Are you a good blog, or a bad blog? Part 1

The Good Blog

This was one of the first blogs I saw when looking for Webquests. I was lucky to land on a winner right from the get-go. Don't get me wrong...it still has it's flaws. Let's go through each criteria a successful Webquest needs and if this one hits it.

Usability:

Out of all the links needed for the Webquest, it seems all but two work. The two are additional resources that the students don't need. They are just for self exploration of a topic. My issue with the links is the vast majority of them did not open into a new page. While it was easy to navigate for me, its likely it won't be for a student.

My biggest issue is in the text of the anticipatory page and the assignment page. The font size is fine, as the font colors too. However, the background color is a rough neon-like yellow that hurts to read. The reason for the yellow is to make the pages look like written stationary.

The point of the lesson was mentioned in the begining. The creater decided to write it as a politican writing to a soldier, so it may be hard to see at first. After reading it the second time, the reason was clear. The directions were also quite straight forward. The author used that character-writing, but I predict a student would find that more fun/funny that confusing.

Besides the font colors and background colors, the materials are easy to read.The questor can find everything they need right on the WebQuest sight.

Mechanics:

There are no major spelling erroes, and the pages contain now grammatical errors. As mentioned above, almost all links work properly. Finally...each webpage works well with the time period it is trying to represent.

Content:

Is the lesson grounded in state and/or national standards?

This lesson blends well with the state standards for New York. For both middle and high school standards, a understanding of aspects of the American Revoluion is mandatory. These can also be applied to the NCSS themes.

This WebQuest could easily be used for either High School or Middle School social studies classes.

Time management is one area that I feel might be a flaw in the WebQuest. The quest involves students investigating multiple aspects of the war. I personally don't think this would work in a regular 42 minute class period. A block schedule would work perfectly.

 The websites used provide students with accurate and appropriate information, for the Websites that work of course.

The process helps the students complete the tasks assigned in the quest.

This is definitely a inquiry-based lesson as it involes a students to investigate and discover on their own.

Does the WQ add to the student’s overall educational experience?

 the rubric clearly and objectively assess learning goals and objectives. The rubric is really one of the best things in this WebQuest. I love how detailed it is. It is close to impossible for a student to not know how they got the grade they got.