Tech Talk for the Middle School

is the big question that my students ask. I am always telling my students and parents about the dangers on the internet and sometimes forget to share the great things. My students have found a few sites that I consider safe. However keep in mind that nothing is totally free from inappropriate content or creeps.
My favorite site for students to use when they have the time is Whyville “Whyville is a virtual world where boys and girls from all over the real world come to chat, play, learn, and have fun together. You design your face, earn clams by playing games, hang out at the beach, and go to town events at the Greek Theater. You can start your own business, buy a car and give your friends a ride, or write for the town newspaper. ”
In order to chat in Whyville kids must take a chat license test and up to a certain age must have their parents permission. If a child says anything inappropriate it is either not allowed, or the other kids can file a 911, and the site moderates the chat and will ban or put duct tape over the mouth of the character for a specific amount of time.
I enjoy this site it gives the kids some freedom but keeps them safe and if the kids want to earn credits in the game they must play the EDUCATIONAL games.
Another site that my kids LOVE is Webkinz. It is not really a social networking site because kids do not interact with each other. The kids use the code off of thier Webkinz stuffed animal and adopt it. They can then play games and earn credits to buy things for thier virtual pet. Some kids love it and some think it is childish. I find it is a nice safe fun place for kids to play online. My middle school kids like it and my 4 and 6 year olds like it.
Club Penguin is another social networking site for kids.
“Parent Tools allow you to manage your child’s playtime on Club Penguin. With these features you can view your child’s account history, change your child’s password or chat mode and more.” It is not the most educational site but it is a lot of fun for the kids.

Hope this helps.. Let me know your thoughts.