Wikis and WebQuests

This week in class, we focused on WebQuests and Wikis. We all got into groups (mine was a group of two other Elementary Education students), and created a Wiki about a particular gemstone. Our group chose the gem, Ruby. Then, we answered a few questions regarding Rubies, which is what our Inquiry Projects will be modeled after. For elementary-age students, 3 to 5 questions is sufficient. We were given a particular website (galleries.com) to use for our research. It is better for younger students to only be given one source for information, so they don't get confused or aren't searching a multitude of locations, which would be time-consuming. I found it very useful to use the Wiki because all the members of our group were able to go in and edit/add information without having to be in the same place. We could gather information independently and then, present it in one central location. We answered questions regarding the gem: what it looked like, where it could be found, interesting facts, etc. A Wiki would be difficult to use in young elementary-age students because they would need a certain level of technology knowledge and skill before they could be successful. I think Wikis could start being used around 4th grade.

Our Inquiry Projects will be modeled after these Wikis that we completed as a group. They will include a resource from which the students can gather information. The topic that I chose was Native Americans, and I will include 5 questions about this content area. This will become more specific next week and will be based on a 4th grade-level Social Studies textbook.

We also learned how to evaluate WebQuests. First, we looked at a WebQuest About WebQuests. You must consider the website itself (any broken links, easy to read, grade level, reading level, format, etc.), whether it is a group or individual activity, how much time it takes and whether it uses time effectively, and whether it promotes higher-level thinking for the students. We used this website to search for WebQuests with the QuestGarden search. I am still in the process of finding some WebQuests that I could use in an elementary classroom, but once I do, I will add them to the Resources section of my website.