Learning the Webquest Way

Objectives

 Define what a webquest is and explain its

components
 Understand reasons for using a webquest
 Identify areas of my curriculum that lend
themselves to using a webquest
 Conduct searches and find already-created
webquests that fit my curriculum
 Determine how to adapt already-created
webquests for my use
 Explore the possibilities of creating my own
webquest
What is a Webquest?

 Developed by Bernie
Dodge of University
of San Diego
 Inquiry-based lesson
model
 Information comes
from and activities are
based around the Webquests101
Internet
What makes a quality Webquest?
Webquest is more than:  Interesting, real-life task
 A document
is at the core
containing hyperlinks  Involves higher-level
and questions to thinking: problem-
answer solving, synthesis,
 Fact gathering
analysis, evaluation,
 Or just a series of
creativity
activities  Internet is the primary
resource for information
 Should tie to curriculum
standards
Components of a Webquest

 Introduction
Provide overview or describe scenario
Hook the “audience”
Communicate the Essential and Guiding questions
 Task
Describe the desired end product or result
 Process
Steps needed to accomplish the task
Embed links to online information sources and helps
such as organizers, guides, checklists, etc.
Components (cont.)
 Evaluation
Describe how the process and product will be evaluated
Group and/or individual grades ?
Rubrics are commonly used
 Conclusion
Summarize what should be accomplished
Rhetorical questions or additional links for extension or
enrichment
 Credits
Any books, websites, images, sounds, etc. used to
prepare the webquest
 Teacher Page
 Introduction
Origin of the lesson and what it is about
 Learners
Grade level, content areas, prior knowledge/skills needed
 Curriculum Standards
Objectives, outcomes, and types of thinking skills
 Process
Cut and paste Process Description for students
Add details for implementing the lesson
 Grouping, time needed, variations, related lessons
 Resources Needed
 Conclusion/Summary
 Credits
Why and when to use a Webquest?
Why? When?
Motivational Does it tie to curriculum
 Learning tied to real-world
standards?
 Does it replace a lesson
tasks
 Authentic audience
you're not satisfied with?
 Do the objectives lend
 Resources are timely and

from multiple perspectives themselves to open-ended

 Encourage higher level
questioning?
 Is the Internet an
thinking and cooperative
learning appropriate source?
 Is higher order thinking

involved?
Examples
 Civil Rights (HS)
 Your Task
 Insurance Agents
Weather Watchers
(MS)
 Water Cycle (Elem)
 Survival (Elem)
 Meterology (Primary)
Search the SDSU
Database
Use the Google search,
if needed
Find 2-3 Webquests
that relate to your
curriculum
Evaluate the lessons'
usefulness—what
modifications would
you need to make?
Finding and Adapting Existing
Webquests
 Start with a topic or standard
 Conduct a search
 Evaluate and determine ​?
Use as is
Minor changes
Need to modify
 See the full document:
 Adapting and Enhancing Existing Webquests
 This method requires some knowledge of web
design, but there are other ways . . .
Other Ways to Deliver Your
Webquest
 If you are not “up to” creating your webquest as a
webpage, you can copy and paste the content into
Word, Powerpoint, or a wiki or blog
 To give students access
Post document on school's Common Folder
Post on a wiki, blog, or School Notes site
URL of existing webquest (if not changing)
 Use a template or online tool
 If you “piggyback,” remember to get permission
and/or credit the source.
Tips for Tweaking
 Try to start with a WQ
with at least 3/5:
 Up to date links
 Good layout and
presentation
 Engaging task using
higher level thinking
 Aligns with our
curriculum
 Readability is a good
match for your students
 Make list of edits or
enhancements needed
to meet your/your
students needs
 Verify/update links
 Use Evaluation Rubric
 Review Design
Patterns
 Get a Peer Review
 Student Test Drive
 Tools, Templates, and Guides
 Online Tools (do not require  Webquest Guides:
website design or upload): Design Process
Quest Garden ($20 for 2 yrs.) Process Checklist (to
Filamentality (free) use when
zWebQuest (free) designing/adapting)
 Templates: Process Guides (for
Original Template(can use in students)
web design software or cut
and paste into Word)
Framed Templates (for web
design)
More Webquest Resources

 WebQuest Home
 The Webquest Place
 Concept to Classroom Webquest Workshop
 Google Advanced Search
 Four NETS for Better Searching
 Rubrics for Student Assessments
 Five Rules for Writing a Great Webquest
 Exploring, Using, Adapting, and Creating Webquests