Lab 07: Creating a Lesson Using Internet Resources

Description: One of the most common lessons that uses Internet resurces is a Webquest. A Webquest is an "inquiry-oriented activity in which most or all of the information used by learners is drawn from the Web." Students accomplish a task established by the teacher using resources from websites. Some activities involve students searching for their own resources; others have the teacher compiling a number of links to present to the class as part of the lesson.

A number of organizations offer teachers free online tools for building web sites for use in their curriculum. We will be using a service provided by www.4teachers.org called TRACKSTAR. TRACKSTAR is a web-based interface that helps teachers organize and annotate websites (URLs) into lessons. Using TRACKSTAR, you will be able to create a resources site for your Webquest.

Reading: Integrating Technology for Meaningful Learning, pp. 232-241.
Applications/Equipment Used: Windows OS, Microsoft Word, Web Browser.
Skills: Word Processing, Using Search Engines, Copying and Pasting URLs.
Lessons: none.

Links:
Some Thoughts About Webquests - by Bernie Dodge, San Diego State University, developer of the webquest model back in 1995.
Webquest Template PDF - Describes the six standard headings for a webquest, from G. C. Clark, University of Notre Dame, May 2001.
Sample Webquests - Examples of Webquests archived by webquest.org.
www.4teachers.org - A non-profit organization that helps teachers develop skills and opportunities for teachers to integrate technology into curriculum.
TRACKSTAR homepage - Resource developed by www.4teachers.org helping teachers create web pages, which organize and annotate websites into lessons.

Lab Procedure :

1. Using the Webquest template, create a Webquest for a topic of your choosing. Be sure to label the six standard headings of your webquest: Introduction, Task, Process, Resources, Evaluation and Conclusion. For resources, be sure to provide at least five websites, each with an annotation and the URL.
2. Save your Webquest in a word document appropriately named (jones_lab07.doc) with your last name, email address, and the lab number at the top of the document.
   
3. Send your word document to my AC230 Digital Dropbox on York’s Blackboard. The subject line should give your name and the lab number (Frank Jones Lab 07).