The Process and Resources

In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Quest(ion). As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who care about Ecuador. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or a Spanish/English dictionary in your classroom. Also try http://www.diccionarios.com/.

You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.
In groups of four you and your broadcasting team will learn about Ecuador in order to produce a video newscast of information on the country.

Using the resources provided, take notes that pertain to your role as a reporter of news, weather, sports or culture.

Follow the lessons of journalism learned previously to report timely facts accurately. Always cite your sources! It's time to tell people about Ecuador.

Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone

Use the Internet information linked below to answer the list of questions below:
Where is Ecuador? What is its capital? Who lives in Ecuador? What are people from there called? Who leads this country? What customs are observed there?
Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these questions as fully and insightfully as you can!

• Facts about Ecuador
  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/ecuador_and_the_galapagos_islands/
• Ecuador according to Encyclopaedia Britannica
  http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=109015&tocid=0&query=ecuador&ct=
• Dorn's Ecuador Page
  http://earth-art.com/ecuador/
• General Information on Ecuador
  http://www.ecuadortoursonline.com/

Phase 2 - Looking Deeper from Different Perspectives

Instructions:

• Individuals will explore one of the roles below.  Designate one group member to fill each role.
• Read through the files linked to your role. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.
• Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to to prove your point.
• Be prepared to focus what you've learned into your section of the broadcast and paper based on what you have learned from the links for your role:
  • News Anchor
  • Weather Reporter
  • Sports Reporter
  • Culture Reporter

Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus

You have all learned about aspects of Ecuador. Now group members come back to the larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now come together to make your video as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint for the broadcast. Use information, pictures, facts, opinions, etc. from the Webpages you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is accurate. Your WebQuest team should collaborate with each other to write out, produce and record each segment of the broadcast.

Phase 4 - Individual Paper and Evaluation

Now, each group member will write a 4-page paper answering the question "What did you learn from opening the door to Ecuador?". At the end of the paper, you should include a 1 page evaluation of the group process, including evaluations of each group member. Those evaluations will be used by the teacher for part of your final grade.