Preservice Module #8: Designing Webquests (Process/Evaluation/Conclusion)
Introduction
This module addresses the second phase in the design and development of WebQuests. Now that you have selected a topic, identified the learning objectives for the WebQuest, and began to locate, assess and collect web-based resources, the focus switches to the Process, Evaluation and Conclusion components of the WebQuest.
This module addresses these three, final steps.
Task
Following the completion of this module, you should have:
- Selected a design template (instructional approach) for your WebQuest.
- Downloaded, or copied, the instructional design template that best suits the learning objectives identified in the Task section.
- Based on the instructional design student template:
- Written an introduction
- Incorporated the learning objectives into the template.
- Designed activities (both online and offline) to be incorporated into the Process section of the template
- Reviewed the assessment rubric supplied with the template to ensure that the rubric matches the learning objectives and instructional activities.
- Written a conclusion to the WebQuest
Process
Activity A
Review the various instructional design models provided and select one that best suits your learning objectives. Each design model offers a unique approach to using a WebQuest. For each of the 25 design models, a description of that model, the instructional purpose, templates for students and teachers, as well as example WebQuests are provided.
At this stage in the design process, the various instructional design models described may give you some ideas about the kinds of activities the students will be engaging in while working through your WebQuest. However, if you already have some activities in mind, an appropriate instructional design model may not be listed. If this is the case, it is suggested that you select the generic type.
To complete this activity:
- select one of the instructional design models.
- Click on the student template link.
- Copy and paste the student template in to a Word document.
- Save the Word document to your home directory. This document will now be the design template for your WebQuest.
You may want to peruse the list of instructional design models.
Activity B
Now that you have the design template saved in a Word document on your home directory, you can begin to add the information:
- Add your title for the WebQuest.
- Write an introduction
- Add your learning objectives to the Task section
- Add your web-based resources to the Resources section
Activity C
The next step in the design process is to create the learning activities that the students will engage in to attain the objectives described in the Task section. If you have selected a particular instructional design model (e.g., case study, compilation, personal diary) then suggestions will be provided for the types of activities that the students may engage in.
Also see additional information regarding the types of web-based instructional activities that can be incorporated into your WebQuest.
Activity D
The final step in the design process is to review the evaluation rubric provided in the instructional design model to ensure that it is appropriate for the activities included in the Process section and consistent with the learning objectives identified in the Task section. If you did not use an instructional design model from those listed at The WebQuest Page, then you will need to create a rubric. For an excellent source of rubrics, click here.
Once you have written your introduction, identified the learning objectives, started to design learning activities using the web-based resources you have gathered and identified an evaluation rubric, you will have completed module 8.
Resources
- Use the links below to access collections of WebQuests
- Dr. Alice Christie's Matrix of WebQuests
- Saskatoon East School Division: List of WebQuests
- LSU WebQuests
- The WebQuest Page Matrices of Examples (select Top, Middling, or New)
- OCDSB Inquiry Based WebQuest projects (a Canadian site)
- Some Saskatchewan Developed WebQuests
- WebQuests from Indiana University
- WebQuests page on the iTeacherEd Project
- The Evergreen Curriculum
- Saskatchewan Learning Central iSchool features web-based resources including online courses, modules and units of study.
- Large educational websites compiled by Saskatoon East School Division.
- The iTeacherED resource section.
- Saskatchewan Learning website evaluation criteria provides a comprehensive checklist for critically evaluating web sites based on accuracy, currency, objectivity, coverage, and visual appeal:
- Kathy Schrock's Guide offers the ABC's of web site evaluation:
- Checklists for schools:
- Elementary: http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/evalelem.html
- Middle years: http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/evalmidd.html
- Web site evaluation worksheet:
- Checklist for evaluating web resources:
- The Yahooligans guide to website evaluation for teachers breaks web site evaluation down into the "Four A's", Accessible, Accurate, Appropriate, and Appealing.
- Techniques for evaluating Native American websites:
- Sixty Ticks for A Good Website:
- Evaluation rubrics for websites:
Critical Thinking
How can I integrate WebQuest approaches into my teaching without using technology?