WebQuests: The Short and Long of it

February is the shortest month, even in this once-in-every-four-centuries extra leap year. What better time to focus on short WebQuests. How short can they get and still provide a worthwhile learning experience? Is an hour enough? Join Bernie and June Dodge for a look at WebQuests of munchkin size.

TappedIn Transcript - February 24, 2000

Started recording in After School Online Room (#1460)[TappedIn]
at Thu Feb 24 17:28:08 2000 PST.

Judi [to Bernie]: "want to introduce yourself first?"

BernieD says, "sure."

Judi exclaims, "We're honored to have Bernie here!"

BernieD projects AboutB.

Judi smiles

Judi projects Judi.

Judi Fusco--a researcher interested in studying and using virtual communities. Judi is the community activities director here in TAPPED IN. She loves to help teachers get started in TAPPED IN. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to let her know.

Judi asks, "Sue?"

Judi asks, "Mike?"

Judi asks, "Debbie?"

Judi asks, "Marcia?"

JanetN arrives from nowhere.

Judi asks, "Shayne?"

Judi hopes you're all typing an intro...

ShayneR says, "I am a school librarian-- 5th and 6th grades in New Jersey. I was in Bernie's online WebQuest course last summer."

Judi says, "We introduce our selves because we're a community... and it helps us help you better."

Marcia [guest] says, "Hi I'm Marcia. I teach in Toledo, OH. I have used some borrowed and adapted web quests."

BernieD exclaims, "and did a great job!"

Judi smiles at Shayne and Marcia

Judi asks, "BJ?"

BJB says, "I'm an art teacher in Pennsylvania and a HelpDesk volunteer here at TAPPED IN"

DebbieBsays, "I teach middle school Social Studies in Diamond Bar. I'm a TTTer."

JanetN says, "I'm Jan - doctoral student, Akron. Science educ. I was in TWW1."

Judi [to Debbie]: "good to see you!"

Judi smiles at Janet and her new personal recorder.

BernieD [to JanetN]: "welcome!"

SueMR says, "I am a tech Integrator. I help teachers integrate computers into the curriculum."

KarenEt has arrived.

Judi says, "hi Karen... We were just finishing Intros....."

Judi asks, "want to say who you are and what you teach?"

PatrickCo finds his way in.

KarenEt says, "I teach special ed students 4 - 6 in Manassas"

Judi waves to Patrick

Judi says, "hi Patrick... We were just finishing Intros....."

Judi asks, "want to say who you are and what you teach?"

Judi says, "and then we'll turn the show back to Bernie...."

PatrickCo says, "I am currently an Intern teaching Science as well as a student teacher in a second grade classroom"

Judi exclaims, "thanks!"

Judi hands the Mike to Bernie

Judi . o O ( microphone )

BernieD projects Short01.

BernieD asks, "anyone?"

PatrickCo asks, "???"

BernieD says, "go patrick"

Judi [to Patrick]: "do you know about WebQuests?"

PatrickCo says, "no"

DebbieBsays, "All the roles are fun, but they extend the length of the Quest"

Judi [to Bernie]: "want me to flash my quick definition?"

Judi [to Bernie]: "from your site?"

BernieD [to Judi]: "sure"

PatrickCo says, "yes"

MikeO [guest] has arrived.

Judi projects wq4.

Judi projects wq5.

BernieD asks, "Is that enough to get you started, Patrick?"

Judi says, "and today's question is about length...."

PatrickCo says, "yes but give me a moment to digest it"

Judi smiles at Patrick

Judi says, "digest away."

BernieD says, "And Debbie suggests that the roles make WebQuests longer, so perhaps they could go."

DebbieB says, "We have 11 units to cover in 7th grade, plus all the other stuff. Three days would be a perfect length."

BernieD asks, "Any other ideas?"

JanetN says, "A short WQ can be used to supplement material covered in class, enrichment or homework"

KarenEt says, "I agree with three days."

BernieD says, "true, Janet. Short is good."

SueMR says, "3 days for a short one, six weeks for a long one"

DebbieB says, "If they are too short, they're more like scavenger hunts"

BernieD asks, "Yes! So how short can they be?"

Judi [to Patrick]: "would it be helpful to see some example webquests (I can show you a matrix with lots of them)"

KarenEt says, "I have designed WebQuests with lots of links for students to use, worksheets, etc. They learn lots more when I have done a lot of the work ahead of time."

Marcia [guest] asks, "Does day mean class period or moe time?"

PatrickCo says, "yes"

SueMR says, "Use a short WEBQUEST as an introduction to the topic"

BernieD says, "Class period, usually."

BernieD exclaims, "Is everyone comfortable with projecting pages here? Speak up now!"

DebbieB says, "yes"

SueMR says, "yes"

Marcia [guest] says, "try it and we'lll see"

ShayneR says, "go ahead"

PatrickCo says, "yes"

BernieD projects Short02.

JanetN says, "getting up to speed"

BernieD projects Short02P.

BernieD says, "Take a few minutes to look it over. Don't click too far away."

Judi likes this page

BernieD asks, "This exercise takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including about 30 minutes of discussion at the end. That's pretty short, eh?"

Laura_B arrives from nowhere.

MikeO [guest] has arrived.

PatrickCo asks, "I scanned the page and bookmarked it for later. Do you have a 6th grade version?"

SueMR says, "It's a great page to introduce and experience the concept of Webquests. I have seen it used in "Computers in Education" classes."

ShayneR says, "two hours would take about 3 class periods, so that's about what we thought in terms of length"

BernieD says, "Not exactly, Patrick, on the WebQuest page there's one for middle and high school combined."

Judi [to MikeO [guest]]: "can you see this?"

BernieD asks, "So, for this short WebQuest, what's missing that you usually find in a longer one?"

JanetN says, "[to Judi] I am not seeing this page."

DebbieBsays, "A project of some kind"

Judi [to JanetN]: "let me try showing it to you again...."

Judi shows JanetN the URL:

http://webquest.sdsu.edu/webquestwebquest-3-4.html

ShayneR asks, "a rubric or evaluation component?"

BernieD says, "Debbie, correcto! It just ends in a spirited discussion and debriefing. No products."

DebbieBsays, "And an extension; a take it somewhere"

BernieD says, "And yes, we don't evaluate it because it's an interim experience designed to prepare the learners for other things."

JanetN whispers "no page visible. i had trouble earlier with BJ so i went text client and then a web window.

BernieD says, "Let's look at another example."

BernieD projects Short03.

BernieD says, "Everyone take a minute just to read the definition of a miniquest, por favor."

JanetN whispers "Ok so I do that each time a new URL is projected?

BernieD asks, "Everyone with me? Should we slow down?"

JanetN whispers "got it. Thanks.

Marcia [guest] says, "OK"

SueMR exclaims, "Got it!"

KarenEt says, "I'm fine."

BernieD says, "Everyone else? (My Captain Midnight camera isn't working so I can't see if you're dazed."

ShayneR says, "me too"

Judi smiles

PatrickCo says, "I got it"

DebbieB nods

Laura_B nods I'm with you...

BernieD says, "Great! Let's look at an example miniquest, then."

MikeO [guest] says, "Text OK. URLs not so good."

BernieD projects Short04.

BernieD asks, "Take a couple of minutes to look it over. Is it a WebQuest?"

Marcia [guest] says, "Not your standard form with all the parts."

BernieD says, "True enough, Marcia."

PatrickCo asks, "Could a web quest only have three links and still be sufficiently challenging?"

BernieD says, "Hmmm.. good question."

BernieD asks, "Does this quest require transformation of information, or is it just regurgitating?"

Marcia [guest] says, "There is a lot of info included on this page that might be on links in another web quest."

JanetN says, "mostly lover level thinking required from the students"

JanetN exclaims, "I mean, lower!"

Laura_B says, "It does have an authentic problem to solve..."

BernieD exclaims, "Lover level? Interesting!"

ShayneR says, "steps one through three remind me of a worksheet"

Marcia [guest] says, "Product Doesn't mean much"

BernieD says, "True,Laura."

JanetN says, "shallow."

SueMR says, "It is more like a quiz."

BernieD says, "But short! And we started out agreeing that short is good, at least sometimes."

Marcia [guest] says, "A hunt would expose them to more varies info."

BernieD says, "I think the very last item, making a change in Sean's diet, goes a little beyond the quiz level, though."

Laura_B says, "...it guides students through a set of web resources...that is one of the purposes of a miniquest...definitely more thana quiz..."

SueMR says, "I agree."

BernieD says, "OK... let's look at one more example before we try to clarify what's good and short vs. just short."

ShayneR says, "yes, it tries to give the student a chance to apply the information he just collected (the last question, that is)"

BernieD projects Short05.

Laura_B says, "it gives specific sites for students to use....in a controlled way...and for a specific purpose..."

BernieD asks, "So what do we think about this one?"

KarenEt has disconnected.

ShayneR exclaims, "this looks like your basic research assignment to me. I see this one every week!"

BernieD asks, "How is it different from the other one?"

PatrickCo says, "It opens more possibilites for the students, especially step 2"

Marcia [guest] says, "Choices for the student on product."

BernieD says, "True... designing a book cover calls for aome amount of transformation."

BernieD asks, "Other comments?"

ShayneR says, "both of these quests have been individual projects, not group projects"

Marcia [guest] says, "No evaluation process listed."

SueMR says, "It is structured; yet it covers alot of territory and uses a wide variety of resources."

DebbieB says, "Seems to be mostly regurgitation"

BernieD says, "I agree, with all that."

SueMR says, "requires a rubric maybe"

ShayneR says, "students are not using the information to create anything that is uniquely theirs"

JanetN says, "decisions must be made by students about what info. to use and how to use it in the product"

PatrickCo says, "It is simply web search practice"

Laura_B says, "it gives the student several choices...articles, searching for web sites...they control their own research..."

BernieD asks, "But is doing research doing a WebQuest?"

MikeO [guest] says, "The book cover is closer to a WebQuest. The first product is basically a scavenger hunt. Good for the efficiency exoert"

ShayneR says, "it's only part of doing a WebQuest"

DebbieBsays, "Not really. Not inquiry based"

BernieD says, "Let's try to tie some loose ends together now."

BernieD projects Short06.

PatrickCo says, "Webquest is the means not the product"

SueMR says, "Use this miniquest before starting the formal webquests"

SueMR asks, "where is the process?"

BernieD says, "Maybe the whole thing is the process."

BernieD says, "Well... it seems to me that..."

Laura_B says, "They are all ways to organize educational topics and provide possible resources for students..."

BernieD says, "these things can vary on how much of a product we expect."

DebbieBsays, "They all have the basic components of a WebQuest"

BernieD says, "Sometimes the end result is just an informed discussion, as in the WebQUest about WebQUests."

Marcia [guest] says, "If a web quest is a process - is it necessary to use all parts in everyone? This reminds me of Big6 model discussions."

MikeO [guest] says, "and what type of product we expect"

Laura_B asks, "don't they have different components, depending on the type?"

DebbieBsays, "the learning is the purpose, but the product"

BernieD says, "I'm OK with minimizing some of the usual components if we're going for short."

DebbieB says, "Oops- not the product"

BernieD says, "We could drop roles from the process, or even drop groups of any kind."

DebbieBsays, "the full-length quest ican be a bit daunting for 7th grade"

BernieD says, "We can minimize the number of URLs the kids look at."

DebbieB says, "we could use only one site"

Laura_B nods

BernieD says, "To me, though, it's not a WebQuest if all we're asking for is the answer to closed-ended questions."

JanetN says, "Maybe you could call this a stimulation webquest - to initiate a unit or set the stage."

Judi asks, "would you say the transformation of knowledge is what is at the heart of WebQuests?"

MikeO [guest] says, "I kind of like the roles, it gives some students 'starter'"

BernieD says, "yup, Judi."

SueMR says, "these miniquests are great for younger students."

DebbieBsays, "maybe it needs another name- not webquest"

Marcia [guest] asks, "What about in lower grades - amount of transformation?"

DebbieB says, "I like miniquest"

BernieD asks, "How about mini-WebQuest?"

BernieD says, "Or WebQuickie"

Judi says, "mwq for those of us who like Acronymns"

Marcia [guest] asks, "Does it need a name?"

DebbieBsays, "it's simply a lesson put online"

BernieD exclaims, "Yes! Names are important or we'll never know what we're talking about to each other!"

Laura_B says, "but more than a lesson..."

Marcia [guest] says, "It's more than a lesson. - more than gathering facts."

MikeO [guest] says, "How about a WebJaunt"

SueMR says, "I like the name Mini WebQuest."

BernieD says, "I like that, Mike."

BernieD says, "WebStroll."

BJB says, "what about QuickQuest"

CynthiaM has arrived.

Marcia [guest] says, "I like mini Web Quest or miniquest to relate to longer Web Quests.'"

Laura_B says, "but more than a lesson...BJ, that is a good one...:)"

PatrickCo goes OUT.

BernieD says, "Yes, branding is important."

JanetN nods at BJB in agreement.

BernieD says, "QuickQuest as opposed to WebSand."

MikeO [guest] exclaims, "Good one!"

BJB [HelpDesk] grins

BernieD says, "well... the clock on the wall says..."

JanetN asks, "already?"

BernieD says, "well...soon."

CynthiaM asks, "could I get a transcript since I came too late?"

PatrickCo has arrived.

Marcia [guest] exclaims, "I am really looking forward to hearing Bernie at MACUL in a couple weeks!"

BJB [to Cynthia]: "a transcript will be put in the emailer"

CynthiaM says, "thanks"

BernieD says, "I'm looking forward to going back to MACUL. Haven't been there in 12 years."

MikeO [guest] says, "I think it is impoortant, no matter how long the quest is, that the student(s) be tasked to do some higher order thinking. Anyone can copy facts."

BernieD asks, "Any other comments or related questions? Ideas for next month?"

JanetN exclaims, "[to Marcia] Lucky you!"

SueMR asks, "What does MACUL stand for?"

PatrickCo has lost his link.

CynthiaM [to BJB]: ""no"

Marcia [guest] says, "Wish I could attend the workshop on Wed."

DebbieB says, "I'd like a transcript, too. But to

BernieD says, "It's Michigan's statewide CUE conference."

Marcia [guest] says, "MACUL Michigan Ass of Users of Computer in Learning or close."

PeggyLH finds her way in.

Laura_B [to Bernie]: "would you have any other websites on miniquests?"

JanetN says, "Where and when is it? Michigan isn't that far away."

DebbieBasks, "Will you be at SoCal's CUE conference in May?"

Marcia [guest] says, "I didn't get the last one - 06"

PatrickCo has connected.

BernieD says, "I'm going to work on some guidelines and templates for a mini-WQ. Watch for it soon."

DebbieBasks, "Her at tappedin?"

Marcia [guest] says, "Grand Rapids - March 9 & 10 www.macul.org. for info"

BernieD [to DebbieB]: "Sure."

JanetN says, "Lots of us will appreciate your efforts, Bernie."

SueMR says, "Thanks Bernie. I like the idea of Short Quests."

BernieD says, "It will be on the Training Materials page on the WQ site."

DebbieBsays, "This will make quests much more viable for me."

Judi [to Debbie]: "will you be at the ACT CUE conference in Pasadena in March?"

BernieD says, "Thank you all for coming. I hope to see some of you face to face soon."

Judi thanks Bernie

Marcia [guest] says, "I try to say HI."

MikeO [guest] says, "Thamks Bernie"

SueMR says, "Your ideas are innovative. I hope more teachers use and/or create their own webquests."

DebbieBsays, "No, but I'll be at SGVCUE this Saturday."

JanetN says, "Thanks a bunch, Bernie. Say hi to June."

Laura_B thank you , Bernie :)

BernieD exclaims, "Nite all.!"

ShayneR says, "thanks, Bernie. Tell June I said hi."

BJB [HelpDesk] applauds another great session...thanks Bernie

SueMR says, "Thank you again, Bernoe"

Marcia [guest] says, "Nite - thanks all."

BernieD says, "Will do. She's stuck in traffic right now."

DebbieBsays, "Thanks, Bernie"

Judi says, "bummer"

ShayneR goes OUT.

PatrickCo says, "thank you for the discussion"

SueMR has disconnected.

MikeO [guest] goes OUT.

Laura_B goes home.

Stopped recording in After School Online Room (#1460) at Thu Feb 24 18:30:26 2000 PST.

BernieD has disconnected.