Teacher Tap

WebQuest Evaluation and Use

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Why reinvent the wheel? Start by exploring the WebQuests that others have created. You may find a WebQuest that fits your needs.

Complete the following sections of this page to learn more about the evaluation and use of WebQuests: Examine WebQuest Elements, Evaluate WebQuests, and Use WebQuests.

Examine WebQuest Elements

WebQuests all share the same basic elements. These include an introduction, task, information resources, processes, learning advice, and evaluation.

eye means readRead Building Blocks of a WebQuest. This web project provides an overview of each element of a WebQuest including introduction, task, process, evaluation, conclusion, and teacher page.

Examine the following WebQuest examples:

Explore Too Hot To Handle. Also try So, You're Gifted. Is this a good example of a WebQuest? Why or why not? What are the elements of a good WebQuest?

bus activityLocate the elements of a WebQuest using a couple of the links below at your grade level.
How are the layouts alike and different. Do they all have the same elements? How are they alike and different? Which do you think are most important?

Primary Grades (PreK-3)

Intermediate Grades (3-6)

Middle School (6-9)

High School (9-12)

College and University Level

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Evaluate WebQuests

Now that you're familiar with the elements of a WebQuest, it's time to begin judging the quality of a WebQuest. Just because a WebQuest contains the essential elements, doesn't mean that it's perfect for your classroom. Look beyond the structure and examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal of the project. Ask yourself:

Use one of the WebQuest Rubrics listed to guide your evaluations.

WebQuest Rubrics

A Rubric for Evaluating WebQuests by Bernie Dodge
http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquestrubric.html

Assessing WebQuests by Tom March
http://bestwebquests.com/bwq/matrix.asp

Rubric Scoring Guide for WebQuests from eMINTS
http://www.emints.org/webquest/rubric.shtml

WebQuest Evaluation Form from Spartanburg
http://www.spa3.k12.sc.us/webquestrubric.htm

bus activityExplore WebQuests using the resources below. Look for the basic WebQuest elements. Notice how some developers have created high level thinking assignments, while others have simply created a "treasure hunt". How does a WebQuest differ from other activities?

Locating WebQuests to Evaluate

There are thousands of WebQuests online. If you're interested in locating a WebQuest on a particular topic, use your favorite search engine such as Google or Yahoo. Use quotation marks to narrow the search such as "earthquake webquest" or "gold rush" + "webquest". You might also try different orders such as "tornado webquest" or "webquest tornado". Also consider search for a general topic of grade level such as "Kindergarten webquest" or "seventh grade science webquest".

Matrix of Examples: Top by Bernie Dodge
http://webquest.org/search/index.php
Do a search or use Bernie Dodge's matrix of the top sites.

Best WebQuests by Tom March
http://www.bestwebquests.com/
All links are evaluated.

WebQuests by eMINTS teachers
http://www.emints.org/webquest/

Click on one of the following grade levels for a set of WebQuest examples and resources by grade level:

Use the following Teacher Tap: WebQuests links for more resources:

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Use WebQuests

WebQuest evaluation and selection is only half the battle. Now, it's time to consider how this WebQuest fits into your curriculum, schedule, and classroom environment. Consider the following questions:

bus activitySelect a WebQuest you might use in a classroom setting. Consider the logistics of real-world use. Answer the questions above. Then, create a list of things that you need to consider when integrating WebQuests into your particular situation.

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Continue to WebQuest Adaptation

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Return to Internet Expeditions: Creating WebQuest Learning Environments

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