ToonTown

ToonTown is an online gaming website run by Disney that allows children ages 7+ to play games while chatting with other players.


 * Resources links and/or class examples**

[|ToonTown FAQ]

[|ToonTown Features]

[|ToonTown Awards]


 * SWOT Analysis**

- Basic SpeedChat (Players choose from predetermined phrases) - SpeedChat Plus (Players are able to type their own phrases) - True Friends Chat (Players chat openly with people they know through use of a secret code)
 * (a) Strengths**
 * Fun and vivid graphics
 * Chatting options have three different levels:
 * Chat is filtered as to only allow certain words
 * Has received numerous awards for this website
 * There are a variety of activities in the games
 * No advertising by third parties
 * Free membership available
 * New enhancement are posted
 * Names of characters must be approved
 * Customer Services available
 * Hacking is dealt with by banning members


 * (b) Weaknesses**
 * Chat filter is not full proof
 * Hacking is possible


 * (c) Opportunities**
 * Children get to play games while networking with others for free
 * Parents can monitor activity
 * Children can engage in a number of different activities through the site
 * Children can submit their artwork


 * (d) Threats**
 * Possibility of unfiltered messages entering the system
 * Possible problems if players share their passwords, personal information, or give out secret code that allows "True Friends Chat" players to chat
 * People may hack in to a player's account


 * Ideas for the Classroom**

This gaming website could be a great opportunity to build team-work skills, while teaching students to use the proper "Netiquette." Students can have fun working together to beat the "bad guy" characters through a wide variety of activities. With issues such as cyber bullying existing in our schools, this is a great forum in which to teach how others should be treated on the Internet. Each student can have his/her own character, and can either work in teams, or as a whole class.