WebQuest on Down Syndrome

So I created a WebQuest for the Developmental Disabilities lecture.  I thought I could embed the code in the blog so it would be visible and the links usable, but that doesn't seem to work.  So I guess I'll set it up a little differently.  WebQuests are usually made up of several pages.  Instead, I included the information from those pages here on my blog.  The process page is made up as a Piktochart, which is on the Web.  Students would work in groups to go through each of the pages and links provided.  Then they would complete the task of creating a brochure for parents.  Students could also produce a flyer or poster or even a webpage with the information, as well.  Alternately, the process page could be a simple page in the WebQuest, and students could design their own Piktocharts to present the information.

Introduction:

When parents are told that their child has a developmental disability they are overwhelmed.  Sometimes the diagnosis is given prenatally or shortly after birth, as in Down Syndrome.  Other times they suspect something is wrong when their child lags behind or regresses in development.  In any event, parents are filled with fear, uncertainty, and often guilt.  It is important for the nurse to give accurate information and direct them to appropriate resources.

In this WebQuest you will explore some of the questions parents have about Down Syndrome.  How do the parents feel when they are given the diagnosis that their child has Down Syndrome?  What causes Down Syndrome?  How does it affect their child physically?  What are the effects on their child's development? Behavior?  What kind of future will they have?  What resources are available?

Task:

Explore all the links in the Piktochart to find some of the answers to the questions above.  The Bloom trailer is an advertisement for a book by a mother whose child has Down Syndrome.  It gives a poignant story of coming to terms with the diagnosis.  When you click on Life with Down Syndrome you will be taken to an article in Parents magazine.  Scroll down to watch the embedded video to get a father's point of view.  You will read the article itself later in another link.

Sift through all the information and links and develop a visually appealing brochure for parents using Microsoft Word.  Include what you think is the most important information and resources for parents. Giving parents written materials to refer to later is important, because they can only process small amounts of information at a time.  Be sure to include all the names of the group members on the brochure.  Look at the Evaluation page to see the rubric.

Process:

Click on the link for the Piktochart to explore.

Evaluation:

Detailed rubric for the project would be included.

Summary:

By completing this brochure for parents, you have explored the impact of Down Syndrome on a family. You have looked at links to national, state, and local resources.  Other developmental disabilities have the similar issues and concerns.  Now that you have completed this project, you could research information and resources for other developmental disabilities, as well.  Where could you start to research Fragile X or autism? Are any of the resources the same?

For your individual Blog:  Write a summary of what you learned about the impact of developmental disabilities. What information most surprised you?  Why?  Was there any information or topics that you didn't agree with?  What would your biggest concerns be if you were the parent of a child with developmental disabilities?  Would this information help you?  What other information would helpful?