For my learning object, I decided to tackle a completely foreign concept to me, a web quest!
Let me just start by saying though these tools take time and great preparation to make, they are really neat. by setting all learning material (URL links, research options, directions, etc.) and providing a step by step sequence for students to follow, as an educator you have passed the torch and made students accountable for their own work. My philosophy of education believed in empowering students, and by using a web quest, I am able to do just that.
Here are some tips that I learned along the way that helps you ensure the success of your web quest, and therefore, the success of your students:
1. Be specific! The idea behind a web quest is that students won't need you to complete the work. It is completely student centred and encourages metacognitive skills. However, this puts huge emphasis on you being clear in ALL aspects of the web quest. Students will look to the task, purpose, and process for explanations and instructions on how to complete their work. As you are creating the Quest, think of it as for someone who has little to no background in the subject (this may very well be the case for those students having their own daydream in the back of the class)
2. Make videos and images relatable. Most web quest programs that I came into contact with will give you limited room to "jazz up" your Quest with photos and YouTube videos, and with good reason! Thought pretty pictures and funny videos are great for getting students motivated, they take away from the message for the lesson, and when students are working independently, the message is essential. I'd recommend one photo per page, videos that have direct relevance to the task, and perhaps and wrap up "fun" multimedia option at the end when all the work is done.
3. Have a clear objective in mind. All my advice comes back to the fact that students are going to be working alone. Very early on, in the initial stages of the Quest, make it inarguably clear what you are asking students to do. Then as they progress through the stages, how to complete this task will become more and more clear. Re-iternate this learning objective at the end once again, so students can evaluate whether or not they have completed their task.
Like I said, these tools take time and preparations, and may be a great way to do a fun and engaging culminating task, but they are new and fresh ways that students can demonstrate their learning and actually enjoy doing it.
My Webquest
