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WebQuest Use

Why reinvent the wheel? Instead of starting from scratch, start by exploring “the what” others have created. You may find a WebQuest that fits your needs. All of use teach and use lesson ideas in different ways. It is much easier to modify the work of others than to start from nothing. If all you can use are the source links you still have a great head start.

Identifying WebQuests

WebQuests all share the same basic elements. These include an introduction, task, information resources, processes, learning advice, and evaluation. Look for the basic WebQuest elements in one of the following examples: 

• Elementary
• Snakes Alive
• Advertising Propaganda
• Just Winging It
• Stellaluna
• Animals and Me
• Wow! It's a Cow
• Splash into an Aquarium
• Middle/Secondary: English, World Languages, & Social Studies
• World War III
• Radio Days
• Monument on the Mall

Middle/Secondary: Math, Science, & Other Subject Areas

• Internet Pizza Server

Evaluating WebQuests

Just because a WebQuest contains the essential elements, doesn't mean that it's perfect for your classroom. Look beyond the structure and examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal of the project. Ask yourself: Is it a quality project? Does it fit my needs? Is it a good use of time? Is it a good use of technology? You can use the SDSU evaluation rubric. Use the following links to locate WebQuests in your area of interest. Then, evaluate at least two.

Click on one of the following grade levels for a set of webquest examples:

• Kindergarten through Third Grade
• Third Grade through Sixth Grade
• Middle and High School

Locating WebQuests

Try locating a webquest using a search engine. Try Google, Alta Vista, or Yahoo. Use quotation marks to narrow the search such as "earthquake webquest" or "gold rush" + "webquest"

Integrating WebQuests

Select a WebQuest you might integrate into your classroom. Consider the following questions:

• How would you introduce the project? Would you do a overview, provide background information, or distribute guides?
• How would you manage the time spent on the project? Would you print some aspects of the project? What about accessing the web pages?
• Would you use computers in your classroom or a lab? How would you schedule this? What other technologies would be needed such as Word, PowerPoint, or Internet?
• Would you organize your class into teams? If so, what's the group goal or mission? What roles will take place within the groups? How will information be shared among groups such as jigsaws or presentations? How would group members be assessed?
• Will your class have a project headquarters? If so, will it include notebooks, clipboards, or bulletin boards? Will the software Inspiration be used for planning?
• How will the process and products be assessed? How will individuals and groups be assessed?

Source: http://eduscapes.com/

Revised 10/11/11