How to Enhance the Arts Using Technology
By Amber Urioste
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What is a Web Quest?
A Web Quest is an inquiry-oriented lesson
format in which most or all the information
that learners work with comes from the
web. The model was developed by Bernie
Dodge at San Diego State University.
A real Web Quest is wrapped around a doable and interesting task that is
ideally a scaled down version of things that adults do as citizens or workers
and requires higher level thinking, not simply summarizing.
This includes synthesis, analysis, problem-solving, creativity and judgment.
It makes good use of the web. A Web Quest that isn't based on real resources
from the web is probably just a traditional lesson in disguise. (Books and other
media can be used within a Web Quest, but if the web isn't at the heart of the
lesson, it's not a Web Quest.)
It isn't a research report or a step-by-step science or math procedure. Having
learners simply distilling web sites and making a presentation about them isn't
enough.
It isn't just a series of web-based experiences. Having learners go look at this
page, then go play this game, then go here and turn your name into
hieroglyphs doesn't require higher level thinking skills and so, by definition,
isn't a Web Quest.
By Bernie Dodge
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Decide on a task for
your students.
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Introduce the task
like a problem in a
challenging format
Use the web quest
format as follows:
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Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Conclusion
Credits/References
Teacher Page
A Future in the Arts
College Application & Portfolio Preparation
For The College Bound Art Student
A WebQuest For The Fine Arts Studio Course
Designed by Rachael A. Murphy, MFA ramurphy@milforded.org
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits
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Example
http://www.nelliemuller.com/task2.htm
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to your future! This semester you have the opportunity to research and prepare for your college career as an art student.
What an exciting time in your life! At this point you have decided to incorporate your creativity, interests and art skills into your
future career. You should be proud that you have chosen to do something in your life that truly is fulfilling! This Web Quest has
been designed to help you focus your goals, research colleges and prepare your portfolio for college admission. We will be working
together towards the ultimate goal of finding the college and career in the arts that is right for you!
THE TASK
Your task for this semester course is to complete all of the components of college application in the field of fine arts.
You will be exploring careers in the arts that are interesting to you and researching how to accomplish your career goals through
college education. Your ultimate goal will be to create and compile an art portfolio based on your area of interest as well as completing
admission requirements for the colleges in which you are choosing to apply to. These components must be submitted according to
the attached timeline, as it is crucial that we accomplish everything during this semester.
THE PROCESS
In order to accomplish the task at hand there are many steps and requirements that you will be responsible for completing:
1. College Folders: You will be selecting 3-5 art colleges that you are interested in applying to.
You will be creating a folder for each college in which you will keep a collection of any and all information pertaining to
application. Each folder must include the following printed information:
a.Admission requirements, i.e.: education, SATâs, GPA, activities, portfolio, etc.
b.Portfolio requirements, i.e.: self-portraits, drawing from life, color and design, etc.
c.Location of college, i.e.: state, city, commute from home, etc.
d.Size of college, i.e.: small, medium, large, etc.
e.Tuition, i.e.: estimated family contribution, financial aid, loans, scholarships, etc.
f.Programs and training offered, i.e.: fashion design, architecture, graphic design, etc.
g.Contact information, i.e.: office of admissions, dean of admissions, financial aid office, etc.
2. Reflective Essay: A requirement for admission to most colleges is a written essay based on student experience and knowledge.
To help facilitate the writing of this essay you will create an essay based on the following topic:
"Why have you chosen fine arts as a course of study in the millennium?"
Your essay must be at least 500 words and no more than 800 words. It is important that you display your creative ability through
this essay so that the admissions committee can make an accurate decision as to your admission to their fine arts school.
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Because it is free!
You can change it by posting daily, weekly or
monthly and you do not have to be a web
master or hire one to do it!
You can add videos, podcasts, slideshows,
links, a teacher biography, and have your
students subscribe for updated information.
A blog is a web site where you
can write material that changes
as often as you post. Newer
material shows up on the top of
the page, and older news scrolls
to the bottom. Blogs allow for
collaboration, visitors can
comment or email you directly.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0
klgLsSxGsU
igoogle account
gmail
blogger
Let’s get started with a blog and
then add the web quest to your
new class blog!
http://www.blogger.com/home