• is wrapped around a doable and interesting task that is ideally what responsible citizens do to create a more just world.
• requires higher level thinking, not simply summarizing. This includes synthesis, analysis, problem-solving, creativity and judgment.
• makes good use of the Web. A WebQuest that isn't based on real resources from the Web is probably just a traditional lesson in disguise. (Of course, books and other media can be used within a WebQuest, but if the Web isn't integral to the inquiry activity, it's not a WebQuest.)
• is not a simply distillation of information, nor a presentation of what already exists.
• is not just a series of Web-based experiences. Having learners go look at this page, then go play this game, then go here and turn your name into hieroglyphs doesn't require higher level critical and creative thinking skills and so, by definition, isn't a WebQuest.

WebQuest.org

Some Thought about WebQuest

Process:

• Select a template & click to download the Mac version. It will download and unstuff. Retitle "mywebquest" folder to the title of your group's WebQuest. Do not retitle any of the documents inside the folder or you will break the links.
• Open DreamWeaver software and then open your WebQuest folder by going to the "Site" menu to "Manage Sites," and then to "Advanced" and click on the folder icon to locate your WebQuest folder. Links will be broken if you open through "File" or by just clicking on the page. With this process you bring the whole folder into DreamWeaver so it can recognize the relationship between pages and how they are linked.
• Add images to insert in your WebQuest in the image folder inside your WebQuest folder. Save images in PhotoShop first as a jpg or gif.
• Once the "Site File" appears, then click on a page (in the Site File list), read what it asks for, and add text, images, and links.
• Each time you work on the site ONLY open it through DreamWeaver's "SITE", "MANAGE SITES", "advanced" menus to preserve links and images.
• Each working session, copy your WebQuest folder from your zip onto the Desktop folder (hold option key to copy to Desktop). Follow the template to type in your own information, make Web links, add images, and change colors of backgrounds, text, and links.
• Save each frame and the frameset into the same folder you opened it from (a way to be sure you have done this is to "Preview in Browser" and it will ask you if you want to save, click okay).
• With your group decide who will do which pages. When all have completed their page(s) use one person's folder to replace old pages with the page(s) you developed.

Templates for WebQuests
(click on "training materials" and then scroll to "lesson templates" in the "specific aspects" section. Or click here for more choices of templates.

Resources to develop tasks,
build reception, transformation, and production scaffolds, and to add sounds and interactive discussion.

Click here for a process to develop the visual culture WebQuest.

process checksheet

Your WebQuest should include ways for students to interact with each other and the content. Use one or more of the following for learner interaction as process scaffolding, which is an important aspect of constructivist pedagogy.

• Computer Games as Part of Children's Culture by Johannes Fromme (2003)

Wikis: collaborative writing, layered text shows history of writing to develop shared meanings. Wikis are good for forming ideas, concepts, policy, and meaning together.

Blogs: multiple replies to a question posed such as to interpret an image

Here are two open source or free game creating software programs: SQUEAK, GameMaker. Others that could be used include: Alice, Ethos, Flash, StageCast, StarLogo, and MicroWorlds.

Example of game pedagogy in a WebQuest.

Second Life

Create a wiki at http://pbwiki.com/

Create a blog with blog creation programs such as https://www.blogger.com/start, http://www.livejournal.com/, or http://wordpress.org/. See comparison of the blog tools at http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/050714gardner/ to select one that fits your purpose. Other tools to make your WebQuest interactive are at http://www.bravenet.com/

Examples of sketchblogs are:
http://www.craftmonkeys.typepad.com
http://www.thinkcabinfever.com/
http://www.jennyvorwaller.com/blog/
http://www.elizabethperry.com/woolgathering/
http://www.pittsburghsigns.org/

References
&
Resources

• Five Rules for Writing a Great WebQuest by Bernie Dodge published in Learning and Leading with Technology (May 2001) is very helpful in understanding the conceptual basis of WebQuests. It’s online at:  webquest.futuro.usp.br/artigos/textos_outros-bernie1.html
• Keifer-Boyd, K., Amburgy, P., & Knight, W. (2003). Three Approaches to Teaching Visual Culture in K-12 School Contexts. Journal of Art Education, 56(2), 44-51.
• Some Thoughts About WebQuests by Bernie Dodge (1995-1997, San Diego State University) at  http://webquest.sdsu.edu/about_webquests.html
• Kundu, R., & Bain, C. (2006). Webquests: Utilizing Technology in a Constructivist Manner to Facilitate Meaningful Preservice Learning. Art Education, 59(2), 6-11.
• March, T. (2003). The Learning power of WebQuests. Educational Leadership, 61(4), 42-47.Piercy, E. C. (2004). Using WebQuests to promote active learning. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 35(5), 200-201.
• Leer, J. V. (2003). Teaching information and technology literacy through student-created WebQuests. MultiMedia Schools, 10(2), 42-45.
• MacGregor, S. K., & Lou, Y. (2004). Web-besed learning: How task scaffolding and web site design support knowledge acquisition. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 37(2), 161-175.
• Contemporary Art Hotlink