Togetherville is a website created by Mandeep Dhillon that was launched just last month in May 2010. The initial beta version which is what is online now was tested for children ages 6 to 10. However, the future vision hopes to incorporate children ages 13 and under.
The easiest way to describe Togetherville is like Facebook for kids. Parents and children both sign up to be members of Togetherville. Parents are able to invite their facebook friends to join Togetherville and be friends with their child. Currently, a parent cannot join if they are not on Facebook. Children cannot add their own friends, but send a message to their parents who then add the friends. Because the parents are in charge of their child’s neighborhood of friends, a child will never come into connect with someone unknown or anonymous.
At no place can a child enter in free form responses. All the responses are chosen from pre-set quips, which have such choices as “How are you doing?” or “Did you see Toy Story 3?” Children can also submit quip suggestions they would like to have available to use.
Some objectives of the site are developing computer skills, learning appropriate online behavior, engaging in social networking, playing games and having a good time! This generation of children is growing up in a digital age. Dhillon says, “Togetherville gives kids more than just a social network; it teaches kids positive online behavior so they can be good digital citizens.”
I spent some time on the site with my ten-year-old daughter this afternoon. It was easy to sign in and then invite some family members to join Togetherville to be on my daughter’s neighborhood. I noticed that there were not any ads on the website which is a bonus. My daughter played a few games and liked them. I think this is a site we can enjoy together.
The easiest way to describe Togetherville is like Facebook for kids. Parents and children both sign up to be members of Togetherville. Parents are able to invite their facebook friends to join Togetherville and be friends with their child. Currently, a parent cannot join if they are not on Facebook. Children cannot add their own friends, but send a message to their parents who then add the friends. Because the parents are in charge of their child’s neighborhood of friends, a child will never come into connect with someone unknown or anonymous.
At no place can a child enter in free form responses. All the responses are chosen from pre-set quips, which have such choices as “How are you doing?” or “Did you see Toy Story 3?” Children can also submit quip suggestions they would like to have available to use.
Some objectives of the site are developing computer skills, learning appropriate online behavior, engaging in social networking, playing games and having a good time! This generation of children is growing up in a digital age. Dhillon says, “Togetherville gives kids more than just a social network; it teaches kids positive online behavior so they can be good digital citizens.”
I spent some time on the site with my ten-year-old daughter this afternoon. It was easy to sign in and then invite some family members to join Togetherville to be on my daughter’s neighborhood. I noticed that there were not any ads on the website which is a bonus. My daughter played a few games and liked them. I think this is a site we can enjoy together.
References:
Ypulse Interview: Mandeep Dhillon, Togetherville by Meredith
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