In this assignment you will conduct an in-depth evaluation of one of the WebQuests located in the matrix of examples on the WebQuest page.

You should begin by reading Some Thoughts About WebQuests to get an idea about what Bernie Dodge had in mind when he created this framework for teaching with the web.

Following you should examine some WebQuests within the context of the tasks that students perform. Read A Taskonomy of Tasks and take some time to look at the examples given. (Note: This article includes many active links to WebQuest sites--it's best to read it online.) The objective in having you read this is for you to get some ideas about different approaches to WebQuests that you might want to pursue in your own WebQuest.

You are also encouraged to look through the wealth of materials available through the WebQuest Page (as time permits).

Next, browse the Matrix of Examples in the age group of your choice. Again, think about what you think makes for a good, engaging WebQuest. When you've found one that you think is really good, proceed with the following WebQuest evaluation described below.

WebQuest Evaluation (50 points)

1: Description: List the title of the WebQuest, it's URL, and its target grade level and subject area. Then in one detailed paragraph, give a brief overview of the WebQuest including the type of tasks that students perform as described in A Taskonomy of Tasks. (10 points)

2. Evaluation Rubric: Print out a copy of the WebQuest Evaluation Rubric. Mark your ratings, and support your ratings with your rationale for each one. The topics on the rubric are printed below and can be pasted into a word processor document. (20 points)

3. Recommendation- Would you use it? Who might use it? How could it be improved? (one detailed paragraph; 10 points)

4. Assessment of the Rubric: Assess the evaluation rubric. Does it provide a good set of criteria by which to evaluate web-based learning activities? Are there any areas of the rubric that should be added or modified? (one detailed paragraph; 10 points)

Drop Box: Your completed word processor document should be saved as a web page (i.e., an html file) and passed into the drop box.. Title the document, WQyourlastname.html and submit it to the dropbox on or before February 10 at 4:00 PM. 

Below is a word processor version of the rubric that might prove helpful.

Directions: Refer to the complete rubric and fill in your numeric ratings followed by comments to support your choices. Your completed rubric should be neatly formatted with spaces between each section.

Overall Aesthetics

Overall Visual Appeal

Navigation & Flow

Mechanical Aspects

Introduction

Motivational Effectiveness of Introduction

Cognitive Effectiveness of the Introduction

Task

Connection of Task to Standards

Cognitive Level of the Task

Process

Clarity of Process

Scaffolding of Process

Richness of Process

Resources

Relevance & Quantity of Resources

Quality of Resources

Evaluation

Clarity of Evaluation Criteria

Total Score