http://imet.csus.edu/imet5/koreen/imetsites/282/index.htm
My experience with webquests is extremely limited. Specifically, it is limited to one; a pitiful little quest I designed myself after having read an article on how cool webquests are. If we were to compare this current webquest to mine in terms of art, mine would be the crayon-scribble you hang on the refrigerator that your child tells you is a dog. This Grammar Webquest, however, would be the Mona Lisa. Or at least Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (sorry Picasso).
The beautiful thing about this webquest is its organizational structure. It is neatly divided into sections that take the student step by step through what they must do. It also requires the students to work in groups to create a presentation based on their findings in the webquest, which has the benefit of extending the learning, empowering the students, and using additional teaching methods (cooperative learning, reciprocal teaching).
I think an educator who used this webquest would be involving the students in active, purposeful learning, using a variety of teaching methods, making the curriculum relevant to students by implementing technology skills, and creating a general atmosphere of empowerment as the students take charge of their own learning and are in turn responsible for presenting the material to their class. The webquest even provides the students with resources on lesson planning, sample power point presentations (the end product of the webquest), and a self-evaluation tool. For the teacher, they include both modifications for special needs students and extension activities for advanced learners. I will certainly take it as my model for webquests from now on, and I encourage you guys to check it out as an exemplary model.
I really like the idea of having the kids teach the grammar rules. Grammar is such a boring topic, and it is really hard to keep their attention through the lessons. Not to mention the fact that if they don't have a grip on grammar by middle school, chances are they will struggle to grasp any new concepts. Again, the concept is good, but the webquest for the kids seemed a little busy. I clicked on the link that was suppose to take you to the presentation guidelines, but it took me to the home page of Education Northwest. If I were a middle school student I probably would be confused on where to go next on the site to find the rubric. The teacher would probably need to make sure that the link took them directly to the page they needed. Again, great concept for grammar instruction, but the webquest could use some little touches. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of giving the students the authority over their own learning. I think teachers need to become more of facilitators in their classrooms. This will force the students to be creative and responsible for their learning. This webquest is great because is addresses the subject of grammar which seems to be have been forgotten---we don't even have grammar books anymore. I think this teacher has a good idea and the students would be engaged.
ReplyDeleteI think what impressed me the MOST on this webquest was how it included modifications for special needs students plus challenges for your advance learners. That's something I struggle with daily, is ensuring each child is getting what they need. This was great!
ReplyDelete