Shiv on Learning

If you don’ t know what a virtual world is or how it can be used, this is for you.

Virtual worlds are just online meeting places

Like online chartrooms, skype or msn messenger they let people in different locations communicate in real-time over the Internet. As with the above, communication can be 1:1 or in groups.

In a virtual world you can communicate by typing or talking. In addition to this you can create a representation of yourself using a 3D character known as an avatar.

Think of the film ‘The Matrix’, where people are plugged in to a computer system which allowed them to exist in a computer generated world. Virtual worlds are similar to The Matrix, your avatar exists in a computer generated world and is controlled by you. Instead of connecting the computer directly to your central nervous system you control your avatar using your keyboard and mouse.

Your avatar can walk, talk, change its appearance, fly and do a range of other things.

Every avatar is controlled by a real person

Unlike The Matrix there are no computer controlled characters. There are no robots, no voice recognition software and no artificial intelligence. Every avatar you meet is controlled by a real person sitting at a computer just like you are. These people can be anywhere in the world. Remember to be polite when you first meet people, virtual worlds are not like computer games and social norms still apply.

Now you have a basic understanding of what a Virtual World is and how it works, all you need to figure out is how to use it. For a friendly welcome an help setting up register on the Languagelab site and meet one of our helpers.