Webquests

__**Webquests**__**:

//What is a Webquest?//**

According to Wequest.org, "A Webquest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web."
 * Basically, a webquest is like having everything for your lesson online. NO HANDOUTS, NO AGENDAS ON THE BOARD. Students will do all of the work at the computer.

Bernie Dodge, creatorman of Webquests, says that there are six parts to making a Webquest (although it's kind of something that you can tailor to your own needs):
 * **The Introduction** orients students and captures their interest.
 * **The Task** describes the activity's end product.
 * **The Process** explains strategies students should use to complete the task.
 * **The Resources** are the web sites students will use to complete the task.
 * **The Evaluation** measures the results of the activity.
 * **The Conclusion** sums up the activity and encourages students to reflect on its process and results.

For more information on a definition/description of a Webquest, see http://www.webquest.org/index.php.

Or Keira says go to http://eduscapes.com/sessions/travel/define.htm or http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech011.shtml (these sites show teachers the steps needed to create a Webquest)


 * //What free resources are available to make Webquests?//**

Google Sites http://www.wikispaces.com http://questgarden.com/ http://www.teacherweb.com And there are a lot more. Also, pretty much every site listed above has models of Webquests as well.


 * //What are web sites that have examples or models of Webquests used for educational purposes?//**

http://whoisjaygatsby.googlepages.com/index.html (this is an example Webquest done by Megan's hubby for a writing assignment for the novel //The Great Gatsby//) http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/webquest/webquest.html (this site is a tutorial as well, but also has some really nice examples of Webquests)


 * //How could Webquests be used with the following audiences://**

Obviously, students can use computers to complete lengthy tasks that might require more than one instructional day. You might ask students to create newspaper articles, journals, online jigsaw activities, blogging (Eric says). Basically, you can assign ANY task to your students via a Webquest whether you would like them to complete it online, on the computer, or handwritten. Rock on.
 * Students (i.e. writing assignments, class activities)

Professional development is easy. You could essentially have other teachers work on assignments without going physically to PD. Or maybe they could go physically to PD but experience what your students do when they complete a Webquest. In terms of resource sharing, you could ask teachers to complete a Webquest to find resources! Or you could just post examples of your own Webquests and have a WIKI of all of the Webquest links.
 * Faculty (i.e. resource sharing, professional development)

Not sure about this one. You could post student work to the Webquest after completion for parents to look at.
 * Parents (i.e. communication, sharing of student work)


 * //What could be problematic about Webquests? What should teachers consider when they think about using Webquests in their classrooms?//**

-Where's the talking?! That could be an issue. -Problem of access (if you're doing this outside of class). -Making sure to be available to clarify Webquest instructions. -Teachers should definitely make sure that the directions are clear to the students, although we feel the six parts make it pretty easy to break up.