This week in CEP 811, we've been evaluating WebQuests which has provided a nice opportunity to compare WebQuests vs. StAIRs. They are both similar in that they are designed so that students can use them independently (which means they must be written very explicitly since students may or may not have the chance to ask questions about the learning experience), but there are some differences as well. I see a PowerPoint-based StAIR as something you could give students on a thumb drive or stand-alone computer to use as a teaching & review tool. It's more 'stand-alone' than a WebQuest which is of course a WebSite and includes all the interactivity and necessary Internet connection to fully function.
A couple of my favorite WebQuests so far are:
DinoBirds - explores the link between dinosaurs & modern birds (High School / College)
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/webquest/content/dinobirds.shtml
Dinosaurs before Dark - links to a REAL book in the treehouse series while providing online exploration & education about the topic in that book (2nd grade)
http://questgarden.com/52/36/4/070612201403/index.htm
Bats by Scholastic - encourages kids to explore at least one credible website about bats (3rd grade)
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=6798
