WebJunction

Activity

Examples

Self-paced tasks

• Write instructions for a series of tasks, increasing in difficulty. While trainees work through the tasks at their own pace, the trainer assists with individual questions.

• Provide instructions for setting up a Web-based e-mail account. Each trainee sets up an account and e-mails another class member, while the instructor provides individual attention.

• Ask each person to write a reference question on a card, than ask the trainees to swap cards and try to answer each other's questions using the Web. For advanced searchers, ask them to use as many sources as possible, comparing and contrasting the results.

If you Have Time sections

• Include “If You Have Time” sections in your class, which contain activities for more advanced trainees.

Scenarios

• Create scenarios for common Web troubleshooting tasks, to accompany a handout addressing troubleshooting Web searches.

Quizzes

• Create a quiz for trainees to complete on their own, such as a quiz accompanying a handout about interpreting a URL.

Scavenger Hunts

• After practicing tips for narrowing a Web search, distribute a Scavenger Hunt with reference questions. The class members try to answer the questions using the Web and specific tips they have learned. Questions increasing in difficulty can increase the options for trainees with a variety of search skills.

Pair people up

• Pair up more advanced Web searchers with each other and more beginning searchers with other beginning searchers, or pair up beginning with advanced. Issue: Make sure the advanced trainees learn new skills, and don't dominate the beginning searcher!