Webquests

1. Webquests An internet treasure hunt activity.

2. What is a Webquest? • In education, WebQuest is a research activity in which students collect information, where most of the information comes from the World Wide Web. It was first invented by Bernie Dodge in 1995. • A webquest is an assignment which asks students to use the World Wide Web to learn about a specific topic.

3. What are some characteristics? • Most webquests also have a "hook." This can be a treasure hunt, a game, or some other activity which is embedded in your quest. • Good webquests also rely on material that is age and ability appropriate. • Webquests can be collaborative. Students can work individually or in teams, depending on classroom circumstances and your preference. • A good webquest is also highly visual. • Good webquests are easy to use. Students should be able to move easily from one location to the next without a lot of tedious mouse-work. This is one reason that a webquest which is itself a web page can be attractive. • Even the best webquest won’t help much if it doesn’t relate to the rest of your class materials. • Finally, a well-designed webquest contains some sort of built-in evaluation mechanism. This frequently relates to the hook or task that students must complete as part of the quest, but it may also include other tasks or assignments.

4. What are the components? • A "road map." This is the list of web sites or locations which you want your students to visit. This section should include an introduction which explains the purpose of the webquest and the object of the search, hunt, or other "hook" that you’ve built into your quest. Design your map carefully! Clarity here will help your students understand the quest and stay on task. • A task sheet. Depending on the structure of your quest, this sheet could be a scoring mechanism, answer sheet, or even a list of clues. Regardless of the precise structure, however, this sheet is used to record the results of the quest. There may be one sheet per student or one per group, depending on how you want students to complete the assignment. • A summary presentation. Good webquests require students to show what they have learned. Age, ability, time, and circumstances will all govern how much latitude you give your students in presenting their findings. Remember, though, that the web is a multimedia tool, and if you can allow students a wide range of flexibility in presenting their findings, you will carry this approach back into the classroom long after the computers are turned off.

5. Here are 2 Webquests I can use right now. • Ancient Egypt- Webquest • Cinco de Mayo- Webquest

6. This is an idea for my class creating a Webquest. • Have students learn about different animals by clicking on their picture and answering questions about the animals to learn interesting facts about all sorts of animals.

7. Where Can I get a template? • Webquest Template