2. Definition An inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that students interact with comes from resources on the Internet Students usually work in teams Activity involves some level of problem-solving Works well with interdisciplinary lessons Often begins with research and ends with a completed product of some kind (i.e., presentation, paper, book, etc. - something to show what the student has learned)
3. Why Web Quests? Bring together the most effective instructional practices into one integrated student activity Increase motivation Develop thinking skills Cooperative learning process
4. Two types Short term 1-3 class periods Instructional goal is knowledge acquisition and integration Long term 1 week to 1 month Instructional goal is extending and refining knowledge
6. Introduction Introduces students to the online learning activity Often starts with a story in which the student plays a role, i.e., “You are about to embark on a powerful adventure.”
7. Task Defines the learning outcomes of the WebQuest activity Primary objective that students will undertake, general and brief overview Keep the ‘inquiry-based’ characteristic in mind!!
8. Process The ‘heart’ of the activity Generally the longest section The step-by-step guidance about the expectations Resources, usually carefully selected web links, to provide information, exploration, etc. to accomplish task Not ‘spoon fed’ though – room for independent and creative work
9. Evaluation Essential part to ensure students understand how success will be evaluated Great place for a rubric, since the end product is project-based!
10. Conclusion Designed to encourage students to reflect, seek further information End with additional web links to explore deeper,or with related games, extra credit, journal prompts to help students reflect on their learning.
11. Examples There are many poor ones so think critically when reviewing other WebQuests for ideas Some resources (all available via Livebinders): WebQuest.org (Dr. Bernie Dodge, SDSU) Concept to Classroom Annette Lamb’s Eduscapes Templates: Zunal (free) Google Sites (free) WebQuest.Org – Quest Garden ($, but free trial)
