQuests can usually be found online with a specific address that students can type into their browser to bring up the page. There is usually a home or landing page that contains the specific objective of the WebQuest with links to take students to each subsequent page. There is also a task page that specifies step-by-step instructions for the students to follow, along with links to other websites where they can research the information needed to complete the task. There is also typically an evaluation page with information on how to assess students on the task, usually in the form of a grading rubric or writing assignment. A good WebQuest gives students clear directions to move through the quest at their own pace, either working with a group or individually, in order to complete the assignment and gain knowledge about a particular topic.
WebQuests can be used as a 20 minute activity to supplement a lesson or can be an extended project for a particular unit lasting for days, even weeks.
Creating your own WebQuest can be time consuming. There are thousands of pre-made webquests already out there, and many of them are excellent. Utilizing these resources not only adds brings technology into the classroom, but it also saves a great deal of prep time. Be sure to test out all of the links on the WebQuest you want to use ahead of time, since often times links can be broken or the page may no longer exist. You can also used already-made WebQuest pages and then create your own worksheet to go along with some of the pieces of the quest page without using everything on the page exactly the way it was designed.