Laura Adams
SLM 521
July 2002
WebQuest
A WebQuest is defined by its creators, Bernie Dodge
and Tom Marsh, as “… 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.” (Quote retrieved from
overview at http://webquest.sdsu.edu/overview.htm).
There are generally two levels of WebQuests, a short-term (designed to be used
in one to three periods) and a long-term (requiring one week to one months time
to complete). The essential attributes
include an introduction, task, information sources, a process, evaluation,
conclusion and credits. These quests
usually include motivational hooks (scientist, sleuth, etc.), some form of
group activity and can be related to a single or multiple disciplines. For additional information, see Some
Thoughts About WebQuests.
There are many resources on the web to find
examples of WebQuests and locating quality examples, particularly at the grade
1-2 level, was a challenge. The reading
level and computer skills of each student must be taken into
consideration. One example WebQuest did
indicate in the teachers pages that the intention was for the teacher to
project the site overhead and read the directions to the student. I found this to be useful information in
considering how to use this process in these lower elementary grades. I had a difficult time find webquest in math,
and so, the search must continue. Listed
below are several examples that I did find along with my thoughts on each.
Science:
An Insect’s
Perspective – The concept of this WebQuest is for students to work in
groups of four and each investigates one insect listed in lesson. The research information is not linked to
other websites but information pages have been created. This would make the
search more controlled, I like this concept.
After research is complete, the group is to discuss the insects, write a
letter to an exterminator and create a poster showing why they should not be
exterminated. There are examples of
letters and posters for the children to use.
I like the concept and structure of this quest. I think it is one that
truly could be used by students in the lower grades. This webquest was created
for use with Grade 2 students and was lasted updated February 2000. Last
visited July 2002. http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/grant/insects/t-index.htm
Snakes Alive – The
premise of this WebQuest is the class has been asked to watch four baby snakes
and the students must research each snake and create an exhibit. The process is
clearly divided into step and the activities are fun and interesting. Other links and fun stuff about snakes are
also included. This webquest was created for use with Grade 1 students and was
lasted updated November 2000. Last visited July 2002. http://www.thematzats.com/snakes/index.htm
Social
Studies:
The
Pilgrim Life Adventure –This WebQuest is designed for students to learn
about ancestors and the lives of the pilgrims.
It has many activities including a family tree, Venn diagram, creating a
play, etc. This quest has a lot of good
information and ideas but the format is confusing / complicated, possibly
because of its age. This webquest was created for use with Grade 1 students and
was lasted updated June 1998. Last visited July 2002. http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/kimbrough/pilgrimlife/index.html
Language
Arts:
Be
A Web Site Sleuth – The intent of this WebQuest is to create a group of two
students one from the first grade and one from the second. They are to work together to look at web
sites from some of their favorite book (Arthur, Dr. Seuss) and discover if
specific information is available on that site.
I liked the idea of this site; the activity was simple and one that
would be a good introduction. They
charts were not link and printable which would have been a benefit. This
webquest was created for use with Grade 1 and 2 students and was lasted updated
June 1999. Last visited July 2002. http://www.yorkville.k12.il.us/webquests/webqwagner/webqswagner.html
Math:
Who Needs
A Fariy Godmother, Anyway? – This WebQuest contains activities appropriate to
a variety of topics. The math activity
included is to complete a worksheet about money in order for Cinderella to have
enough money to buy a ticket. The
activities were not well planned and more geared towards girls (the activity to
design a dress using Barbie software?)
The evaluation rubric is weak. This WebQuest was created for use with
Grade 1 and 2 students and was lasted updated July 2000. Last visited July
2002. http://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/hschool/webq/webq121/#Process
Other
Resources:
The WebQuest Page - Web page
of Bernie Dodge and Tom Marsh creators of the concepts of WebQuest. http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquest.html
First
Grade WebQuests – Link from the web page of Mrs. Rowland. Contains consolidate list of sites for grade
1.
http://www.nksd.wednet.edu/schools/pearson/staff/krowland/First%20Grade%20WebQuests.html
Educational Technology
Services – WebQuests and other internet activities specifically designed
for grades K-2. http://www.esc20.net/etprojects/formats/k_2.html
Web Ring
- http://q.webring.com/hub?ring=webquest&list&page=0