WebQuest

http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=52237
 * Regions of the World(Dessert, Rain Forest, Polar) 

Audio Script **:

media type="file" key="Audacity Final Copy Script.mp3" width="240" height="20"


 * Description:** 

Designing and creating a WebQuest is the Structured External Assignment. You were introduced to WebQuests in the Technology Integration Instructional Module. Before we try to develop a WebQuest, we need to become more familiar with this excellent instructional concept. Read the articles related to WebQuests and review the summary of Bloom’s Taxonomy (found in Readings folder).
 * Structured External Assignment: WebQuest**

In preparing for the Structured External Assignment, we will be looking at the WebQuest site (@http://www.webquest.org) and reviewing the Useful Resources section and Find WebQuests section in our preparation for creating our own WebQuest. Familiarize yourself with the concept of WebQuests as WebQuests will be a topic of discussion for the entire course.


 * What is a WebQuest?** A WebQuest is 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. Refer to Bloom's Taxonomy for an explanation of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

You had the opportunity to look at WebQuests in the Technology Integration Instructional Module on the George Lucas Education Foundation Website. There are many more quality WebQuests listed in the Find WebQuests section (the easiest 'search' might be the Curriculum X Grade Level Matrix) of The WebQuest Page: @http://www.webquest.org.

**ASSIGNMENT: Internet as a Resource: WebQuest** Using the WebQuest Rubric in the Course Syllabus, evaluate a WebQuest that is relevant to your instructional setting. The WebQuest Rubric Summary form (under View / Complete Assignment below) can be used to record your evaluation electronically. Submit the file through the View / Complete Assignment link. 


 * Process and Relevancy: **

In order to complete my Web Quest the first step I took was to locate web sites that were kid friendly and easy to navigate. The next step was to look at my state standards to decide what the students need to learn. From there I wanted to think of a creative way to get the students excited about the assignment. I thought doing research for scientists would be a good attention getter. I then laid out step-by-step directions for students to follow. The rubric at the end will allow the students to focus on exactly what they need to do in order to complete their assignment successfully. This assignment is relevant to student learning because it is important for them to become familiar with using web sites. Technology is expanding into new dimensions everyday and the sooner we start exposing children the better prepared they will be for their future. This assignment meets state social studies and technology standards.

**Reflection:**

Using Zunal Web Quest was easy. It provided a template for all pages including a way to download pictures and documents. It also included ideas to let the author know what kind of information should be on a particular page. There was a rubric template to help me lay out what my expectations will be for the final project from students. Because this was so easy I plan to use it a lot more. I have checked with they Media Specialist in my school to find out about using the computers in the library. She was delighted that I wanted to use them. I have lots of ideas for using Web Quests during Science and Social Studies but I need to investigate ways to use them for Reading and Math activities. I plan to use my summer vacation developing Web Quests so that I can incorporate them into my instruction next school year.