Strengthening Curriculum using the Internet

One of the most popular formats for integrating the Internet is with a WebQuest. This 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.

The model was developed in early 1995 at San Diego State University by Bernie Dodge with Tom March, and is outlined in Some Thoughts About WebQuests.

Follow this outline:

1. Introduction to WebQuests
   1. WebQuest Homepage - this is the homepage for WebQuests
   2. Six Building Blocks for a WebQuest - Discover what these six building blocks are needed to create a WebQuest.
   3. WebQuest Templates - Download templates that you can use.
2. Scaffolding Tools
   1. Reception Scaffolds - tips for guiding students in gathering, organizing and recording information
   2. Transformation Scaffolds - tips for guiding students in transforming their information into another form
   3. Production Scaffolds - tips for guiding students in producing information in an observable form
3. Multi-media resources
   1. Finding Graphics
   2. Finding Sounds
   3. Earthcam.com
   4. Teacher's Guide for Professional Cartoonists
4. Evaluation Resources
   1. Rubric for Evaluating WebQuests - Identify areas for improvement using this rubric.
   2. Rubric for Evaluating Student Performance - Find example rubrics that can be modified to assess a wide range of outcomes.
5. Share your ideas with your colleagues.

Examples of WebQuests:

• Matrix of Examples K-12: the BEST!
• Matrix of Examples K-12: Somewhat the BEST!
• Matrix of Examples K-12: New WebQuests recently added

Go to the next page for tips on how to create a Project Based framework.