When creating computer-based instructional objects for students to use independently, additional considerations need to be made. These considerations need to include what websites should be accessible for the students. Considering the age group, the students probably shouldn't be doing intense reading, and the website shouldn't be over-whelming as to distract the students from the information they should be trying to find. The educator should also consider where the website or links on the StAIR project leads the students. Do they lead the students somewhere that the students shouldn't be? Does it lead the students somewhere that is off-task and distracting for the students?
A good WebQuest that I found having to do with a content area I taught last year (I don't teach specific curriculum this year) has to do with the moon affecting the pull of the tides. The website is http://www.internet4classrooms.com/tide.htm . I thought this was a really good WebQuest because it actually has the students researching in a way that doesn't feel like research. It has them acting as if they are trying to solve a mystery. It keeps them well on-track and gives them specific questions to answer in order to be able to solve the overall question. Please go here and check it out!
Wow, that moon WebQuest is really involved! But I do think it is interesting, and would be good for older students! I love that their final product requires the students to use technology!
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I like the idea of research that doesn't feel like research. I attempted this strategy in my webQuest, but working it in for lower grades was a bit difficult. I'll check out the moon and tide site to get ideas for making my webQuest better.
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