Students on a Quest!

Webquests can be a fabulous way to incorporate technology, research skills, and cooperation into you classroom, as well as add a change of pace to your normal lessons.  Here are some tips to help you create your first webquest!

1. Find a cool template online.  There are really cool webquest formats you can download online that will make it more intriguing to students.

2.  Be realistic about time.  It will require time for students to finish their webquest, so figure out how much time you'd like to spend and create the quest accordingly.

3.  Don't be too tricky.  I hate it when tests, webquests, worksheets, etc. try to trick students.  Make the questions straight forward enough so that they don't loose a ton of time second guessing or re-doing their answers.

4.  Add activity links into your webquest!  Liven up your webquest.  Have students complete these as part of the quest.  If all students are doing is reading a sheet of paper and answering questions, it will grow rather monotonous.

5. Add quotes and/or pictures!  Again, liven this quest up!  Add something more for students to see or read that remove them from the same activity over and over again.

6. Base the direction of your webquest off of the following questions: What is it that you want the learner to know, understand and be able to do at the end of this WebQuest?  What concepts should they understand? What skills should they have?

7. Gauge interest off of your interest.  Let's be real - if you think this webquest is boring, students will definitely think this webquest is boring.

8. Make the introduction attention-grabbing!  If students aren't hooked in the first few seconds doing this webquest, they are not likely to suddenly snap into interest.  The introduction should make students excited about the webquest.

 9.  Allow students to partner-up.  This is more using the webquest than creating the quest.  However, I'm going to add it anyway... Have students do longer webquests in teams and simply monitor to make sure that one person is not taking on the majority of the work. 

10. Use your resources.  If you need ideas, check out Webquest.org to gain inspiration and find additional tips.  

Any other tips or websites you've found helpful in creating a great webquest?  Post ideas or links below!