Host a WebQuest on Google Sites

#WebQuestHosting #OnlineEducationTools #GoogleSitesTutorial #EdTechSolutions
In the video, the presenter, Nellie Deutsch, introduces various platforms where one can host a web quest. She lists platforms like Google Sites, Blogger, Wix, Weebly, Google Docs, WordPress, PB Wiki, Gamma AI, Squarespace, Padlet, PB Works, Wiki, Book Creator, Canvas, Canva, and EduBlogs. The focus of the video is on Google Sites as the first example. To start, the presenter explains that a Gmail account is necessary to use Google Sites and demonstrates how to navigate to the site and choose a template, opting for a blank template to begin.
The presenter titles the web quest "The Perfect Society," a project she created in 2005. She shows how to enter the title and explains that the instructions for creating pages, adding images, and customizing themes are straightforward. The initial theme chosen is simple, but she experiments with different colors and fonts to illustrate the customization options available. She decides on a color scheme and a font style that she finds appealing, demonstrating the flexibility of the Google Sites platform.
Moving on to the structure of the web quest, the presenter creates several pages corresponding to the typical sections of a web quest: Introduction, Task, Process, Resources, Evaluation, Conclusion, Credits, and Teacher Guidelines. She emphasizes the importance of each section and how they contribute to the overall functionality of the web quest. The presenter encourages viewers to join her annual free web quest course, which provides a certificate and digital badges upon completion.
The video includes a detailed walkthrough of adding content to the pages. For the Introduction page, the presenter copies and pastes text from her original web quest template. She highlights the text editing tools available in Google Sites, such as linking, formatting, and adding images. The presenter notes the ease of embedding various types of media and resources, which can enhance the interactivity and engagement of the web quest.
Next, the presenter discusses the importance of previewing the site on different devices, including desktops and smartphones, to ensure it looks good across all platforms. She demonstrates how to use the preview feature and make adjustments as needed. The ability to collaborate with others by sharing the site and allowing editing access is also highlighted as a valuable feature for educators and project collaborators.
The presenter shows how to publish the site, setting the visibility options and customizing the web address to make it easy for users to access. She also explains the significance of using a favicon to personalize the site further and make it visually distinct. Throughout the demonstration, the presenter encourages viewers to experiment with different settings and features to create a web quest that best suits their needs.
In the concluding part of the video, the presenter briefly mentions that future videos will cover other platforms like Blogger and Wix. She wraps up by inviting viewers to stay tuned for the next parts of the series, where she will provide similar walkthroughs for these platforms. The video ends with a reminder of the annual web quest course and the benefits of learning how to create and host engaging educational content online.
Overall, the video offers a comprehensive guide on using Google Sites to host a web quest, showcasing the platform's user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. The presenter's clear explanations and practical tips make it accessible for educators and individuals interested in creating interactive online learning experiences.