Web quest review

I opted to assume the role of technolphile in this assignment.  I find that I typically look at websites and other media from this perspective.  I notice when sites are fun and interactive and get bored easily when they are too dull.  I have a soft spot for students with ADD, in fact when I was given the diagnosis of "adult onset ADD," I had to laugh.  After discussing it with my Dr., whom I had known professionally and personally for a number of years, he concluded that I had probably always been ADD but I had learned to compensate and get by.  He made some suggestions on how I can stay involved and focused on a particular task at hand.  I will admit that some of his suggestions work, like setting a small goal as part of a bigger goal.  But it is a struggle to work on the big picture sometimes.

I think my understanding of this issue makes me more understanding of youth with the issue.  I want to be entertained while I learn.  Reading assignments are a struggle for me, unless I am thoroughly entranced with the topic. 

I found that the Creative Encounters to be the most dynamic of the webquests given.  It takes, what many (myself included) find to be a dull and boring topic and bring it to life in an interactive and fun way.  I was reminded of an assignment in my elementary school days when we were given group assignments to create a new game.  Our interactive tools were cardboard, construction papers, tape, glue, scissors, and a variety of other props.  Todays interactive props are just way cooler.

Referring back to my previous statement about being more attracted to what I am thorougly interested in I would find it difficult to choose between Poetry of War and Ancient Egypt for my second choice.  The two webquests appeal to different audiences.  If pressed, I would select Poetry of War as my second webquest as it had less issues.  The interactivity is limited and could be improved with additional photography work, but the links seemed to be good and the product was more complete than Ancient Egypt.

The two worst webquests from a technophile perspective are undoubtedly The Problem with Landfills and The Diary of John Wilkes Booth.  Both had broken links and technical issues with limited to no interactivity.     While the first has no subject appeal for me, it also teases with interactivity and then does not deliver which is a turn off for kids of all changes.  The second option has so much potential and there are many ways it could be made fun and interacte.  It just doesn't not live up to the potential that it has based upon the resources that are available on the topic.