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Creating WebQuests
Technologically, creating a WebQuest can be very simple. As long as you can create a document with hyperlinks, you can
create a WebQuest. That means that a WebQuest can be created in Word, Powerpoint, and even Excel! If you're going to call
it a WebQuest, though, be sure that it has all the critical attributes.
A real WebQuest....
- is wrapped around a doable and interesting task that is ideally a scaled down version of things that adults do as citizens
or workers.
- requires higher level thinking, not simply summarizing. This includes synthesis, analysis, problem-solving, creativity
and judgment.
- makes good use of the web. A WebQuest that isn't based on real resources from the web is probably just a traditional lesson
in disguise. (Of course, books and other media can be used within a WebQuest, but if the web isn't at the heart of the lesson,
it's not a WebQuest.)
- isn't a research report or a step-by-step science or math procedure. Having learners simply distilling web sites and making
a presentation about them isn't enough.
- isn't just a series of web-based experiences. Having learners go look at this page, then go play this game, then go here
and turn your name into hieroglyphs doesn't require higher level thinking skills and so, by definition, isn't a WebQuest.
WebQuest Templates
 The old-school way of creating a WebQuest is to download a template that includes prompts for each section, open it up in
a web editor, write your heart out, save it and then upload it to a server somewhere. Lots of effort on purely tech-y things
required, and that effort often displaces the time needed to create good pedagogy. Still, if you already know how to use Dreamweaver or Nvu, templates are the way to go. Here are some sources:
You might find some very old (1997-ish) templates out there (like this) that have separate sections for Resources and Learning Advice. My advice: don't use these. A decade of experience has shown
us that those things are much better sprinkled within the Process section.
Once you have a template you like, just follow the steps in the WebQuest Design Process.
QuestGarden
 To make it easier to create great WebQuests without having to master a web editor, QuestGarden was created by Bernie Dodge. QuestGarden provides step-by-step direction and examples. Supporting documents in Inspiration, Word, PowerPoint, etc can
be attached to your WebQuest. Hosting is provided, and you can also download a zipped archive of your lesson and move it to
another server. Subscribers can also start with an existing WebQuest created by one of QuestGarden's 52000 members and modify
it easily to meet their needs. You can find more information here and enter the site here. Cost: $20 for 2 year subscription. 30-day free trial.
Sample WebQuests created with QuestGarden:
Other Online Authoring Systems
| Site |
Description |
| Filamentality |
Filamentality is a fill-in-the-blank tool that guides you through picking a topic, searching the Internet, gathering good
Internet links, and turning them into online learning activities. Support is built-in along the way through Mentality Tips.
In the end, you'll create a web-based activity you can share with others even if you don't know anything about HTML or serving
web pages. Cost: Free. Sample Product: Italian Unification |
| Instant WebQuest |
InstantWebquest is a web based software for creating WebQuests in a short time. When you use InstantWebQuest, you will
not need any of writing HTML code or using any web editor software. InstantWebQuest creates all the necessary files and puts
them into the server free. Cost: $0. Sample product: The Fantastic Four and World War III |
| PHPWebQuest |
PHP Webquest is a Webquest Generator that allows teachers to create webquests without the need of writing any HTML code
or using web page editors. The program supports images uploading, and resizes images is neccesary. A HTML editor is provided
in order to format the texts for the pages. Cost: Free. Must be installed on your own server. Sample project: La Catedral de Madrid |
| TeacherWeb |
Online tool for creating simple WebQuests, especially appropriate for younger elementary students. Cost: $27/year. Sample
product: Colonial America |
http://webquest.org/index-create.php
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