WebQuests are inquiry-oriented activities that use mostly online resources to engage students in higher-level thinking like analysis, synthesis and evaluation. They should enhance existing lessons or address curriculum gaps. Well-designed WebQuests include scaffolding, clear tasks, and rubrics to guide students through the learning process as they become producers rather than just consumers of information. Teachers can find help in designing effective WebQuests through online resources that provide templates and examples.

1. WebQuests Unlocking Learning Gail Desler Area 3 Writing Project

2. What is a WebQuest*? An inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web WebQuests are designed to use learners’ time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation * Term coined by Bernie Dodge http:// edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/overview.htm

3. WebQuests should… Be standards-based Enhance an existing lesson or address a curriculum gap Provide links to well-chosen Internet sites Require a degree of understanding that goes beyond simple comprehension or retelling To view an extensive collection of webquest lessons, visit http://webquest.sdsu.edu/project-selection.html

4. WebQuests = Constructivism Active involvement of students in the learning process Structured ways for students: to guide themselves through discovery of new material to apply new learning to past experiences to evaluate Internet information Collaboration with others

5. Components of WebQuests Introduction The Task The Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Reflection Extension Notes to the Teacher

6. WebQuests include scaffolding Lessons build on one or two smaller activities to help guide students through process of completing a culminating activity Lessons provide helpful links along the way Lessons provide clear rubrics

7. Need a rationale for WebQuests? Students shift from information consumers to information producers Students shift from topical research to genuine inquiry Students shift to higher-level thinking: Analyzing Synthesizing Evaluating

8. Need help getting started? Visit Bernie Dodge’s WebQuests Page http://webquest.org/ Decide on your topic and tasks and start building your lesson http:// webquest.sdsu.edu/taskonomy.html http:// www.ozline.com/webquests/prewrite.html Collaborate! Open a QuestGarden! http:// webquest.org/questgarden/author /