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HyperQuests Support Independent Inquiry Learning

HyperQuests (also known as Hyperdocs) have been receiving a lot of teacher attention lately.  HyperQuests support differentiated student independent inquiry learning.  They leverage the use of technology (though not all activities are digital), embed collaboration, and build in student critical thinking and problem-solving!
The concept works because it begins with strong lesson design, curates quality instructional content, and packages learning experiences in ways which engage learners. (1)

Note:  While the rest of the world calls them HyperDocs, the CCHS Tech Leaders prefer the term HyperQuest.  HyperQuests are based on the old WebQuests, and the name HyperQuest eliminates confusion with an older application actually called Hyperdocs!

What are they?



HyperQuests can be any digital tool and are often built in Google Slides.  They provide a visually engaging digital framework leading students through a lesson or unit of carefully crafted learning experiences made up of whole class instruction, individual exploration, and collaborative work.  Students are provided opportunities to create content and reflect on their learning.  Students participate in activities that can be digital or non-digital!

I have included a sample template for creating a HyperQuest below:

Click here for a larger version of this document

Personally, I understand better when I see a real example, so  I have included a couple of HyperQuest examples as well!

The Wild Robot

This HyperQuest for a 5th-grade unit on the book The Wild Robot incorporates writing, reading, vocabulary, critical thinking, and design thinking!



The Wild Robot Teachers' Guide
The Wild Robot HyperQuest and Teachers' Guide courtesy of Sean Fahey, Karly Moura, Heather Marshall & Michele Waggoner.

Economics & Environmental Policy 

This HyperQuest by Allison Phillips is a great example of how to structure a HyperQuest at the high school level.

Click here for entire HyperQuest document.

How do I get started?

Do you have a lesson or unit that doesn't work as well as you would like?  Consider using a HyperQuest to introduce the content and engage your students!  Hyperquest samples and templates are linked below to help you get started!  

HyperQuest Templates
HyperQuest Samples

(See the bottom of this post for Professional Development opportunities this summer!)

Why would I use them?

There are a lot of great reasons to consider using a HyperQuest for a lesson or an entire unit:

More time to work with students   

Students have access to the lesson or unit framework with many support materials, eliminating whole class instruction on 'how to' or what to do next.  This provides teachers more time to check in with students or work with students individually or in small groups.  Some HyperQuests provide specific directions by group, with one group beginning immediately to work with the teacher.  The bottom line is more face time!

Differentiation

Pace:  

HyperQuests allow students to choose their pace within a framework.  Students who like to move more slowly can do so.  Students who complete the material move on to already incorporated extension activities without asking you what to do next.

Content:

HyperQuests allow you to provide different content, tasks, or digital artifact assignments to different students within the HyperQuest itself.  You can even use Google Classroom to deliver a completely modified HyperQuest to individual students. 

Choice:  

HyperQuests allow you to build in student choice for 'showing what they know' with digital artifacts, or even allow choice in how they access your content!

Student Engagement:  

Based on research, and Caitlin's study of CCHS students earlier this year, we know students become more engaged in their learning when they have more control.  HyperQuests provide a framework for student voice & choice while providing the teacher with a management method and tool helping ensure student learning.  

Want to learn more?  

HyperQuests & Choice Boards: Tools to support and differentiate Independent & Inquiry Learning:

Attend a 2-hour session and earn 4 SPED PDP's!  This session will be held the morning of Tuesday, August 21st here at CCHS.  Bring a lesson or unit that isn't working as well as you would like, and begin structuring your HyperQuest!  The structure will be similar to a Concord Fellows Course: 1-hour pre-work, 2 hours face-to-face, and 1 hour creating a HyperQuest to use with students.  During the 2 hour face-to-face, you will have time to create a HyperQuest with guidance.  

Attend the Summer EdTech Camp on Wednesday, August 22nd!  There will be 2-55 minute sessions on HyperQuests & Choice Boards: Tools to support and differentiate Independent & Inquiry Learning.  You will earn 1 SPED PDP for attending this session!  (Note that there are other offerings during the EdTEch Summer Camp that will allow you to earn SPED PDP's. ) 

(1)http://hyperdocs.weebly.com/defined.html
(2)https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/student-playlists-differentiation/
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