Introduction
As students, we see how the use of technology is becoming a big part of our everyday lives, from cell phones to video games to the computer. Technology is everywhere, so why not in the classroom? Our job as a future teacher is to educate our students in our specific field. As we do this, we want to make sure that our students are actively engaged in learning. Technology can help do this. There are many activities that can be done with the use of technology. One of these activities is called a webquest. Webquests are a great technology piece to incorporate into your unit plans.
The following mini-lesson I have created is about webquests.
• What webquests are and what components are needed to create your own webquest for your classroom.
What is a WebQuest?
A WebQuest is a structured learning experience in which students are challenged to carry out an investigative task using pre-selected texts in a variety of formats, including books, websites and newspapers. WebQuests give students the opportunity to engage in authentic problemsolving tasks while developing skills in group work, ICT, information and critical literacy.
Task
In this activity, the students will be able to create a web quest on their chosen topic.
Guidelines for Creating a Web Quest:
1. Choose a website to create a web quest.
2. Register for free.
3. Using your chosen topic, follow the six steps for creating a web quest.
4. Publish your web quest.
5. Give the URL to your facilitator for checking.
Process
Every step is clearly stated. Most students would know exactly where they are at each step of the process and know what to do next.
The process provides students coming in at different entry levels with strategies and organizational tools to access and gain the knowledge needed to complete the task.These are the steps on how to create a web quest.
1.The introduction orients students and captures their interest.
2.The task describes the activity's end product.
3.The process explains strategies students should use to complete the task.
4.The resources are the Web sites students will use to complete the task.
5.The evaluation measures the results of the activity.
The conclusion sums up the activity and encourages students to reflect on its process and results.
Evaluation
| Developing | Accomplished | Exemplary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | The webquest is introduced without presenting a clear purpose for accomplishing the task. | The webquest is introduced with a vague purpose for accomplishing the task. |
The webquest is introduced with a well defined purpose for accomplishing the task. |
| Task | The desired result is ambiguous. | The desired result is clear. | The desired result is clearly stated, The desired result is clear. |
| Process | The directions are unclear and insufficient resources are provided. | Students may be able to proceed, but the task cannot be accomplished with the resources provided. | The directions are clear and a wide variety of resources are provided. |
| Evaluation | Students are given a general idea of what is expected. | Students are given a general idea of what is expected and can identify strengths and weaknesses in their final product. |
Students are given specific criteria about how their final project will be evaluated, including any weighted grading used. |
| Conclusion | No reasonable conclusion is. | A reasonable conclusion Is given. |
One or move valid conclusions are given, including a restating and summarizing of what was learned. |
The criteria for success are clearly stated in the form of a rubric.
The evaluation instrument clearly measures what students must know and be able to do to accomplish the task.
Conclusion
The WebQuest designed for this action proved helpful in broadening the students’ knowledge about and ability to create articles. The use of WebQuest to focus on task-based learning contributed to student interest, motivation, and success. However, they are needed to refine any instructional tool. The primary outcome of the research is that the WebQuest should be modified to include information on abstract length and keywords. A WebQuest is one example of how teachers can integrate technology into classrooms, which is a growing area of interest as information technology creates new learning opportunities and becomes more accessible across the world.