computer based instructional objects

For students to use a computer based instructional objects considerations have to be made.
~Is the program user friendly?
I have looked through numerous WebQuests and found some that are user friendly
and others where it seems information/directions are lacking. For students to be
successful they need to know what to do and what is expected of them.
~Is it visually intriguing, but not over stimulating and is it organized?
Some websites go overboard with colors, links, etc. These can be distracting at times. A
computer based instructional object should be visually pleasing, but not overdone.
~Do all of the links work?
A LOT of the WebQuests I found had outdated links and games that no longer work.
~Are the links appropriate?
I found a WebQuest that was really great... until I clicked on the link and I needed a
subscription to use the site! Also, if you are directing students to a certain page of a
website, make sure the entire website is kid friendly as they may click on another page of
the site.
~Is it at an appropriate reading level?
I did have a harder time finding appropriate WebQuests for students in K-1. The
reading material is way over the head of an average K-1 student and most of the
WebQuests I found would need significant adult direction for a K-1 student to be
successful with.


Click on this link to find examples of WebQuests that I found useful! I searched many different sites, and found that these were some of the WebQuests I would be able to use in my own first grade classroom as they go along with what we teach in our curriculum and are designed for primary grades. Still... some groups will need more adult help or buddy help than others. It would be fun to do these WebQuests with our older buddy class.