Get documents about "Developing WebQuests
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Document Sample
Developing WebQuests
an Inservice for Educators
by Kate O'Neil
Duration of in-service: one day (this gives you time to begin developing your own WebQuest)
Intended audience: primary and secondary school teachers
Prerequisites: Participants need...
a sound understanding of how to operate a computer
to know how to browse the internet
Hardware requirements: all participants need access to a workstation with Internet access
Outcomes: Participants will...
develop an understanding about the nature, purpose and value
of WebQuests
critically analyse a number of WebQuests
research, plan and develop an outline for a WebQuest
The purpose of this section is to both prepare and raise some interest in
Introduction
you about what is to come.
The task focuses you on what you are going to do - this drives all of the
Task
learning activities.
Process This section outlines how you will accomplish the task.
This section describes the evaluation criteria needed to meet
Evaluation
performance and content standards.
Conclusion The conclusion brings closure and encourages reflection.
Introduction
"Technology is not an end in itself. It is merely the highway or the car or the airplane which takes you
where you want to go" Jamie McKenzie
If you are typical of the majority of teachers you need to be shown how the new technologies are able to
enhance and improve the way your students think and learn before you are likely to fully embrace any
new tools. One way of showing you the unlimited potential of the web for quality learning is through the
WebQuest model which was developed in 1995 at San Diego State University by Bernie Dodge and Tom
March.
What exactly is a WebQuest and how do you know
a good one when you see it? "...we learn:
How do I go about developing a WebQuest for my 10% of what we read
students? 20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we both see and hear
Why a WebQuest about developing a WebQuest? 70% of what we discuss
80% of what we experience
This WebQuest about developing WebQuests will help you 95% of what we teach someone else."
to explore these questions and more...
Task
"The first step toward a sound program (WebQuest) is to think of students as infotectives" Jamie
McKenzie
Focus Questions:
What are WebQuests? - to develop quality WebQuests
you first need to understand what a WebQuest is.
How do I know what is an effective
WebQuest? - once you have an understanding about what
WebQuests are, then you need to become familiar with the
variety of approaches. A way to do this is to critically analyse
a number of WebQuest examples.
How do I create a WebQuest? - you will be given
instructions and tools to help you to develop a WebQuest on a
topic of your own choosing.
Process
"The prevalent emphasis upon teaching will shift to learning. We will have less "sage on the stage" and
more "guide on the side." Online learning is especially suited to this shift, as control passes from
teacher to learner." Jamie McKenzie
What are WebQuests?
How do I know what is an effective WebQuest?
How do I create a WebQuest?
What are WebQuests?
Definition...
Parts of a WebQuest...
Introduction
WebQuests...
Task
Process
are inquiry-orientated
Resources
are based on a do-able engaging task
Evaluation
use predefined resources predominantly from the
Conclusion
Web
can be short or long
Scaffolding...
Pedagogical Underpinnings...
Constructivism
Cooperative Learning WebQuests provide:
Scaffolding
resource links
a compelling problem or task
templates for student activities
guidance on cognitive and social skills
A Scenario...
Consider Ms Gadget who teaches at St Megabyte's Primary School. Ms Gadget gave her Stage 3
students the following task...
"Children, I want you to do a project on multicultural diversity in Australia. Make a PowerPoint to show
what you have learnt."
What happens when you set students this kind of task? (discuss in pairs)
Some points which should be raised are:
the task has no clear purpose
the students are not made aware of the learning outcomes
students search aimlessly and are swamped by information - much of it useless or irrelevant
they then copy, paste and make wizz-bang PowerPoint presentations
no real learning has taken place - a regurgitation rather than construction of knowledge
any others?
Now consider an example of a WebQuest with a focus on multicultural diversity in Australia for Stage 3
students...
Harmony Day - Community Shopping Centre Planner
Compare the WebQuest with the assignment task Ms Gadget set her students...
How do I know what is an effective WebQuest?
Go to WebQuest about WebQuests
Break into groups of four taking on one of the roles
Individually examine each of the sites (You will need to print off the Worksheet to complete the
activity)
After completing this activity share your findings with your group.
For more information about what makes an effective Webquest go to Matrix of Examples Here you will
find a list of WebQuests that have been evaluated and found to be good examples of the WebQuest
model.
How do I create a WebQuest?
Visit Building Blocks for WebQuests
In pairs discuss the following important elements:
outcomes
task definition
selecting websites
roles of group members
how information will be synthesised
how learning will be demonstrated
Then visit The WebQuest Design Process and The WebQuest Process Checklist (This is a helpful
checklist as the Process section of your WebQuest is where you explain to the learners exactly what they
are supposed to do when)
You now have time to surf the web...There are dozens of websites about WebQuests here are just a
sample!
Jot down notes as you visit each of these WebQuests. What do you like / dislike about each of them?
What is a Family WebQuest What does it mean to be Australian?
The Pope Needs You! Eureka
Super Citizen Champions of Justice - a Human Rights WebQuest
Now that you know...
WHAT a WebQuest is
What makes a "GOOD" WebQuest, and
The design PROCESS to develop one...
Where to now? Go to it! Be Creative!
Your WebQuest will be placed on-line for you...
SO RELAX!
Evaluation
"(Evaluation) provides us with a reality check. It affords us a chance to switch directions and steer the
program (WebQuest) towards the destination we chose when we set out." Jamie McKenzie
Key Questions to address when evaluating the in-service:
Did you find that you were motivated and interested in the in-service?
Was the in-service too easy, too difficult?
Were there other skills which you needed in order to fully benefit or participate in this in-
service?
Did you encounter any problems? If so, how could they be overcome?
Did you feel you achieved the outcomes?
When it comes to assessment and evaluation of the WebQuests you develop for your students you may
wish to consider the following websites. Rubrics are an example of using a structure that can help
learners understand what is expected from them and to shape their efforts toward those ends.
Creating a rubric for a given task
A Rubric for Evaluating WebQuests
Rubrics for Web Lessons
Conclusion
No more excuses..!
"If we spend millions on a network, we expect to see it used vigorously and meaningfully. No matter
what classroom we visit, we should observe students and teachers leaning intently toward the rich
information on the computer screens...pointing, questioning, divining meaning, building answers,
making choices, solving problems."
Jamie McKenzie
Additonal Resources:
McKenzie J., 1999. How Teachers Learn Technology Best
FNO Press, Bellingham, Washington USA
McKenzie J., 2002. Just in Time Technology
FNO Press, Bellingham, Washington USA
(These texts are available from the Curriculum Corporation's
Bookshop)
Additional Links:
Religious Education Website Toowoomba Catholic Education
WebQuests - Kathy Schrock's Guide
Australian WebQuests
WebQuests and More
Happy WebQuesting!
