Woogi World Review

We've been playing around on Woogi World for a couple of weeks now to see what it is all about.

Woogi World is a resource for parents and teachers to use to teach elementary students about internet safety and some great character traits, like leadership. With the accelerating use of the internet, children today are spending more and more time online and becoming less responsible and very self-centered. Bullying and selfishness is increasing across the globe, as well as a lack of responsibility.

Children's Way created Woogi World as a way to teach children safe and appropriate internet usage and character traits and skills through a virtual social network. Their goal is to be the "tool of choice" that parents and educators use to teach elementary children:
1. Proper, positive character traits and skills that include:
a. Internet behavior and safety
b. Leadership
c. Service to others
d. Proper health and nutrition
2. Balance between time on and off the Internet
3. The value and benefit of actively participating in the community.

In WW, children create their character and interact in the Woogi World with other children and play games, complete tasks, and earn Watts (money) to buy things. The games teach academics, art, values, service, health, and proper Internet usage. There are newsletters that teachers can print out that give secret codes to enter rooms and games. The secret code gives the students access to information relevant to things they are learning in their classrooms.

Teachers can also get involved through the Foundation for a Better Life home and school media program, through which either parents or teachers get DVD's and posters based on the child's accomplishments on Woogi World. Woogi World is partnered with Studies Weekly and the Humane Society.

Hope-Anne enjoyed the activities and earning awards. Trinity really enjoyed watching, she wants to play but can't read yet. Hope-Anne is a little old for it, though, so it is recommended more for elementary aged children. I liked the wonderful internet safety information and the fact that the interaction was definitely with children. All the chat is recorded and children are encouraged to report inappropriate things. Messages such as "Woogie World is for children only. No boyfriends and girlfriends allowed." are on the screen and bring me happiness! It is also free, though there is a paid membership, too.

Over all, I think it is going to be a great tool for teachers to use in the school. Parents will like it, too. Parents have to have an account for the child to have one, so parents remain involved.