What is Objectives

Working within virtual, three-dimensional environments offers the promise of moving beyond geographic constraints, enhancing distance interactions, providing more cost-effective presentations and forums, and allowing the formerly un-doable through simulations and virtual experiences. However, working effectively in these environments can require a significant investment in time, planning, preparation, and resources. This chapter assembles practical advice from the author’s three year experience with Second Life and from the education and technology literature to allow an instructor or developer: to work with limited resources; to consider the types of virtual experiences that are possible; to stage such experiences to grow participants’ abilities; to consider the breadth of objectives that can be addressed in virtual spaces; to prepare a range of individuals for participation; and to assess and improve virtual experiences. These practical, design-and-implementation suggestions will allow developers and instructors to find effective yet feasible ways to grow their skills and abilities in virtual development and design.