WEBQUEST
This week our assignment was evaluating a webquest from the sites which our teacher recommend us. I think webquest is a different type of language teaching. WebQuests are activities, which you use Internet resources, and it encourages students to use higher order thinking skills to solve a real messy problem. WebQuests are a sub-set of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Being a teacher of 21. century requires using technology and the internet in an effective way. Online lessons can be created by using webquest. You can also make your students to develop their writing, searching and reading skills. Webquests help them also memorizing vocabularies about different subjects. I chose a webquest from
zunal.com. the title is
Favorite Holiday . As you understand from the title, the content is about a favorite holiday. While doing the project you have to write about your holiday that the best to you.
First of all, to begin evaluating, I want to talk about the overall aesthetics. Overall visual appeal isn't adequate enough because graphic elements were used but sometimes not always to contribute the understanding of the concept. But actually the navigation and the flow are very effective. All the pieces are clear to the learner. If we continue with the mechanical aspects, there isn't enough links that related to the content.
The first part we have the introduction part. Motivational effectiveness of introduction isn't enough. Cognitive effectiveness of the introduction, the introduction builds on learner's prior knowledge and effectively prepares the learner what the lesson is about.
Then comes the task part. The connection of task to standards are well produced. The cognitive level of the task is doable but is limited in its significance to students' lives.
Thirdly we have the process part. The clarity of process; every step is clearly stated. The scaffolding of process; the process provides students coming in at different entry level with strategies and organizational tools to access and gain the knowledge needed to complete the task. And the richness of process; different roles are assigned to help students understand different perspectives.
The resource part aren't included to the webquest. Resources are very important for web-based assignment. Because the learners may get lost without any resource.
Finally, the evaluation part, criteria for success are clearly stated in the form of a rubric. The rubric has four criteria (content, punctuation, grammatical use and diction use). So the instructor can score the webquest easily. So at the end of this critics, rate is 31 out of 50 regarding to the rubric given on edmodo.
See you next week! :)