This semseter I choose this class to be my honors class. To meet requirements I needed to do an extra project. I choose to do another type of virtual world called Whyville.

This site is a wonderful site for kids from 10 to 15 years to use. On the site the user creates an avatar and is able to go around the town, make friends, chat, play games, build houses, and much much more! As I looked around this site I found many applications for this website in the classroom. For the most part I could see this being used as a reward.  It is a fun way to spend time, but along with is being a social network there are SEVERAL games on the site and all of them are educational.

As I did more searching I found that when a teacher signs up they get special privileges. When you provide the school you work at and the site verifies the information. After verification you can create a Whyville classroom and invite your students to the site. I do not know what can be done with this part of the site, but from what I could see this provides teachers will tools to take this site to a level and allow it to be used more educationally in the classrooom.

The creators of this site have high standards for safety. Each user must past a test to earn a chat license. The test goes over very specific information that can be given away and what to do if anyone brings up personal information or inappropriate topics. Their concern for internet safety is what really caught my attention. I feel like this is one virtual world I am not hesitant on using in my future classroom.

This site has endless opportunities and if you want to learn more about it below are links that provide more information:

Whyville Website

Here is the link the the actual site. On the site you can create a avatar or just look at the site as a guest. As you go around town you will get a tour of the town and learn more about how this site works.

Youtube Video about Whyville

This is a short video talking about what Whyville is and why this virtual world was created.