Process
In this section, you will find tips and suggestions for executing this webquest successfully. While some steps are recommendations, you will need to refer to the Evaluation section for the grading rubric. The rubric will state specific assignment requirements to be fulfilled. If you have any questions regarding the rubric and whether or not your vacation planning is meeting the requirements, please see me during office hours as stated in the course syllabus.
Powerpoint Presentation
The final format of your vacation webquest will be a powerpoint presentation. There are no requirements as to the quantity of slides needed in your presentation. Just make sure you are covering all of the rubric requirements. You will, however, need to style your presentation with photos, backgrounds, transitions, and effects. This does not mean that you have to have transitions and effects on every single slide as this often proves to be distracting during presentations. The idea is to create a smooth slide show that caters to the flow of your presentation. The minimum presentation time is 10 minutes. Please do not plan to go beyond 15 minutes, though, so we have time to experience everyone's presentation.
It is not required, but you can use other elements to illustrate aspects of your vacation. This would include music, poster boards, or handouts. Past students have even brought in artifacts from past vacations to pass around the room. I do challenge you to find a way to grab the attention of the class.
It is not required, but you can use other elements to illustrate aspects of your vacation. This would include music, poster boards, or handouts. Past students have even brought in artifacts from past vacations to pass around the room. I do challenge you to find a way to grab the attention of the class.
Vacation Ideas
Start here. You may want to plan a typical beach vacation or plan a revised version of a past vacation that didn't go as desired. You are encouraged to go beyond a typical vacation. Use the resources provided in the Resources section of this webquest to help generate ideas. Since you don't have a budget limit, think outside the box and come up with a vacation idea that you would truly want to take. The requirement states that your vacation must be at least five days in duration and no longer than one month. You must also include at least three activities or visits to attractions as part of your vacation. While we would all love to sit on the beach for a week, that simply will not do for this assignment. For food, you must list at least two restaurants you
plan to visit. Otherwise, you may give a general idea of what you plan
to eat that day and how much you estimate it will cost.
Vacation Overview
The objective behind the vacation overview is to provide the class with a summary of your vacation. For example, I will be heading to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas for my vacation, where I plan to partake in multiple activities as well as sun bathe. Don't forget to include personal details such as why you chose this vacation and if anyone else is coming with you. I advise keeping this overview general since you will be unveiling the specific details as you move through your powerpoint presentation.
Budget
Even if you don't have a limit to spending, a
budget is always a good idea. If you are frivolously spending money on one
vacation, it's possible you're spending enough money that could support two
vacations instead. In the future, if you decide to plan an annual vacation,
think about how you could turn your available vacation fund into two or more
smaller vacations. While frugality isn't required in the creation of your
budget for this webquest, you will be asked to provide some conclusions you've
drawn through the process of creating your budget. In most cases, a budget
would be created before the vacation. You are welcome to do that and then try
to adhere to your budget. You may also wait until the end of your vacation
planning and simply tally up your expenditures. The objective is to learn what
a budget consists of and how to draw one up in an intuitive format. You will
receive suggestions for this in the Resources section of this
webquest. You will need to list costs associated with travel, room and board,
food, activities, and spending money for souvenirs. If you are driving a rental
car, don't forget about gas money! Please note: you cannot choose an option to
simply have a travel agent plan your vacation. It is required that you use at
least two internet resources to book parts of your vacation.
Photos
Providing photos throughout your presentation will give your audience a good impression of what your vacation will entail. Don't feel pressured to create a section in your presentation just for this, but rather use the photos throughout to demonstrate activities you plan to do or even as background to some slides. If you are having trouble finding specific photos of your vacation plans, feel free to find free images online that get the idea across.
Links
Links to web sites you used to create your vacation are a requirement for this webquest. Please list all of them at the end of your presentation on one slide. They will need to be in hyperlink format and have text listed describing the capacity in which the web site was used. For example, if you plan to use Travelocity to book your flight you would list it like this:
Travelocity, book flight, www.travelocity.com/flights
You will also need to ensure that the web site is a hyperlink to that web site. Information on how to create hyperlinks in powerpoint is in the Resources section of this webquest.
Travelocity, book flight, www.travelocity.com/flights
You will also need to ensure that the web site is a hyperlink to that web site. Information on how to create hyperlinks in powerpoint is in the Resources section of this webquest.
Modes of Transport
Every step of the way in your vacation will require the explanation of how you plan to get there. Don't forget about how you'll get to the airport (if you're flying), where you will store your car if you drive yourself there, etc.
Itinerary
You will need to provide an itinerary for each day of your vacation. The itinerary should include any travel, accommodations, activities, and food. Use the Resources section for tips on how to create an itinerary. If you decide to weave your itinerary throughout your presentation, that is acceptable. The objective is to learn the elements that make up an itinerary.
One More Thing...
When you create your powerpoint presentation that will outline all of these details, find an intuitive way to organize your information. You don't need to provide silos of information (ie. all of your modes of transport in one slide). Feel free to construct your presentation in a day to day format. For example, start with the overview and then move into day one of your vacation. In that day, provide your itinerary for that day as well as photos or visual details. You can attach a cost (budget) to each day, or you can choose to show it all at the end. Some students find it easier to present their information one way or the other. The requirement is that the information is shown somewhere in your presentation that makes sense.
Make sure you conclude your presentation and provide any final thoughts. This is when you will reflect on the vacation planning process and inform the class of any challenges or pitfalls to planning your particular vacation.
Please refer to the rubric in the Evaluation section to ensure you are fulfilling all of the requirements.
Make sure you conclude your presentation and provide any final thoughts. This is when you will reflect on the vacation planning process and inform the class of any challenges or pitfalls to planning your particular vacation.
Please refer to the rubric in the Evaluation section to ensure you are fulfilling all of the requirements.
