I have used webquests in the past with elementary aged students. They are engaging and fun for students and encourage higher thinking skills. Here are some ideas for elementary school children.
I have been exploring Webquests that can be used with elementary aged students. The first awesome site I found was called “Technology Integration” and had an amazing quest for third grade students to look at “Gila Monsters”. I had a lot of fun exploring this quest. There was also one called “Who wants to be a rock star?” which challenged students to try-out for an imaginary tv show and learn, write, present and cooperate while planning their performance. What fun! The link to these webquests is:
http://web.laramie2w1.k12.wy.us/integration/WebQuest/webquest.htm
The second really fun site was called “Elementary Webquests” that had sections on “Tornadoes”, “Cinderella”, and “Career Choices”, etc. There were some really fun activities here as well, although a few of the ones didn’t work, 90% did and they entertained me for a long time! There were Olympic activities, such as “The Olympic Games of Ancient Greece”. This would be a good place for students to explore before the winter games here in Canada next year.
The link is :
http://www.owen.k12.ky.us/trt/elementarywebquests.htm
The last one that I explored was called “Webquest Collection”, which came from the Yukon and explored countries of the world, bears, chocolate, Medieval Times etc. Another awesome place for kids (and teachers!) to explore:
http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/wes/webquest_collection.html
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Would you prefer to build your own webquests or use those developed by others? Also, do you find that these are truly collaborative learning or are they more like a thematic hotlist??
ReplyDeleteI think it really depends on what the particular goal of your webquest is. Sometimes I like to use what other people have developed, but then possibly modify the task(s). At other times, I have even had students design webquests, but have not yet reached the point where I am truly satisfied with the end product. However, I do think it is an interesting way for students to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways and therefore teaches higher thinking skills. I also think that for students who have not been exposed to too many webquests that it is a new and unique way to integrate technology. I don't know whether I would consider webquests to be truly collaborative in nature, but rather allows for students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. To me, whatever way we can engage students in the learning process and can use as a teaching tool, such as webquests, is something to be further explored. Perhaps as I become more experienced with this form of delivery, I can make it more collaborative in nature. Actually, I am really liking the blogging as a more cooperative way of teaching and learning and have started one at school for students to discuss/respond to various forms of literature. I have just started this recently.
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