Final Project- Webquest

Creating a webquest is not as easy as one may think. There is much preparation work to be completed before you even think about creating and formatting one. I found out the hard way. You may ask yourself, "Then why use a webquest?" The answer is because it enhances and supports the learner while using technology. Many teachers use technology like computers just to say they used them or to fulfill a requirement. The problem is that often times the improper use of technology does not enhance or support teaching and learning. It does take time and much consideration when selecting a lesson that integrates technology in a seamless and useful manner.

As I created my webquest, I basically have to have all aspects of the lesson completed before starting from the purpose, task, and goal to the end result, process, and assessment. Yes, I had to create all assessments before the task was completed so that students knew what the goal was. Not just what to do to get a good grade, but rather what to do in order to gain understanding.

A webquest is a good tool to use to enhance teaching and learning because it requires "high level thinking and makes good use of the web" (http://webquest.org/).Created by Bernie Dodge, a webquest is a "inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most of the information that learners work with come from the web" (http://webquest.org/). According to Gardenquest, a webquest creating site, the following must be completed before creating a webquest:

• Goal & Content- identify curricular Standards to be met, identify target, and identify content to implemented
  


• Task & Assessments- determine task(s) to be accomplished as a way to learn and how you will assess each task or end goal
  


• Process- decide what is the end point and how do the learners get there, find web resources for the learners to integrate and use
  


• Final Details- complete an introduction that serves as a "hook" for the learners, complete a useful conclusion that not only brings the webquest to an end, but review what should have been learned
  


• Polish- make sure the webquest looks good to entice learners, this may mean you would have to download links and graphics prior creating the webquest

So as you can see, creating the actual on-line quest wasn't what took all my time, although like anything else new it did take a while. The time consuming part of creating this quest was actually putting thought into everything that went into it so that it was meaningful, of sound quality, and met my goal. Kids just can't go read something because it doesn't convey purpose and develop meaning. Quality task or projects must be created to support your end goal.

I created a The Great Gatsby webquest for my 11th grade American Literature class. I will actually use this webquest this school year. As you view my quest, take note on the standards included, links reviewed by me first, assessments created for each task, and the actually task to be completed. As I typically would lecture and discuss all this information for The Great Gatsby as I teach in the Socratic Seminar, this is an alternative way that engages the students more actively and draws on them to be independent learners instead of regurgitate information lectured by me. I hope you enjoy my webquest and feel free to use it or change it to suit your needs.

http://questgarden.com/128/33/4/110629064309/