Using WebQuests in the Classroom
-
Meet the Coaches
3 -
What is a WebQuest?
4 -
WebQuest Underlying Assumptions
5 -
What Does A WebQuest Look Like?
6 -
Introduction
7 -
Task
8 -
Process
9 -
Evaluation
10 -
Conclusion
11 -
Teacher Page
12 -
Examples
13 -
Finale!
14
Meet the coaches!
Leo Getz - Whatever you need, Leo gets! Leo offers resources that can help you on your journey to understanding and implementing WebQuests.
Addy - Addy will provide you with nuggets of advice here and there!
What is a WebQuest?
Webquests are lessons which utilize the internet for inquiry-based learning experiences. WebQuests develop higher order thinking skills (HOTS) as they require critical thinking. A goal of WebQuests is for students to develop critical thinking skills while learning to use the information available on the internet effectively.
When students undergo a WebQuest, most of the material comes from the internet. The websites that students access are pre-selected by the teacher. Students do not search for information but rather use the information available.
Here is a link to a video which describes what a WebQuest is.
WebQuest Underlying Assumptions
- Authentic, real-world, purposeful tasks are more engaging for students.
- Social interaction enhances learning.
- Development of higher order thinking skills is essential.
What does a WebQuest look like?
A WebQuest has a standard format:
- Introduction
- Task
- Process
- Evaluation
- Conclusion
- Teacher Page
Introduction
When writing the introduction, keep the student in mind. As they say, know your audience! The introduction can be used as a provocation to engage the students. This is where you set the stage, especially if the students will be taking on a role. It is in this section where you will outline the "big idea".
Description of the task
Clearly describe what the end result of the activities will be. The task could be a problem to be solved, a product to be designed, an event to be planned, a persuasive message or advertisement, or anything that requires the students to process the information that they have gathered.
Step by step process
What steps do the students need to go through to accomplish the task? Use a numbered list to outline this process. This will provide guidance and support to your students.
- First you will choose a partner.
- You will then choose which roles you will play.
- ...
Your students will go through the websites you have designated in order to complete the tasks.
All resources should be listed in this section.
Evaluation
In this section you will describe how your students will be evaluated. If a rubric is to be used it should be included in this section. Also specify if students will be assessed individually or as a group.
Conclusion
In the Conclusion section of a WebQuest the students are provided with an opportunity to summarize and reflect on the experience. This is where students make generalizations on what they have learned and make connections to the real world.
Teacher Page
On the teacher page keep notes for your reference. This is also a space to keep a record of newly resourced websites and online resources.
All reflections of this WebQuest about what worked well, what didn't, and possible changes should be recorded here.
Here you will find links to various websites which privide examples and resources useful in developing your own WebQuests.
Finale
I hope you found this book informative, applicable, and enjoyable. WebQuests are a way of taking the concepts and ideas you want to teach and making them purposeful and engaging. As we all know, with the extreme amount of information available on the internet it can be challenging for students to find level appropriate material. WebQuests allow students to access information that they can use and process.
Have fun with them!
