Project #3 was a group project that involved creating a webquest.  Katie S., Kelsey, Kelly, and I worked together to create a webquest based on chapters 12-16 in Wolf Journal by Brian A. Connolly.  We created the webquest for sixth graders so that they would be able to learn more from the book.  We decided to focus on tracking animals because the book focuses on tracking wolves.  This concept helps to connect science and literacy.  Using interdisciplinary education in this way helps the children to find a topic more relevant and also reinforces ideas.  We thought it would be good for the students to learn some more about tracking and get a chance to try it out. 

            We allowed the kids to do some research and find out more about tracking.  Then we had them try out tracking on their own following the directions on the webquest pages.  The webquest really allows students to use technology to learn for themselves instead of being lectured by a teacher.  The students are able to search for the information using computers all the while that they are guided by the actual webquest.  Students really learn how to navigate the internet as they use the webquest.  Webquests can be used all throughout elementary school with many different grades on a variety of topics.  They really lend themselves well to being flexible.  Students in upper grades could probably help to create a webquest.  Students in sixth grade might be able to work with groups to create a webquest depending on their knowledge of the technology.  If they were advanced users of technology, they might be able to create mini webquests for their peers. 

            We worked together to create many different webpages that fit together in one webquest.  It was nice to be able to split up the work because a webquest is very involved.  After I started working on the teacher page, I realized just how much goes into the webquest.  After we were each done with our pages, Katie put them all together into one webquest.  Then, she transferred the files on to my flash drive so that I could upload it onto my website.  We had to search the internet for pictures and good websites to use.  Probably the most helpful thing was the webquest template that we used.  It was a perfect outline of what should be on a webquest and was easy to follow.  After everything was finished, we used WS_FTP to upload the webpages onto our sites. 

            All of the pages are connected and the links work within the webquest.  All of the information flows from page to page.  All of the pictures are also linked correctly.  Once all of the technical parts work, it should be easy for the students to use.  To improve our webquest I would spice it up a little bit.  I would just add more detail to the pages and make them more appealing.  I think that all of the information is there and that it does not really need changing.  Overall, this webquest experience really helped me to improve my NVU skills and helped me learn more table making skills.  I think that I could definitely use this concept later in my career as it is so versatile.