webquests for upper elementary school students evaluation and selection presented by denise goble
TRANSCRIPT
WebQuests forUpper Elementary School
StudentsEvaluation and Selection
Presented by Denise Goble
What is a WebQuest?“A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web.
WebQuests are designed to use learners’ time well, to focus on using information rather than looking for it, and to support learners’ thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.”
-Bernie Dodge, 2005
WebQuests forUpper Elementary School Students
Special Considerations
Vast differences in learning stylesWide range of ability levelsBenefit from cooperative learningEnjoy using technology and the internet
But…Possess only basic information literacy
skillsLack sophisticated search skills
Characteristics of Students
Ability to address multiple learning stylesOpportunities for scaffolded and differentiated
instructionTeam approach enhances cooperative learning
experienceInteractive use of technology and the internet
And…Encourage higher order thinking, problem
solving, and information literacyEliminate frustration caused by inefficient
searching
Benefits of WebQuests
Using Existing WebQuests
Common problems:
Inefficient design
Broken Links
Inaccurate information
Age-appropriateness
Subject matter does not align with curricular goals and standards
Step One: Examine Elements of Design
Evaluating Existing WebQuests
Essential Design Elements
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Introduction
•Prepares the reader
•Provides the “hook”
•Example
Task
•Tells learners what they are going to do
•Outlines objectives
•Must be doable and interesting
•Example
Process
•Describes how to complete task
•Includes steps, resources, and tools
•Example
Evaluation
•Describes how students will be evaluated
•Performance Rubric
•Example
Conclusion
•Summarizes what waslearned
•Encourages reflection
•Includes additionalquestions or suggestions for further study
•Example
Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Two: Check for Broken Links
Older WebQuests may contain invalid links
Check ALL links
Two options for broken links:Fix or Replace
Broken Links
Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Three: Determine Accuracy and Currency
Accuracy and CurrencyOlder WebQuests may contain
inaccurate or out-of-date information
Check ALL sources
Use Website evaluation rubrics
Example
Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Four: Assess Age-Appropriateness
Age-AppropriatenessMost critical step for this age group
Is task doable given abilities of students?
Is content appropriate for ages 8-11?
Check readability◦Fry Readability Chart
Evaluating Existing WebQuestsStep Five: Align with Curricular Goals and Standards
Curriculum Goalsand Standards
Many WebQuests were designed for use in other states or regions
Do the objectives meet your curriculum goals?
Can the WebQuest be aligned with your grade level content area standards?
Evaluation ToolsMatrices and Rubrics
Matrices and RubricsOriginal WebQuest Rubric
by Bernie Dodge
Assessing WebQuestsby Tom March
Rubric/Scoring Guide for WebQuestsby eMints
Finding WebQuestsWould You Use These WebQuests?
Sources of Existing WebQuests
Searchable DatabasesWebQuest.org
-developed by Bernie Dodge
BestWebQuests.com-developed by Tom March
BGSU Curriculum Resource Center
Popular search engines
Practical ApplicationLet’s Search for WebQuests and Evaluate Them
Sample 1Let’s search WebQuest.org
◦Subject?◦Grade level?◦Which one should we try?
Now let’s evaluate it◦Essential Elements?◦Links?◦Reliable information?◦Age Appropriate?◦Goals and Standards?◦Would you use this WebQuest?
Sample 2Let’s search Google
◦Search terms?◦Results?◦Which one should we try?
Now let’s evaluate it◦Essential Elements?◦Links?◦Reliable information?◦Age Appropriate?◦Goals and Standards?◦Would you use this WebQuest?
Selecting ResourcesWhere to Find Information on the Internet
Finding Informationfor WebQuests
Using search engines◦Tips for effective searches
Four Nets for Better SearchingThe Hidden Web
◦Infomine◦Librarians’ Internet Index
Electronic databases◦INFOhio
Questions?