A WebQuest is an inquiry-based activity where learners gain information from the web. Students should focus on using information, not just searching for it.

It involves project-based and problem-based learning in which the resources (and often the tasks and resources) are located on the Web.

The WebQuest was developed in early 1995 at San Diego State University by Bernie Dodge.

The design of good learning begins with the end in mind. What do you want your students to know and be able to do at the end of their quest?

Choose a topic that will lend itself to the use of information from the web and which will require understanding, analysis, synthesis, problem solving or creativity. What are the possibilities open to you as you create your web-based lesson?

Today you will search for, analyze and evaluate a number of WebQuests. And then you will create or modify one of your own!

The task is the single most important part of a WebQuest. It provides a goal and focus for the students and it makes the teacher's intentions concrete. A well designed task is doable and engaging, and elicits thinking in learners that goes beyond rote comprehension.

By the end of this lesson, you will answer these questions:
1. What is a WebQuest? What are characteristics of a good WebQuest?
2. How can a WebQuest be an effective learning tool?
3. How can you use a WebQuest in your subject area?
4. What do you need to do to create or modify a WebQuest of your own?

Be sure to let your students know how they will be evaluated and provide a rubric to measure the product as objectively as possible. A good rubric leaves little room for question.

How will you assess your own WebQuest? Look at the these WebQuest Evaluation Rubrics:

Bernie Dodge
webquest.sdsu.edu/webquestrubric.html

Spartanburg
www.spa3.k12.sc.us/webquestrubric.htm

Rubrics for Web Lessons
webquest.sdsu.edu/rubrics/weblessons.htm

Create your own rubrics:
rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php

The process is where you provide the step-by-step instructions and guidance for the students to complete the task. It should be clear and detailed. You may include strategies for dividing the task into subtasks, descriptions of roles, and links to other sites.


STEP 1: Research the following:
1. What is a WebQuest?
www.teachersfirst.com/summer/webquest/quest-b.shtml

2. How can WebQuests be effective learning tools?
www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech011.shtml

3. What are the characteristics of a good WebQuest?
www.teachersfirst.com/summer/webquest/quest-b.shtml

STEP 2: Create a WebQuest
1. Use the WebQuest Planning Guide to create a WebQuest for your classroom: classroom.leanderisd.org/webs/mstraining/webquest_downloads.htm

This is the summary of the WebQuest. It provides an opportunity to review the experience, to encourage reflection, and to extend or generalize what was learned. Final thoughts or questions to be answered can be included here. Extension activities and additional resources can also be included in the conclusion.

1. How would you summarize your experience exploring WebQuests today?
2. What do you think about the WebQuest process?
3. How can you build on what you learned about WebQuests today?