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A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented
activity in which most or all of the information used by learners
is drawn from the Web. The activity is placed on a web site
that follows a prescribed format, developed by Bernie Dodge
and Tom March at San Diego State University in 1995. Generally
speaking, WebQuests present a realistic role-playing scenario
in which students engage in deep processing of information that
is new to them in order to solve a complex problem or design
something.
The best way to understand what WebQuests are is to examine
several of them closely. You will see that they come in all
shapes and sizes, as well as a huge range of quality!
In-Class Activity
Working in pairs, and using the Evaluation
Forms given to you in class, examine at least three
WebQuests in some detail. Some WebQuests take a considerable
length of time to work through, so don't actually try to complete
all the tasks that are described yourself -- just get a sense
of what the tasks demand of students, and move on.
To begin, choose one of the following "recommended"
WebQuests.
Then, choose two or more other WebQuests to examine.This search engine on Dr. Bernie Dodge's
web site is helpful for locating WebQuests prepared
for children of particular ages, and in particular subject-matter
areas.
When you are done reviewing at least three WebQuests, take
a close look at Assignment #3, in which you will
be preparing your own WebQuest. After reading this you will
want to start thinking about topics that might interest you
for your WebQuest, finding web resources related to these, and
pondering some challenging tasks...
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