Compilation

Definition of a Compilation Task
"A simple task for students is to take information from a number of sources and put it into a common format. The resulting compilation might be published on the Web, or it might be some tangible non-digital product. Some example formats: "Ideally, a compilation task familiarizes students with a body of content and provides them with practice in making selection choices and explaining them, as well as organizing, chunking, and paraphrasing information drawn from a variety of sources in a variety of forms." [1]
 * a cookbook compiled from recipes solicited from relatives
 * a deck of reference cards to aid field trips
 * a selection of web resources to build a virtual exhibition
 * a time capsule

Tips for Compilation Tasks
"To make a compilation task qualify as a true WebQuest, there needs to be some //transformation// of the information compiled. Simply putting a hotlist of web sites or a collection of web images together arbitrarily isn't enough.

To ramp up the thinking skills required for a compilation task:
 * use information resources that are in different formats, and require that they be rewritten or reformatted to create the compilation;
 * set standards for the organization of the compilation, but don't make all the organization and formatting decisions for the students. Leave some of that job for them, and evaluate their product based on the consistency and reasonableness of the organization they come up with;
 * require students to develop their own criteria for selecting the items they put together and to articulate their criteria." [1]

Reference [1] http://webquest.sdsu.edu/taskonomy.html

Examples of a Webquest with a Role where Participants Compile Information
1. [|Seeking the Nightingale] This WebQuest has students look up further information about cultures and compile them into one product. The role is fairly simple your simply a reader who must look at the text closely and gather historical information and present it in two different ways. //The Major flaw of this WebQuest is the way it is set up. The format for the task and process are different which is extremely confusing. It's not really a WebQuest!// The quick links on the opening page are seemingly pointless as they do not reappear on the other linked pages. This WebQuest would do well with some severe editing in making a more involved role and better set up.

2. [|A Look Into My Future] This WebQuest takes what students already know about themselves and their education to apply it to creating an educational outline for their future. The process has good graphics and details as far as how to use a specific program to complete the task.

3. [|Medieval Times Reality Adventure] This WebQuest has students take on the roles of different members of medieval society, starting with the serfs and progressing upwards until they reach the level of king or queen. At each stage the students have an activity to complete, and at the end they are asked to use all of the information that was gathered to answer a key question. The WebQuest is easy to navigate, and has an engaging task for the students. The only major problem with the WebQuest is the text on the Information page, which flashes and disappears every second or two, and makes it difficult to read.

4. [| Ma Rainey's CD Compilation] This WebQuest is designed to introduce students to Blues and the effect that it had on American culture. Part of the task is to make a compilation CD of 10 blues performers and their most popular songs.