How do you ensure that students will be engaged in your WebQuest activity? View the WebQuest Taxonomy of Tasks to determine in what category your original WebQuest will fall. Share with the class your idea for a "hook" or introduction and your WebQuest category.
Now that you have an idea for your WebQuest, how will you design the entire process section for your learners? What are the major components of a WebQuest and what is the role of each in the learning activity? The Building Blocks of a WebQuest page will help you to better understand the purpose of each.
We'll be using the QuestGarden site to create your WebQuests. You'll need to set up an account. During today's class, we'll look at the various parts and pieces of QuestGarden so that you will be comfortable with the tool as you develop your WebQuest. As you are working on your WebQuest, you will want to make sure to review the project description page. Please remember that your WebQuest is due on Thursday, November 15 at the beginning of class.
Some Things to Consider:
Here are some questions to consider as you are working on your WebQuest (you do not need to turn in responses to these questions):
*Is your WebQuest topic authentic in order to engage your students?
*Is your WebQuest task challenging and doable?
*Do your learners need to think independently and critically during the WebQuest activity?
*Is collaboration between your students important for the successful completion of the WebQuest?
*What scaffolds (visual organizers, software tools, prompting questions and suggestions) are provided in your WebQuest?
COMING UP:
1. We will not meet as a class on Thursday. This is a working day for your WebQuest project. Make sure to review the project description for details on your assignment. Go to the QuestGarden website to login to edit your WebQuest.
2. We will conduct peer reviews of your WebQuests during class on Tuesday, November 13. Please come to class with at least 1/2 of your WebQuests completed so that you will be able to get feedback from other students.
3. On Thursday, April 15 we will begin our last major project - the Capstone project. In preparation for class - please bring your favorite trail mix ingredient (M&Ms, peanuts, pretzels, etc.) to class on the 15th.
4. Let me know if you are interested in taking EDIT 5500: Technology Enhanced Learning Environments during Spring semester: T/Th 12:30-1:45. You do not have to be an education major to take the class.
