Using Existing WebQuests WebQuest

Sinclair Technology Training

   

  Introduction:          

Do you feel satisfied that you are successfully integrating technology into your curriculum?  With all the requirements placed on teachers today, using existing WebQuests may save you valuable time, get your students motivated to learn and fulfill your curriculum requirements at the same time.  Find an existing WebQuest that works for you and your students.  Today you will explore some existing WebQuests and judge for yourself what they have to offer.

Task:           

Your task  is to examine existing WebQuests. Evaluate these "Quests," based on your role. Time on Task Tutor, Directions Diva, Design Developer, Evaluation Editor) Keep the students you teach in mind when evaluating each site and determine if WebQuests you view would work for them.

By the time you finish this WebQuest you should be able to orally share answers to the questions based on your role.

                Roles:

 
Time on Task Tutor
Your job reviews the efficiency of the WebQuest you are evaluating.  Are the instructions direct and clearly written?  Does the WebQuest waste time with a lot of useless information?  Do the process and the task components match? 
Directions Diva
Your job reviews the directions given in the WebQuest.  Are the roles of the learner well defined?  Does everyone know what their job is?  Could a student follow the instructions?  Is a clear goal for the WebQuest stated?
Design Developer
Your job reviews the design and layout of the WebQuest.  Is it easy to navigate?  Are the graphics appropriate or overwhelming?  Is the layout of the site inviting and friendly? Are there misspelled words in the site? 
Evaluation Editor
Your job reviews the evaluation component of the WebQuest.  Does the evaluation make sense in terms of the task?  Is the evaluation one that asks for higher order thinking skills, and not just a "fill in the blanks" answer?  Could the students in your grade level complete the project listed in the evaluation?

 

 

Process:          

  1. Each teacher will review two websites individually, evaluating the sites based on your role Time on Task Tutor, Directions Diva, Design Developer, Evaluation Editor) and grade level.
  2. Using the links under resources, begin reviewing the WebQuests appropriate for your grade level.
  3. As you review each site, answer the questions for your role.  Try to think of the students you serve, and determine how the WebQuest would work, or not work for them.
  4. Spend no more than 5 minutes evaluating the sites.
  5. Get back together with the group and share answers and observations to questions.  Which WebQuest was best and why?
  6. Begin thinking about possible WebQuests you can create!

 

Resources:          

Grades PreK-2

 

  1. Animals, Animals, Everywhere http://questgarden.com/46/81/1/070218151537/index.htm
  2. What's the Matter http://yorkcountyschools.org/mes/what's%20the%20matter%20webquest/index.htm
  3. What in the World is a Shape http://coe.west.asu.edu/students/cindelicato/intro.html
  4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar http://www.manteno.k12.il.us/webquest/elementary/Science/VeryHungryCaterpillar/questfor.htm
  5. In Search of Stelluna's Family http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/chavez/batquest/batquest.html

Grades 3-5

  1. Hero of the Year Stamp http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/vanburen.k12.mo.us/webquest/hero/index.html#heroes

  2. Between A Rock and a Hard Place http://www.willard.k12.mo.us/east/gann/webquests/rocks/index.html
  3. Sadako and the Paper Cranes http://asterix.ednet.lsu.edu/~edtech/webquest/sadako.htm
  4. A Magical Day in the Magic Kingdom A Visit to Walt Disney World http://www.vcsc.k12.in.us/staff/hackneyl/mkwebquest/#Resources
  5. Extra, Extra, Read All About It http://teachers.emints.org/FY03/eldridge/ExtraExtraWebQst/index.html
  6. Meet the Immigrantshttp://www.lubbockisd.org/webquests/MeetImmigrants/index.htm

 

Evaluation:             

Since different groups are viewing different sites and taking mental notes on various WebQuests, participation and cooperation will serve as your grade.  

 

Conclusion:

Congratulations!  You have not only viewed existing WebQuests, but you have completed a WebQuest yourself!  Hopefully you have begun to consider using a WebQuest with your students to help with integrating technology into your curriculum.  Maybe you are inspired at this point to create your own!