What exactly is a WebQuest? What are its main characteristics? (Please note that I also require a Teacher Resources Page—more explanation on that later). What are your initial reactions to WebQuests in terms of teaching and learning? What advantages and disadvantages do you see in teaching with WebQuests? What standards in your content area lend themselves to WebQuests? You can see interviews with teachers who have used WebQuests here.Viewing exemplary webquests is a good way to get started on your own. Go to the main WebQuest page and click the words "Find WebQuests" on the left navigation bar. Using the Curriculum/Grade Level Matrix (in the middle of the page), spend a few minutes viewing 2 or 3 WebQuests in your content area. Write a reflection (post it on your blog) about one of the sites that your reviewed. Look at the different parts of the WebQuest - write one or two sentences answering the following questions about the WebQuest. Please provide a link to the WebQuest.
Assignment 1:
1. Was the introduction well written?
2.Did the task section adequately describe what the student should have accomplished by the end of the WebQuest?
3. Was the process section a good description of the steps learners should go through in accomplishing the task?
4. What about the resources, were they appropriate?
5. Is the rubric fair, clear, consistent, and specific to the tasks set?
6. Does the conclusion allow for reflection by the students and summation by the teacher?
I will provide you class time to work on your reflection today. It is to be posted by Wednesday, November 7th, by the beginning of class.
Hopefully, you're beginning to formulate an idea for a "hook" for your own WebQuest. It may be related to work you have already done in our class or work you are currently completing in other courses. It could even be something completely new in your content area. After you have some ideas together, review the rubric for the assignment so that you are clear on what is expected. Also look at some of the WebQuests from previous terms.
Before Wednesday’s class, you'll want to identify your WebQuest topic. Use this website to help you in the selection process. Generally, a good WebQuest topic should have some inherent complexity, such as controversial issues, multiple perspectives, unknowns, etc. The topic needs to have your students take information in and transform it, using their own judgement and creative problem-solving techniques -- a LoTi level 4 or higher -- the learning should be authentic. Certain topics tend to lend themselves more to the WebQuest format than others.
Assignment 2: On Friday, November 9 at the begininng of class-- please submit (hard copy) a response to the following questions related to your WebQuest.
1. Briefly describe your topic
2. Why did you choose this topic?
3. How will your WebQuest be tied to Georgia curriculum standards?
4. How will web resources play an important role in your WebQuest?
5. How will your WebQuest require students' deep understanding or higher-level thinking instead of mere comprehension?
See you Wednesday.
NEWS!!! On Friday, November 9th we will meet at the Student Learning Center Room 370. Ms. Nadine Cohen, UGA's Instruction and Reference Librarian will be teaching us how to Evaluate Internet Resources for our WebQuests.
