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Session 2 - For session 2, we begin to build the foundation for developing a WebQuest. This involves four issues. Each of these is a prerequisite actually creating a WebQuest.
Following the introductory explorations of several WebQuests in session 1, we'll have an in-class discussion of the quality issues around computer mediated learning experiences. Among the issues we must address are:
A good understanding of the elements of a WebQuest can help us identify possible topics that may fit this particular design. With that, let's move on to topic selection. What did we learn from the readings of session 1? What is an "essential question"? We must decide this in order to know what would warrant the student time devoted to research. Step one is to remember the levels of understanding identified by Wiggins & McTighe (1998) in Understanding by Design:
A second element in topic selection is to look for places where student understanding falls short of our goals for understanding in the curriculum. This is called the Learning Gap (Rossett, 1988) and suggests a place for making a real contribution to student learning. Define what is optimal or desired, contrast with what students actually achieve and figure what needs to be augmented. What is already out there? What are good places to see if the learning topic has already been addressed? Is there any primary area with resources we could use to supplement student learning? All of these questions require some searching on the Internet. The search may find resources that already address our needs with lesson plans or pre-existing WebQuests. On the other hand, we may find ample research information but no organization in learning activities for students - if this is the case, we may have a good candidate for a new WebQuest. Here are just a few really popular places to look for pre-existent lesson materials on our topic or to perform a generic search of the Internet:
Eventually, you'll want to look for more resources using a powerful search engine such as Alta Vista. Want to do a better job of searching? For this portion of session 2, we'll digress for a small scavenger hunt. Before we begin, though, take a look at a very creative tool used by Bernie Dodge to help us use one of the largest search tools (Alta Vista) to perform highly effective searches. Follow these steps:
In addition to the use of well-planned search strings, we can also try to use specialized search tools. Pages such as Kathy Schrock's Guide (shown above) provide more targeted searching. Some of my favorites might also be worth a try. For the final topic, we recommend novices work through the "Building a Web Page Quick and Easy" materials created by Dr. Blake West. These materials provide the steps necessary to download a free copy of FrontPage Express. Next, there is a quick introduction to the page creation tools, steps to make a page, save a page, and build a larger site.
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