Togetherville


 * Judy Romero**

Togetherville is a social online community for families where parents create safe online neighborhoods for their kids (under 10) to play and connect with the real-life friends and family the already know and trust.
 * What is the site's mission? (i.e. purpose of the community and its objectives). **

The members are made up of parents and their children.
 * Who are the community's members?**

The site is designed for children 6-10 but kids under 13 may sign up.
 * What are the guidelines for membership?**

Adults use their Facebook account to sign up and create networks for their children. This is the only way that kids may create an account with Togetherville.
 * What are the guidelines for adult involvement? (teachers, parents)**

Togetherville mimics adult social networks. Each neighborhood is built around each specific child and is closed to outsiders. Kids have their own profile pages with photos. In Togetherville, kids can:
 * What features are included in this site? (e.g. message areas, discussion forums, blogs, chats, photo and video sharing, games, etc…) **
 * play games and brainteasers
 * watch videos
 * create artwork
 * send and receive gifts
 * upadte their status with pre-screened text phrases, called "quips"
 * send "safe" messages to friends
 * comment on or "heart" their friends' activities

The features that are included are meant to mimic those that are in adult social networks like Facebook in an appropriate kid-friendly way. It's meant to help teach them skills that they will need in the future to become responsible digital citizens so that they can connect with the important people in their lives safely and responsibly. They also learn computer skills, explore how to be creative, and how to express themselves.
 * Is there a clear rationale for the features that have been included? **

I don't think that this site can be used for an educational purpose in the classroom. Although there are reading and math apps, I don't think the use of of Togetherville can be related to curriculum because it's meant for primarily social and entertainment purposes.
 * In your opinion, can this site be used for an educational purpose? Can it be related to curriculum? Why or why not? **

I would recommend the site to parents because parents have full access to their child's activity at any time from any location. It also provides weekly updates on their children's activities. And it's a fairly easy way for kids to chat with and play with their real friends online.
 * If it can't be directly tied to curriculum, would you recommend it to parents? Would you let your own children use the site? Why or why not? **