I am feeling a little sheepish for being so slow on the uptake but Deb is bang on with her idea for using a wiki for webquests. As pointed out in Kathy Schrock's slide show, many of the best webquests involve a group effort with each member taking on a particular role and acquiring a particular expertise that is needed by the group. The wiki then becomes a valuable tool for assembling the collective knowledge of the group, making it available to all for further analysis, development, and exploration, and then ultimately answering the central question. Plus the tracking feature of the wiki keeps everyone accountable, as Deb pointed out.

When I do my Eric Wilson literature circle later this term, I will use the wiki as a place where students can post their "detective notebook" (maybe it needs a catchier name - suggestions?). In it they would record their ideas about key events, clues, and suspects. It could serve as an ongoing dialogue amongst the group as they try to unravel the clues and solve the mystery. Of course, students will have to resist the urge to read ahead so as not to spoil the mystery for others in their group by revealing info from a later section.

Thanks,Deb!