WebQuest Tutorial

This module was last updated in 2004. Since it is no longer utilized in my courses it will receive no further modifications.

Other Resources

Route and destination must be discovered through the journey if you wish to travel to new lands... the key to success lies in the creative activity of making new maps. - Stacy

Introduction WebQuests

WebQuests are online curriculum modules, which engage students in learning about an authentic topic or problem. Generally, WebQuests are cooperative activities where students assume different roles relative to an authentic problem. The Internet is usually the main information resource, although other more traditional resources, such as magazines and journals, can be included (Dodge, 2000).

Click on the tabs below for tutorial guidelines.

  • Scrutinizing
  • Mining
  • Mapping
  • Evaluation
  • Putting it Together
  • Resources

Working in teams of four you will examine five WebQuests from four different points of view. The project will culminate with a team PowerPoint presentation of findings and observations to the class. Instructions for completing the assessment project will be found at the following websites (developed by Bernie Dodge at San Diego State University).

two men and a woman around a computer screen

Helpful hints:

  • Print out the worksheet to complete individually and share with the group. Work sheets can be found at the bottom of each of the WebQuests.
  • Pay attention to the rubrics: you may want to use one of them as a guide for your personal WebQuest project.

Sample WebQuest Sites

Where possible content descriptions have been taken directly from the Websites

  • Blue Web'n- Blue Web'n is an online library of 1800+ outstanding Internet sites categorized by subject, grade level, and format (tools, references, lessons, hotlists, resources, tutorials, activities, projects).
  • Cool Units- is designed as a resource for teachers K-12 who wish to find quality ready-made units and lessons for all subjects, or who wish to develop their own units. This page emphasizes engaged learning models such as WebQuests, Research Modules and Problem-Based Learning, but links include other forms of lessons and tutorials.
  • ITSCO - this site is maintained by Instructional Technology Services of Central Ohio, Inc. (ITSCO).
  • LSU WebQuests - this site is maintained by the College of Education, Louisiana State University. The site was developed by students as a part of the requirements for the course EDAF 5880, Telecommunications and the Internet under the guidance of Professor Harriet Taylor.
  • The WebQuest Collection - This tutorial introduces you to Webquests; an internet activity which lets you create something useful for your students while increasing your web "comfort level" at the same time.
  • Matrix of Example - This is a select list of WebQuests that have been evaluated Bernie Dodge and found to be good examples of the WebQuest model.

Prior to starting your Internet search you should hone your design strategy and determine what type of resources are most appropriate for your quest. The following links will provide some assistance with this task. Where possible site descriptions have been taken directly from the source.

Now that you have developed the concepts for your WebQuest we will start the explore effective strategies for mining the Internet.

Design and Development Resources

Now that we have explored the history of WebQuests, dissected a few and scrutinized a few others it is time to develop our own. To assist you with your development activity an 8 step process has been defined below.

Step 1: Define the Scope and Depth

Click on the following link to view a sample Scope document.

Step 2: Define the Essential Questions

Step 3: Determine the Taskonomy

Step 4: Develop A Concept Map

The next step in developing your WebQuest projects is creating a concept map. The following site should assist you with this activity.

Selected concept mapping software (the following vendors will allow you to download a trial version of their software for free).

Step 5: Analyzing and Designing the Process

Step 6: Evaluation

Step 7: Putting It Altogether

Click on the following link to view the WebQuest that was developed based on the Concept Map noted above.

Step 8: Final Checklist

Use the following resources to double check your design and to conduct a self evaluation.

The following links provide information on developing rubrics for your WebQuest project.

Rubric Development Tutorials

Rubric Resources by Topical Area

Templates

When creating your Webquest you have an option of creating your own design or utilizing a template. The following are some templates that you may find useful.

  • Filamentality - is a fill-in-the-blank interactive Web site that guides you through picking a topic, searching the Web, gathering good Internet sites, and turning Web resources into learning activities. It helps combine the "filaments" of the Web with a learner's "mentality".
  • Trackstar - helps instructors organize and annotate Web sites (URLs) for use in lessons. Site provides tutorials and forms to assist with the development of web based lessons.
  • Template developed by Bernie Dodge - provides an easy way to get started creating your WebQuest. This site provides two types of WebQuest templates -- simple single page and framed multipage tools.
  • Template developed by Tom March - requires some knowledge of HTML or code generating software like FrontPage or Dreamweaver. Template provides links to sample quests and presents the designer with questions that should be addressed when developing WebQuests.
  • Template developed by Spartanburg County School District - requires some knowledge of HTML or Word. Template provides step-by-step guidelines for creating a simple WebQuest.

Web Development Tutorials

If you would like to design your own site and have limited Web development experience the below listed tutorials may be of some assistance.

The following are some helpful tools, techniques and examples that you may find of assistance in developing your own WebQuests.

Helpful Links

Sample Quests