The document discusses using Web 2.0 WebQuests to teach English language learners. WebQuests are inquiry-oriented activities where students gather information from online sources like podcasts, blogs and wikis. They allow for creative collaboration, information sharing and research opportunities to develop students' language and literacy skills. WebQuests simulate how students use technology daily and expand how ELLs can use English. Considerations for creating WebQuests include the context, students' language levels, learning objectives and goals, topic and purpose for using technology. Sample WebQuest topics and resources are provided.

1. Forging New Pathways in English Language Teaching with the Use of Web 2.0 WebQuests Tiffany Lorch ( [email_address] ) The School District of Philadelphia Dr. Cate Crosby ( [email_address] ) West Chester University of PA

2. What are Web 2.0 Webquests? Web-based inquiry-oriented activities Learners gather information from multiple sources - podcasts, weblogs, wikis Creative collaboration Information sharing Research opportunities Thinking, evaluating skill development Students summarize, synthesize, organize, evaluate, present information Help ESOL students develop various aspects of their language skills, literacy Simulate how students daily use technology Expand ways in which ESOL learners can use English

3. Why? 21 st Century Preparation Collaboration between students Dialogue journals Differentiated Instruction Distance Learning/Online Courses Silent Activity Homework Empowering technically apt students Motivation

4. Considerations Context Student Level Objectives Learning Goals Topic Purpose for using the technology Caution: Make sure that the lesson is more important than the technology!

5. Assumptions Students are digitally literate in blogs, wikis, and in digital media sharing sites (online photo galleries, podcast sites, video sharing etc.) Without some cursory knowledge, the project would only be appropriate for a technology course because the learning curve would be prohibitive Students have access to a computer with internet capabilities

6. Sample Webquest Science Fiction - http://www.freewebs.com/jcarl64/INDEX.HTML

7. Background for Earth Day Webquest Context: 8 th Grade (appropriate for middle school to adult) Proficiency: High intermediate, Advanced (appropriate for intermediate and beyond) Objectives: Students will collaborate and negotiate until a consensus is reached Students will be able to use their newly acquired knowledge to persuade a listener and speak publicly Students will be able to use their 21 st Century skills to research and share their work in an authentic context.

8. Topic and Content Earth Day 2009 Recycling Cost effectiveness Compare and Contrast Elements of persuasion

9. Purpose for Using Technology Cross-sectional collaboration Promotion of Digital Literacy Empowering timid students (ELLs in mainstream classroom.) Differentiating Instruction Motivation –predominately they enjoy using computers Promotes independence

10. Students Ousmane Guinnea Tseyonawit Ethiopia Bethelem Ethiopia

11. Students’ Instructions http://misslorch.webs.com

12. Where do we start? Outside Links The WebQuest site - http://webquest.org/index.php WebQuests for ELLs – http://www.world-english.org/webquests.htm http://www.soundsofenglish.org/sharon/WebQuests/cuneiform/index.html Exploring, Using, Adapting, and Creating WebQuests – http://eduscapes.com/sessions/travel/index.htm WebQuest Resource Page – http://academics.smcvt.edu/cbauer-ramazani/Links/webquests.htm ESL Podcasts – http://www.eslpod.com/website/ Simple English Wikipedia – http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Simple_English_Wikipedia

13. Communication Class Website E-mail Social Networking sites Blackboard

14. Special Considerations Make sure to take L2 proficiency into account when choosing sites (follow your searches with the words “ESL” or “kids” in order to find simplified language options. Survey students to find out their level of digital literacy (Be specific). Be cautious about sending young students to sites that may include adult content (YouTube and Google images) Keep it simple at first! Add technologies as you are able to establish students’ familiarity.

15. Now What? Use your objectives and goals to decide what you want students to be able to do or learn from the webquest Search for websites on your topic that you think your ELLS can comprehended Keep track of your research using a site like Diigo which offers special services for teachers It is highly recommended to educate students about this service as it has many authentic uses – particularly in higher education

16. Something for Everyone Video- create, find, use, share Audio- create, find, use, share Reading- skim, scan, interpret, analyze Speaking and Listening- evaluate, repeat, interpret, share, negotiate, debate Proofreading- discern, edit, correct Games/Puzzles- play, compete, solve Research- collaborate, learn, teach, Present – publish, speak publically

17. Suggested Topics Holidays and Special Occasions Topics students are studying in content-area classes Their home countries Hobbies Pop Culture News and Politics Social Customs The options are endless!