WebQuest is a computer-based teaching and learning tool that allows students to work alone or in groups. Students use the web to find information related to certain topics presented through WebQuest. WebQuest requires students to use high-level thinking skills and solve the problems you create, as well as teach you how to evaluate information and use the internet outside of social networking sites and YouTube. Get started with step 1 to create your own WebQuest!
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Method 1 of 2: Understanding the WebQuest Part
Step 1. Create a title page
Whatever format you use (sites, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Word documents, printed documents, etc.), you should generally still have a title page. The title page will define the flow of the task and make the WebQuest look professional. The title page will only show the Quest title and your name. Give it a catchy title!
Step 2. Create an introduction page
The introduction page will introduce students to the lesson material. Usually, this page contains the concepts that are explained and will be on the assignment. Most WebQuests have a story in them, and introductions can be a way of storytelling, as well as providing a basic description and summary of the material students will study.
Step 3. Create a Task page
This page clearly explains what students should learn at the end of the assignment. Remember that the target of these questions and learning is the knowledge they will gain. Use these knowledge targets to create stories on Quests that students will use.
The original WebQuest site featured different types of Tasks used for different learning purposes, such as ournalistic, Mystery, Persuasion, Analytic, and Compilation
Step 4. Create a Process page
The Process page explains clearly what students have to do and the sequence. Explain the process as clearly as possible so that students can complete the assignment without your help.
Step 5. Create a Resources page
The Resources page gives students a live map of all the information they can use. This means that you need to find sources of information for the things you are going to teach. Use search engines well, and learn how to use keywords and boolean properties to find the information you want.
Step 6. Create an Evaluation page
This page contains a rubric, so students know clearly what you are asking for and what they must do to get a good grade.
Step 7. Create a Conclusion page
This page concludes the assignment, summarizes what students have learned, and invites them to learn more. You may want to use another resource to give them extra lessons if they finish early or feel interested in the topic.
Method 2 of 2: Creating an Interesting WebQuest
Step 1. Choose a format
The old-fashioned way of creating a WebQuest is with a Word document and a hyperlink, or a basic HTML page. If you don't want to create your own site, you can use a template, or use another medium to convey the same information. Google Docs or Sheets can meet the needs of your students without making it difficult for you.
Step 2. Make the task interesting
Be creative! "Quest" in the title is not without reason. Create an element of mystery in the assignment and give students a purpose.
Step 3. Insert false information that is similar to the original
First, teach them about citations, proof, logic, bias, and things like peer review, so they can learn how to select resources. Then, tell your students that one of the sources you provided is false and has incorrect information. Choose a convincing fake site so that they learn to sort out information.
Step 4. Choose the right sites and resources
Set a good example for your students by pointing out quality websites, and teaching them how to evaluate information on the internet. Look for age-appropriate material, but also look for reliable sources, quotes, and new information.
Step 5. Help your students to question the material
Don't feed students with the information they need, but don't give one side to an issue. Let them see a lot of information and teach them how to evaluate and know which information is good and which is bad.
Step 6. Group students whenever you want
By grouping students, they not only learn how to work together to complete assignments, but they can also teach each other to think more and discuss the validity of the information they find on the internet.
Step 7. Don't limit yourself to the internet
While websites are the core of WebQuest, don't ignore other resources. Add resources such as modules, books, magazines, or even peer-reviewed journals if your students are high school students.
Step 8. Seek expert help
Talk to experts at local universities and ask if they would like to send answers to specific answers to students. They are usually willing to write standard answers that can be submitted in response to basic questions and your students will also have the confidence to contact experts who can help them.
Step 9. Make a clear evaluation
When you write a rubric or evaluation page, make sure the page is clear. Make sure students can get good results and don't suffer because the instructions are ambiguous or unclear.
Step 10. Draw a pleasant conclusion
Conclusions can be boring, but you can spice things up with additions like YouTube videos that cover the subject in a fun way. A fun conclusion can encourage students to finish the WebQuest early, or become curious to explore the topic on their own.
Tips
- The WebQuest site has lots of tips and advice for creating WebQuests. You can read these tips, or existing Quests, before starting. There are many interesting WebQuests on the internet, but there are also many embarrassing WebQuests.
- Choose topics that ask students to use higher order thinking skills, and don't choose topics that ask students to do something they can do without the internet or computers.
