VACATION OF A LIFETIME
This project will help you to exercise some of the skills learned in your Computer Applications course. You will have an opportunity to use the Internet, electronic encyclopedias, books, and other multimedia software to
enhance your presentations.
INTRODUCTION
You and your twin have just graduated from college. Your family is extremely proud of your achievements. You were chosen to be the valedictorian, and your twin the salutatorian, of your graduating class. This was something that you worked hard for. It was almost like deja vu because both of you were chosen to be the valedictorian and salutatorian when you graduated from high school.
When you first started college, your grandmother promised both of you an expense paid trip(two weeks)to any place of your choice, upon graduation. As the days turned into months and the months into years, you eagerly awaited the time of graduation. Here you are, proud recipients of college degrees.
Grandmother was true to her promise!
You were given a check in the amount of $6,000 for the trip (to be divided between the two of you). Where do you go? When do you go? Do you go together? Will you take advantage of the places that you were given the most information on during the Career Day presentation from the travel agent?These are some of the questions that the two of you should consider as you plan your vacation. It is time to use all of those wonderful skills that you learned.
THE PROCESS
Brainstorm with your partner concerning the various vacation spots you have always fantasized about. You will most likely have to change some of these after you have researched, and found some of them to be too expensive. Think about ways to contact different agencies within the various cities that provide information to visitors/tourists.
Find out the places of interests within the cities of your choices(the night spots, restaurants, art exhibits, museums,plays, etc.,)during the time you will be visiting.
Remember to take notes of the things you discuss, compare prices. Be cost effective.
(Try to get the best for less)
Remember to cite all references as discussed in class. Talk to people who have traveled extensively, and get ideas from them that might be helpful to you as you embark upon this exciting adventure.
RESOURCES
The following sites will give you places where you may get quotes on travel, hotel and other accomodations.
http://aolsvc.travel.aol.com/travel/vacation/vac-interest.jsp
http://aolsvc.travel.aol.com/travel/destinations/guide.jsp
http://travel.yahoo.com/
These are a few resources,but obviously not all of the possible sites that may be used by you. You will find others as you surf the net.
THE TASK
You will have to make the following decisions concerning your trip.
1. Decide where you will go.
2. Decide who you will travel with.
3. Determine when you will be traveling.
4. Decide on the mode(s)of transportation that you will use.
5. Determine if you will go to a hotel, motel, or elsewhere.
6. You have to plan your daily activities, including the amount you will spend for food.
7. You must prepare a summary paper giving all of the details of your trip.
8. You are expected to write a business letter.
9. All expenses should be shown on a spreadsheet.(Make use of Excel)
10. You are expected to give an oral presentation in front of the class when the project is finished.You must present your findings using a Power Point presentation.
What did you learn from the project?
STANDARDS ADDRESSED
The following State Standards were addressed in this Webquest:
Reading
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Writing
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Thinking Critically
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Speaking |
1. Reading and analyzing books and other articles.
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1. Preparation of informational reports.
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1. Making informed judgments as a result of using electronic media.
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1.Preparation and delivery of individual and group oral presentations. |
| 2. Reading and comprehending at least 4 books on the same subject or
by the same author, or in the same genre. |
2. Preparation of reflective essays. |
2. Analyzing and subsequently revising work to improve its clarity
and effectiveness. |
2.Face to face interviews. |
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
Students will be required to do the following:
1. Keep a detailed record of notes, research, pictures, essays,maps, and any other material during this time period. It must be well organized.
2. Research relevant topics in the library. The research will also require some materials downloaded via the Internet and other material from outside libraries.
3. Students must show basic computer knowledge for use of the Internet, scanners, and word processing/slideshow presentations, and any other performed activity.
4. Students must show proof that they were actively involved in their group's demonstrations, presentations, and any other performed activity.
Groups must give presentations, interviews, write essays, show pictures, design maps, and discussions. Students must show proficient knowledge and skills in each activity.
RUBRIC
| Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Exemplary 4 |
Score |
| Students use technology to locate, evaluate and collect
information from a variety of sources.Students use the internet to gather
text, and pictures. |
Students use the internet to obtain information, but the evaluation
is poor. Pictures are not included. |
Students gather pictures from several sources and evaluates them using
maps and other sources. |
Students download pictures from the web and scan them to use in their
presentations. Evaluation is very detailed, yet clear and understandable. |
Students prepare a listing of useful web sites that can be used by
others in the future. |
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| Students use technology resources for solving problems
and making informed decisions.Students create charts and spreadsheets based
on the research. |
Students prepare charts but cannot make informed decisions based on
the charts. Charts and spreadsheets contain missing data. |
Basic format is met. Some of the items may be missing or inappropriately
placed. Some errors in grammar and spelling. |
Comparisons are used to evaluate and make decisions based on the charts
and spreadsheets completed.Good grammar, spelling and punctuation. |
Decisions and choices are made based on the material. Polished charts,
showing good grammar, neat writing and accurate information. |
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| Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate
information and ideas effectively. Students make use of electronic encyclopedias
and other multimedia software. Students create a web site. |
Students are indecisive as to the software that will best suit the
project. |
Students choose various software that will support their projects. |
Some work is done using electronic software. Web site is started but
not completed. A lot of the pages are under construction. |
Web site is completed. Students use the internet to communicate with
students in another state.Other media is used to commuicate. A lot of work
reflects the use of electronic encyclopedias. |
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| Students read books, articles, journals, and newspapers.
Students visit the library several times during the semester, reading different
types of material. |
Students visit the library only once a week. Choice of reading material
is limited. |
Students visit the library twice a week, reading at least two books. |
Students visit the library at least three times. reading several types
of reading material , and making use of the internet. |
Students visit the library three times, reading books, articles, journals,
newspapers, and making use of the internet, micro film and other media. |
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| Students write letters, memos, etc. |
Text is poorly written, inaccurate, or incomplete. |
Text is accurate and complete but not persuasive. |
Text is well written, accurate, complete, and persuasive. |
Text is accurate and complete. Text is creatively written and cleverly
presented, and persuasive. |
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CONCLUSION
You have accomplished a lot by doing this web quest. You have done quite a bit of research, making use of the resources of the internet, and other media to find information that assisted you in planning and budgeting for your trip. The use of other electronic sources such as the Grolier's Encyclopedia and other software allowed you to explore, evaluate and analyze material. Presenting a slide show using Power Point has enhanced your knowledge. The use of theExcel program has allowed you to create charts and calculate expenses. How will you use the knowledge gained in your other subjects and in life? How helpful was this to you? Can you help others plan a vacation? Have you ever thought about going into the travel business? Think about it.
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