Webquests

check: http://ellt2010-11.wikispaces.com/WebQuests example: https://sites.google.com/site/jahncoswig/ (more ideas below)

= guided web-adventure solved by students in a classroom (stationary work with computers)

(+) "soft" introduction to online research (control over sources) (+) re-usable (+) student autonomy! (-) extra workload: selecting sources (-) little control: work possibly little effective -> self-evaluation! (-) information overload? (-) copyright? - publish results?

guidance

 * research questions + how should they be answered
 * selected sources (keep links up to date!)
 * skills (social/technical): research, evaluate, ...

procedure

 * 1) intro
 * task: what? how? why (aim & importance)? make it relevant! long-term: students understand the long-term goals, no further instruction necessary
 * groups
 * 1) research
 * 2) presentation
 * 3) evaluation/reflection/discussion
 * evaluate research outcomes, guarantee for comparable student's notes
 * evaluate presentations

how to make it work/interesting?
make it relevant, turn historical figures into human beings, storytelling approach (take on the role of a contemporary)

ideas
Plan a 2-week trip around the USA! Plan a wedding!