Session+5

Webquest Review Readings -

=Review Readings. = Did anyone look for audio/video of reading?

[|Video presentation]

[|Don_Leu_Presidential_NRC_2005.ppt]

=Webquests - What is it and how can it be used for instruction? =

This week you will have the ability to build (or expand) your knowledge on webquests. It is important that you take the time to fully understand the purpose and components of a webquest because this is what you will be creating for the final project. Take the time to note the variety of webquests that have been created for your grade level already. While you explore, be sure to think about what makes one better than another. Start to think about a unit you might want to create to use. Something for next fall? Maybe a unit for the fall when you can be sure to reserve a few days in the computer lab.

One way to frame your choice of units: Think about the weather and when you might want to be in an air conditioned lab instead of your classroom. Another way to frame your choice of units: think of an instructional unit that you have not found very engaging in the past. You could use a webquest to transform the topic into something more exciting and motivating.

Above all - invest the time to really understand this. It will benefit you tremendously. Open the document below to begin on your "quest." Please make sure you read the instructions carefully for the assignment has been differentiated based upon your preexisting knowledge of webquests.

=How to create a WebQuest= [|WebQuest Design]

1. QuestGarden
QuestGarden.com is the official webquest generator of the webquest.org portal. With QuestGarden you get to micro manage almost everything you could hope to change when you create a webquest. The helpful design wizard walks you through all the stages and helps you decide what to write in each of the sections. It even includes examples from published webquests to help jumpstart your inspiration. Finished webquests are published on the QuestGarden website, complete with a shortened URL for easy access. You can sign up for a free 30 day trial, or subscribe for two years with a one off payment of $20. ([|http://www.questgarden.com])

2. Zunal WebQuest Maker
The Zunal webquest generator, has a wealth of options, and a slick looking final product that looks very professional. Webquests can be displayed in up to eight languages, have a variety of background images, and can have a selection of color themes applied. Additional pages include space for a student quiz, a review page, a teacher page, and an 'about the author' page. Page statistics can be viewed, files can be added, and YouTube videos can be embedded. Once your webquest is finished, it can be published live on the Zunal site, or exported as a Word, PDF or Excel file. Teachers can register for free, but this only gives you access to one webquest. Registering for the pro version, however, is very cost effective. For $20 you get a three year membership to Zunal, the ability to create and edit an unlimited number of webquests, and an ad free experience for the teacher and any visitors to your webquests. Sample webquests can be found on the Zunal homepage. ([|http://www.zunal.com]) ===3. Aula21 - 1, 2, 3 Your Webquest for Free=== Aula21's tool is free to use, and needs no subscriptions or registrations. You do get options with regards to presentation and customization when you use 1, 2, 3 Your Webquest for Free. You have six language options, 12 different fonts, 15 text colors, and 28 background colors to choose from. There is also the ability to upload an image of your choice. All the usual template boxes are included, along with a sample paragraph to remind you what you should have in each section, and you simply click the button at the bottom to see your finished webquest and save it as an HTML file. [|(http://www.aula21.net/Wqfacil/webeng.htm])

===The Best Webquest Generator?=== Ultimately, you get what you pay for with a webquest generator. When you pay for a subscription with Zunal or QuestGarden, you get some stylish premade templates and the option to publish them online direct from their sites. The free options from Aula21 are much simpler, and require you to either have, or find, a place to upload the generated HTML file.

By all means start with the free generators. However, the price of the paid versions represents great value for money, and you will soon find that it is easier to make and publish your webquests by using either Zunal or QuestGarden. You also have the added bonus of being able to go back and edit your webquests to update dead links or add more challenges. Zunal offers the best balance of style, detail and simplicity, but both can be used on a trial basis before spending any money on a subscription, and I would encourage you to try both to see which best fits your personal tastes.

//Information retrieved on July 18, 2010 from// [|//http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/73952.aspx?p=2#ixzz0u87Sg0Te//]

[|Intro to Webquest Activity - summer 2011.pdf]

This file has the assignment for this week - do not wait until the last minute - it will take time to complete.

Please post your work on the Wiki by class 6. Think about your final project - your WebQuest. What topic and grade level are you thinking about (please post this on the wiki). There will not be any additional reflections.

Make sure you are taping your 1 minute reading. Any student (elementary), reading a passage on videotape.