WebQuest:QuestGarden

Do you ever grow tired of having to constantly come up with creative lesson plans and approaches to keep your students’ attention? Want to find a way to incorporate more technology skills in the classroom? In 1995, a San Diego State University student created an answer to these questions: the WebQuest model.

Using websites such as QuestGarden.com, educators can incorporate computer skills with fun activities for students to complete following a certain lesson topic. Each webquest, created and posted by fellow educators, follows a similar template and allows for students to utilize higher thinking skills while engaging in an interactive, technology-based lesson. The format includes an introduction, task overview, process with detailed steps and links, an evaluation, conclusion and credits page. There is also a teacher page included that provides information regarding standards, modifications, and resources available. Teachers can search the webquests using keywords, subjects, and grade levels. Once an appropriate webquest is selected, students can work independently or in groups as they follow along with the instructions. This tool can be used by both teachers and students, in an independent, group, or class setting. WebQuests allow for a new, engaging, active approach to learning and with thousands of examples and plans to choose from, you would never run out of ideas! Units cover a multitude of themes and address several modalities of learning, including journal writing, math, literature, art, etc.

Educators can register for a 30-day free trial and you may browse unlimited examples at any time. However, to create your own to share or customize you must subscribe to QuestGarden.com with a service fee of $20 for 2 years. I found this tool to be very useful for both students and educators. Lessons can be customized or altered and can fit into any curriculum. By allowing educators to share their creations and ideas, you can gain other perspectives and networking resources. Speech-language pathologists could also benefit from this tool, especially when taking a language-focused approach. I would highly recommend this web tool to any educator in any setting!

I have included a link to an example of a WebQuest, created by my very own mother :) for her kindergarten class. Of course this age would require a bit more assistance in navigating through the lesson, but it is a great way to introduce students to this process.