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Reading-Centered Learning ThroughLiterature-Rich WebQuests
Reading-Centered Learning ThroughLiterature-Rich WebQuests
Presenters:Presenters:
Lynn Urban & Dee SchmidtLynn Urban & Dee Schmidt
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ObjectivesObjectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to
Identify ways that technology can bring reading alive for students
Describe the characteristics and components of a WebQuest
Adapt and create literature-based WebQuests
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New LiteraciesNew Literacies
The Internet
New text formats
New purposes for reading
New ways to interact with information
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Bring Reading AliveBring Reading Alive
Technology can Expand the reading experience Make reading more concrete Help with understanding Draw reading and resources together
within meaningful, inquiry-based activities
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Is it a WebQuest?Is it a WebQuest?
Or is it simply a Or is it simply a web-enhanced web-enhanced
lesson or lesson or activity?activity?
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WebQuestsWebQuests Developed in the mid-1990’s by Bernie
Dodge of San Diego State University An inquiry-based approach to learning Involve students in tasks that make good use
of Internet-based resources Provide an authentic, technology-rich
environment for problem solving information processing collaboration
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WebQuestsWebQuests
Bring together the most effective instructional practices into one integrated student activity
Critical thinking
Cooperative Learning
Authentic Assessment
Technology Integration
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Literature-based WebQuestsLiterature-based WebQuests
Books become the focal point for Books become the focal point for activitiesactivities
Connect books with other resourcesConnect books with other resources
Exploration of characters, themes, Exploration of characters, themes, plots, settings, genres, authors, and plots, settings, genres, authors, and connectionsconnections
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Literature-based WebQuestsLiterature-based WebQuests
CharactersCharacters
Theme & plotTheme & plot
SettingsSettings
GenresGenres
AuthorsAuthors
ConnectionsConnections
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
1.1. IntroductionIntroduction
2.2. TaskTask
3.3. ProcessProcess
4.4. EvaluationEvaluation
5.5. ConclusionConclusion
6.6. Teacher’s NotesTeacher’s Notes
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
1.1. IntroductionIntroduction• Prepare the reader (set the stage for Prepare the reader (set the stage for
learning)learning)
• Hook the reader (make it interesting Hook the reader (make it interesting and motivating)and motivating)
• Communicate the “big question” that Communicate the “big question” that the WebQuest is centered aroundthe WebQuest is centered around
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
2.2. TaskTask• Focus learners on what they are going Focus learners on what they are going
to doto do
• Describe the culminating performance Describe the culminating performance or product that drives all of the or product that drives all of the learning activitieslearning activities
• DO NOT list the steps they will go DO NOT list the steps they will go through (that is the “process”)through (that is the “process”)
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
3.3. ProcessProcess• Steps learners should go through to Steps learners should go through to
accomplish the taskaccomplish the task
• Online resources learners will useOnline resources learners will use
• Scaffolding strategies (building Scaffolding strategies (building background, checking for background, checking for understanding, organizing, roles understanding, organizing, roles students will take) students will take)
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
4.4. EvaluationEvaluation• Describe for learners the evaluation Describe for learners the evaluation
criteria needed to meet performance and criteria needed to meet performance and content standardscontent standards
• Specify grading procedure - group work Specify grading procedure - group work vs. individual workvs. individual work
• Include any items such as contracts, Include any items such as contracts, checklists, rubrics checklists, rubrics
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
5.5. ConclusionConclusion• Culminating activity to bring project to Culminating activity to bring project to
a closea close
• Encourage reflection on what they’ve Encourage reflection on what they’ve learnedlearned
• Extend the learning beyond this Extend the learning beyond this experience experience
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Elements of a WebQuestElements of a WebQuest
6.6. Teacher’s NotesTeacher’s Notes• Information to help other teachers Information to help other teachers
implement the WebQuestimplement the WebQuest
• Could include: target learners, Could include: target learners, standards, notes for teaching the unit, standards, notes for teaching the unit, other resources, examples of student other resources, examples of student work work
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Evaluating WebQuestsEvaluating WebQuests
Does it fit the definition of a WebQuest?Does it fit the definition of a WebQuest?
Is it written in the language of the student?Is it written in the language of the student?
Will students find it interesting, Will students find it interesting, motivating, or moving?motivating, or moving?
Use a Use a rubric to evaluate all components of to evaluate all components of the WebQuest.the WebQuest.