Objectives:  Through this assignment students will be able to:
                          
                                                       

• Understand the importance of one technology-enhanced learning strategy in the classroom.                    
• Recognize quality WebQuests on the internet and determine what makes an accomplished WebQuests.
• Evaluate a teacher-made WebQuest.
  

              

Introduction:  Today, technology plays a major role in the classroom.  The internet offers images, sounds, graphics, and texts which aid in engaging students in the material and enhancing learning.  Therefore, it is important for teachers to use online learning activities in the classroom.  Online instructional activities can increase understanding and comprehension in different subjects.  They also allow students to work in groups and share information with one another.  One great example of an online instructional activity is the WebQuest.  According to Bernie Dodge, a professor who came up with the idea of WebQuests,  WebQuests are “inquiry-oriented activities in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet” (Dodge 1995).  On this page you will find more information about WebQuests, links to actual WebQuests and an activity that will help you to determine what makes a good WebQuest!

            
    WebQuests:

• Teacher designed web pages that include activities for students to complete.
• Let students work at their own pace, either individually, or in teams.
• Let students explore selected areas in more depth, but within limits selected by the teacher.
• Allow students to become more comfortable with using the internet for learning activities.                                                                             
• A fun and interactive way to engage students in reading and writing!!!

Activity:  

1.  Please review the information below concerning WebQuests.  

•         Before creating a WebQuest, teachers must choose an appropriate goal and topic.
•         The topic should be based on an important curriculum standard, make good use of the web, and require a certain level of understanding.
•         Then, review the list of components to see what you should include in your WebQuests.

      
    Components of a WebQuest:
                   

1. Introduction – two or three sentences that capture the interest of the student.
2. Task – Specifically state and describe the activity’s end product.
3. Process – What strategies should students follow to complete the activity.
4. Resources – Include a list of Websites (links) for students to gather information from.
5. Evaluation – Measures the results of the activity.
6. Conclusion – What was the purpose of the activity?  What did the students gain?

2.  Here are three WebQuests that have already been developed and completed by different instructors.  Please click on each             link and spend some time viewing each WebQuest.