Webquests

WebQuests involve the instructor setting up controlled interactive experiences that allow students to learn through research and creativity. WebQuests encourage higher-level thinking in that students must seek the information on their own and then use that information to create an original piece of work.  They also provide a form of learning that is different from the way students may be expecting or are used to. When placed online by the instructor, students are able to access Webquests from any location, allowing them to research and work on assignments away from the classroom if needed. The following WebQuest was made for a High School Theatre classroom and involves students using the internet to research the elements of Greek Theatre and then completing a project based on what they have learned:

Greek Theatre WebQuest

Greek Theatre: A Journey to the Past

Name: Justin Whitt	Date: 10/29/2010
WebQuest Title: “Greek Theatre: A Journey to the Past	Grade/Level: 11th Grade Theatre
TN State Learning Accomplishments: -       5.4: Examine historical motifs and themes of theatre -       6.4: Understand elements of various art forms -       8.1: Understand Dramatic conventions and theatre genres throughout history
NETS-S Performance Indicators:  -       3b: Students locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media. -       4b: Students plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project -       6a: Students understand and use technology systems
NETS-T Performance Indicators:  -       1a: Teachers promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. -       2a: Teachers design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. -       4a: Teachers advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
TN State Computer Technology Learning Accomplishments: -       3.1:  Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. -       5.1: Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
Essential Question: At the completion of this WebQuest, it is expected that students will have an understanding of the elements of Classical Greek Drama. This lesson covers Greek theatres, Greek masks, Greek playwrights, and other aspects needed to be able to participate in the production of a Greek play. Students are also expected to be able to give a brief presentation explain their projects and why they chose them.
Description of the ‘relative advantage’ of any and all technology being used in this lesson: High school theatre textbooks cover an enormous amount of information and thus can only touch briefly on each. To take the information located in a Webquest and assemble it into something for students to read would be very time-consuming and not nearly as interesting. Additionally, it would be very costly for an instructor to make copies of all of the information and photographs for every student. A WebQuest allows the student to have full access to this information whenever he or she wishes. Also, the student is able to work at his or her own pace, an important aspect to consider given the individual learning needs of students. WebQuests also allow the instructor and students to be creative and think outside of the box. Since students have the option of deciding on their project topic, different learning styles are properly addressed.