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| Name: Linda Braswell | Date: July 2, 2001 |
| WebQuest Evaluated: Planet Web Quest | |
| Score | Explanation | |
| Overall Aesthetics (This refers to the WebQuest page itself, not the external resources linked to it.) | ||
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Overall visual appeal (0-2)
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The background of space and the animated graphics of the rocket and planets are attractive and help get the students motivated, but there is not too much to distract from the project information. The type is colorful, easy to read, and are used consistently. |
| Introduction | ||
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Motivational effectiveness of Introduction (0-2)
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The typical third grader's interest will be stimulated by the role playing of an astronaut on a mission. Terminology such as calling the teacher 'mission control' helps to stimulate the interest. The problem itself is not as motivating as it could be. The students will research and make a report to the class. |
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Cognitive effectiveness of the Introduction
(0-2) |
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The introduction references students' prior knowledge by assuming they know about planets and the solar system. It states that they will become 'experts' in one planet, explore it, and report their findings. Using a virtual postcard to summarize helps stimulate interest. |
| Task (The task is the end result of student efforts... not the steps involved in getting there.) | ||
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Cognitive level of the task (0-6)
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The task requires the students to reference various sources, compile the information on a fact sheet, and create a virtual postcard based on their knowledge. The postcard will allow for some creativity from the students. |
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Technical sophistication of task (0-2)
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The technical level of the task is not high. Students need to be able to navigate the internet, and send a virtual postcard with some knowledge of email addressing. |
| Process (The process is the step-by-step description of how students will accomplish the task.) | ||
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Clarity of Process (0-2)
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The steps of the process are clearly stated. Students should be able to follow the procedure step-by-step and know what to do next after finishing each step. A checklist is linked so that the students can print it and check off as they procedure through the process. I did notice one difference between the steps listed on the procedure and the steps listed on the checklist. Two steps were reversed on the checklist, not causing any problems to the completion of the task but might cause confusion to some students. |
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Richness of process (0-6)
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The students were grouped into teams of three, with each having an assignment. The process has the team work independently and then combine their efforts several times as they work through the steps. |
| Resources (Note: you should evaluate all resources linked to the page, even if they are in sections other than the Resources block. Also note that books, video and other offline resources can and should be used where appropriate.) | ||
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Quantity of resources (0-2)
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Each resource is a well written site with benefical information for the students to finish their tasks. Each planet has several linked sites for the students to follow. The virtual postcard site has cards with photos of the planets of our solar system for the students to select from in keeping with the topic. |
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Quality of resources (0-4)
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The links are mostly great NASA sites! The list of links is nicely divided into subsections by each planets name, allowing students to directly go to information about their planet without having to search through the whole site. The authors need to update the links. One of the NASA links appearing under each planets' section is not available anymore. The virtual postcard site has moved but can be located. |
| Evaluation | ||
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Clarity of Evaluation Criteria (0-2)
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The evaluation rubric was easy to read and the sections were clearly stated for how to earn maximum points. The rubic covers both the student behaviors duing the process and the product of the task. I would suggest that the top level include a statement to encourage creativity. Recognition of creativity is not stated anywhere on the rubric. |
| Total Score
(0-30) |
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I found the WebQuest to be well done. The process and evaluation were excellent. The introduction could be rewritten to 'spark' it up alittle to really excite the students,. Perhaps by encouraging the students to use their creativity when writing the postcard and making the final presentation they could enjoy the project very much while learning facts about the planes in our solar system. I plan to use this WebQuest in my computer lab with the third grade students during the marking period that they are studying the solar system in their homerooms. |