A critical element in virtual world learning is the opportunity for the learner to reflect upon his or her experience. As a designer of a 3D virtual learning experience, you need to design part of the learning experience to include time for the learners to re-envision what they experienced and add meaning to that experience. Tags: 3D worlds Expert facilitators can make that possible by asking the right questions such as: What did you feel as you went through that experience? Where did you encounter trouble? At anytime was your thinking not clear? MORE >>

Sitting at my virtual desk gathering statistics. Here are some interesting Virtual World Statistics gathered from a number of different sources. In the fourth quarter of 2009, total registered accounts in the virtual worlds sector reached 803 million. From Virtual world registered accounts reach 800m Check out the great chart while you are there. The Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education conference has received 150 proposals from around the world on best practices for education in virtual worlds. million. MORE >>

Example As an example of how effective a virtual world can be for teaching how to respond to a critical incident, witness the life saving heroics of a gentleman named Paxton Galvanek. Because of the training he received in America's Army's virtual classroom, Mr. Galvanek had mastered the basics of first aid and had the confidence to take appropriate action when others might do nothing. This use of a virtual world challenges team members to respond together to resolve an issue, incident, or problem. Tags: virtual immersive environment 3D worlds MORE >>

The learner can then get behind the wheel of a virtual car and see and feel the effects of trying to drive while "drunk." For example, there is a location in Second Life that shows what the world looks like from the view of a schizophrenic. The 3D virtual immersive environment can also allow the learner to repeat the experience over and over again so they can really grasp a concept. Tags: virtual immersive environment 3D worlds Orienting a learner to concept of how to properly lift weights without injury and for maximum benefit. MORE >>

Notice, however, that virtual worlds are now right in the middle of the trough of disillusionment which means people are still pretty down on virtual worlds but they are closer to actual productive use. In a posting I did from 2008 called Virtual Worlds…The rumors of their death have been greatly exaggerated , we can see that back then I indicated that I thought that virtual worlds were just entering the trough of disillusionment. am seeing many more practical, applied and function versions of virtual worlds being enacted. MORE >>