Webquest for webquests

Familiarize yourself with the webquest format

Look at samples—there are several samples at http://webquest.org/index-create.php

Additional samples can be found at http://www.zunal.com/   This site also provides free software (you must register to use it) to create webquests.  Looking at samples can give you ideas but you are expected to create YOUR OWN webquest.

process

This page offers more detail and resources about your webquest creation project. 

Find web sites and resources to support learning

Search for web sites that will support your project.  When you find some sites that look promising, evaluate them to make sure that they are of good quality and are appropriate to the project.  Utilize the guidelines and tools from class related to web evaluation.  Support can be found at Briggs Library’s evaluating sources page and Kathy Schrock’s guide to evaluating web sites. 

Decide upon your topic and assessment/project

Some help for planning can be found on the zunal site in the help menu (“Planning and creating your first webquest).  However, as the teacher, it is your responsibility to make these decisions.  Perhaps start with the academic standards for your licensure area to help decide a topic. Relating your webquest to a unit topic might help you decide.  How will you know that students have learned?  Through which activity or project will they demonstrate their knowledge?

Put all information into document or web page

Create a web page with live hyperlinks to web sources.  Your webquest should look similar to some of the samples you viewed online.  zunal.com  provides software for webquest creation or you can use a tool you are familiar with, but the webquest should be “live.”

 Remember to include any added materials that are needed—for example, if you want students to use a graphic organizer or worksheet to record information for their project, include that.  Also include your scoring rubric, checklist, or other assessment for students’ projects. 

Map out the task and write directions

How will students be able to accomplish what you want them to do?  What are the steps of the project?  What knowledge do they need to acquire?

To turn in

1. Link to webquest (this can be printed at the top of your reflection or included separately).

2. Reflection on the project.  In approximately 2-4 pages, single spaced, describe who the webquest is intended for (grade level, course, etc.), discuss your instructional decisions—why did you make these choices?  Also discuss how your webquest will be appropriate to a variety of learners (race, culture, gender, etc.), how you will modify to meet the needs of struggling students, and how your webquest incorporates multiple reading levels. How did you evaluate digital sources? It will enhance your thoroughness to include your evaluation tools or to discuss each site. Finally, talk about how the digital element affects literacy.  How does the digital format of a text benefit and not benefit student learning?   How are students’ reading and writing skills enhanced by this activity (your webquest)?  .