 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Panwapa
Common Sense Media says
Safe, fun global village to explore from Sesame.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this highly interactive Sesame Workshop site is a safe and fun introduction to simple social networking -- and a part of a global initiative to teach kids how to be good world citizens. Kids create an avatar that can visit other kids' avatars around the world, leaving friendly, prescripted messages and learning about other cultures and languages. No personal information is collected, and there's no inappropriate content. Six characters provide voice-over instructions for kids, but it's best to have parents guide them through the site using the "For Caregivers" materials.
What's it about?
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, more than 25,000 kids have planted their flags on PANWAPA.COM, a lively new site from Sesame Workshop (from the corresponding mini-show on Sprout). Kids start by creating an avatar and a home from a diverse palette of options -- Sari or kimono? Igloo or cabin? -- and then build a flag that represents their favorite food, sport, instrument, etc. The flags illustrate how kids from different cultures can unite over common interests, like hamsters or jump rope. Using a globe to navigate around the world, kids can visit friends, leave messages for them, and learn about their countries. Six cuddly new Muppets host fun games that teach language and critical thinking skills, and a number of videos spotlight real kids around the world.
Is it any good?
This educational initiative, meaning "here on this Earth" in the Tshiluba language from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, does a wonderful job teaching kids about other cultures and relaying the message that someone across the globe may like the same things you do -- and if they don't, no problem, you can still be friends. The site is beautifully animated, the games are all age-appropriate, the choices for personalization aren't generic, it's easy to navigate around the site, all instructions are given as voice-over in welcoming voices, and the message will leave visitors with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what age is right to use a computer and what are healthy computer habits to get into. What information is OK to share online? What is appropriate behavior when you interact with others online? Families can also talk about the benefits of learning a second language and learning about different cultures.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
After the initial fun of creating an avatar--and you have to help children with this part--it's not exactly self evident that there are many choices to explore (initially, many kids didn't know they could dress thier avatar), the action dies down a bit. There isn't really any "play" going on. It's more a site for exploring and children really need an adult to sit with them and encourage their explorations. Otherwise, many children become bored or don't know what to do next. The short video clips help to keep them engaged and excited about exploring. But the POINT of the whole site (exploring and finding other panwapa kids with similar interests) is a bit lost on children. Also, it's a little contradictory that IDENTITY is completely protected while the site trys to promote acceptance of individuality, diverse cultures, etc. It's hard to get the panwapa avatars to actually make connections to each other as everything (including chat messages and postcards) are prescribed. There is really no individuality.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
It's OKAY
Panwapa is quite fun although there isnt alot to do but it is fun.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already visited it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
