The WebQuest assignment has been a great distraction from the overwhelming discussions because it forces me to get back to what I enjoy doing. My focus for the WebQuest is the Scientific Method. Ironically, this is one of my weakest units in my curriculum. Yet it is one of the most important units in science because it creates the foundation of scientific inquiry, which is the premises of science. After writing my WebQuest proposal, I was ready to dive into the project full force. I did use QuestGarden.com to help guide me through building my WebQuest. The only previous experience I had with WebQuests was back in undergrad and I do not remember taking much from the lesson. Probably mostly due to the fact that I had no real application for the WebQuest. However, this has been a much different experience and much better considering I am able to work on improving my Scientific Method unit.
QuestGarden is an excellent template for designing WebQuests. While designing your WebQuest, Quest Garden periodically has you stop to reflect to ensure you are proceeding in the right direction with your design. The most challenging aspect of the WebQuest was finding good online resources that were grade level appropriate. QuestGarden attempts to help with this process. However, I did find that I had to search the internet myself in order to find my resources. Some of the better resources available are through educational sites such as Glencoe McGraw-Hill and Ohio Resource Center. There are other great sites with resources, but those are two that I found to be useful for my WebQuest.
I'd like to end this blog on a more positive note than last weeks. I do feel like I am finally making progress in this class and feeling less overwhelmed by focusing on the task at hand. I cannot control the discussion boards and the overwhelming number of postings. But I can focus on completing my work with the big projects and making sure I am learning as I need to in this course.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI looked at your webquest today. You did a wonderful job. It looked professional yet appropriate for 5th graders.
I especially liked the problem you gave your students.
I would change only one tiny thing. The navigation color you have chosen is red on a blue background which is very difficult to read, especially for the visually impaired, especially those with seeing color. If you are interested, see: http://www.lighthouse.org/accessibility/design/accessible-print-design/effective-color-contrast
Mary Anne,
ReplyDeleteThanks! I didn't even think of that. I was so focused on making sure I had the right content that I overlooked the design aspect. Thanks for pointing that out!