Gone, but not forgotten is the use of the wonderful Web Quest to guide student learning and build independence. With new labs in the elementary buildings, and the Computers on Wheels, teachers can now foster a true interactive learning environment where they fill the role of facilitator.
While many may feel this tool is outdated in the 21st Century Learning environment, I would disagree. As teachers, our goal is to encourage students to use technology to learn about their world and demonstrate their understanding. The Web Quest does both, yet so much more.
For example, in my second grade classroom we studied life cycles of frogs, butterflies, and plants. I created a Web Quest that would guide students through the learning process, offering websites to explore. Accompanied with explicit questions that provided the learning structure I needed, students demonstrated an understanding of our science curriculum that was completely standards-based.
How do you get started? Using a website page or Word document, create your Web Quest by categorizing the content. In each section, provide links and a list of questions or tasks you wish the students to complete. Require students to present their projects as a PowerPoint presentation, Glogster poster, or simple Word document. Score the project using a rubric, and, “Wallah” . . Success!!
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