WebQuest Design Patterns

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.

So, how do you get started writing your own WebQuest? The WebQuest Design Process flowchart created by Tom March is a great way to keep track of what you are doing.

Now that you have an idea for content flow how do you put it all together into a web-based learning activity? Bernie Dodge has put together a large list of templates you can use to create your activity. Choose the appropriate template from the WebQuest Design Patterns page. You should download the student page only. You can access the template for the teacher page here. Remember, you'll need to open the pages in Word to edit them.

Spend some time working on your WebQuest, making sure to check the project description and rubric to ensure you are including all required elements.

Tuesday's class attendance will be optional. We will be working on your WebQuests throughout the class. Regardless of whether or not you attend class on Tuesday - you will need to complete at least half of your WebQuest before next Thursday's class - as we will be working in groups to review WebQuests. Make sure to check the blog on Tuesday for any updates.

Here are some questions to consider about your WebQuest before next Thursday's class:
*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?