WOT

WOT is a social networking device designed to enhance internet safety and reliability. I downloaded Wot yesterday as a browser extension for Firefox and am intrigued. WOT allows you to check the reliability of a website based on user feedback, so that when you go to a website the WOT icon shows whether or not other users view the website as safe and reliable based on a general trustworthiness meter, reliability as a business partner, as a keeper of personal information, and as a safe destination for children. WOT also integrates with search engines such as Google so that you can choose the best site and not waste your time with unreliable sites. There are other features and security measures to avoid manipulation of the system, and you can read about those on WOT’s website: http://www.mywot.com/en/wot/home/.

For education purposes, this is a great tool. First, it makes the internet safer to browse. If your school has not blocked a site, WOT can notify students and teachers who are browsing that the site is unreliable and IT can be notified. It can also help teachers creating lesson plans at home who don’t have time to peruse an entire site which may have a questionable area, such as editorials which are less wholesome than the part which the teacher explored. Teachers will be able to see immediately whether the site is safe for kids. Finally, it can be used as a way to bring both educators and students into technology. The internet is a lot less scary and mythical when you are able to leave feedback and know that others are doing the same. It serves as a way to “tame the beast” and make the resources and technology your own instead of allowing them to alienate.