Implementing Your WebQuest in the Classroom
High School Implementation
WebQuests can be a valuable tool for constructing knowledge
for the high school student, if they are implemented effectively and efficiently.
While the General Strategies covered by this module are good practices,
applicable for both elementary and high school classes, the following recommendations
are important for the high school age student.
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While some of your students may be more technologically advanced
than you, others may be lacking in the most basic skills, or have developped
bad habits as regards the appropriate use of technology. Take the
time to inform them of your expectations in terms of behavior. After
assessing their skill level, take the time, if necessary, to review the
required skills.
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Make sure that you inform your students how you expect them
to access technology and whether or not they may have to perform parts
of the WebQuest on their own time.
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Define time limits (but be prepared to extend them due to
technical difficulties or access limitations)
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Make sure that your WebQuest is not simply "busy work."
Discuss with your class how the WebQuest fits in with your curriculum,
what the cross-disciplinary connections are (how it may relate to their
other classes).
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High school students can be brutal--make sure that you can
perform the tasks, both technologically and curricularly that you expect
of them.
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Many high school students are experts at toggling between
screens of where they "should" be and and where they "want" to be.
As you circulate and view their computer screens, check their taskbars
to ensure that they are not accessing problematic websites.
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Many high school students believe that they are more technologically
adept than they actually are. It is in your best interest to address
the repercussions of prohibited actions. They will:
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Change the desktop wallpaper to their current favorite teen
idol
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Download and play music
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Play computer games when they think you are not looking or
paying attention
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Print all types of completely unnecessary documents
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Secretly eat and drink in the computer lab
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Use instant messaging to gossip with their friends
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Spend the entire class time on e-mail
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Change the computer settings
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Save files to the hard drive instead of to their disks
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Develop a feedback form (paper or on-line) for the reporting
of broken links, technological difficulties and great related links that
the students have discovered. Click below for a model. (Use
the "Back" button on the browser to return to this page when you have finished.)