This week we are exploring computer-based instructional models. I have explored some very well-developed WebQuests and StAIR projects. It took a fair amount of searching to find content ares that are relevant to my grade level and curriculum, but now that I have I will be able to call upon them, adapt them and come back to them time and time again. Using WebQuests means that students are engaged and feel like a part of the journey.
While I was searching I kept these features in mind:
Is it age appropriate? As a third grade teacher I usually fell at the bottom of the age range. Projects designed for grades 3-5 might have to be modified. There are tasks that fifth graders could do independently that my third graders might not be ready for.
Is the reading level appropriate? Some of the WebQuests I looked at were listed for grades 3-5, but has reading levels of grades 6-8. If I were to choose one of these projects for my class I would have to start by teaching some vocabulary and laying some ground work .
What does the WebQuest leave out? I will need to tie in material the my students are expected to know but is not covered by the webquest. I was looking for flexibility that would allow me to supplement as I needed.
Some of the WebQuests I really enjoyed were:
http://questgarden.com/94/24/4/100107152721/t-index.htm
What could be more fun than traveling in outer space? This WebQuest makes you feel like a scientist.
http://www.tenafly.k12.nj.us/~teisenberg2/worldcultures/
This WebQuest allows students to “travel” the world through safe sites.
http://questgarden.com/76/64/0/100118104615/
This site was beautifully done and incorporates other content areas.
I agree on material being grade level...its hard. Sometimes if it says "5th grade" its way below, just right, or above my head.
ReplyDeleteChloe,
ReplyDeleteEven though I teach first grade, I too share so many of the same sentiments that you do with regards to WebQuests. They are such a fun and powerful way of learning, but can have many drawbacks and as you mentioned, require additional resources, teaching, or information in order to meet the needs of our students.
I look forward to looking at the links that you provided with regards to some of the WebQuests you found!!
TLC
I am at the upper end of the grade range – I teach 5th grade. I noticed that the reading level on some that I looked at are high even for 5th graders. There were quite a few that I felt would need to be done with partners to accommodate low readers or special education students.
ReplyDeleteI looked at the webquests that you shared and 2 of them fit really well with standards that I have to teach in science. Thanks for sharing!
I agree, reading level of the resources posted for many WebQuests seems incredibly high. I have posted some resources on the Communicate tab that can help out with that. They provide teachers with a ball-park reading level. Just be aware they also included menu items in the analysis.
ReplyDeleteHi Chloe,
ReplyDeleteI also spent quite a bit of time searching for suitable WebQuests for my year 4 class. It's interesting that the good the bad and the ugly all get in so it's really time consuming! I have already done a WebQuest this year as my partner teacher has made one on Egyptians! It was such fun but my class are a little older. I think you will need to do a lot more modeling and working together to make it work.
Good luck!