A virtual world is a simulated 3-D environment where interaction takes place between avatars representing real people logged in. It is difficult to give a specific definition of a virtual world but most research agrees that virtual worlds have the following key characteristics. Its features are Shared Space, Graphical User Interface, Immediacy, Interactivity, and Persistence. It's using different feilds such as SecondLife, World Of Warcraft and Minecraft.
According to "In Room 100, It's Sid and Nancy All Over Again" by Saki Knafo and "I've Been in That Club, Just Not in Real Life" by Dave Itzkoff, both are in New York Times, talking about the second life. The human-like avatars in these ‘worlds’ can be customised to the extent of having body parts missing, disfigurements or bodies vividly coloured. The avatars are animated automatically and can be seen to look around – all of which add to the realism of the experience.
A virtual world offers major opportunities for enriching learning in the vocational training and education (VET) sector. Its 3-D perspective allows interaction in a very realistic way. Its 3-D perspective allows interaction in a very realistic way. One walks into buildings and undertakes activities. While photographs and videos can offer something of a similar experience, this is restricted by the photographer or video maker.
For newcomers, Second Life can be a little daunting. Whilst most students involved in the project took to it enthusiastically, some of the mature-aged students felt quite unsafe when not on the project’s private island. Strange avatars, conversations and activities were often confronting and sometimes disturbing. Whilst most regular and long-term Second Life residents strive towards a safe community within the world, there is an element among avatars which enjoys causing disruption and discomfort to others. There is a complex abuse report mechanism within Second Life and avatars are encouraged to report any abuse. Reports are investigated and offending avatars can be confined to what’s called ‘the cornfield’ for a set period.
I think that virtual worlds will be used a great deal of places like office, hospital or school in the near future. For example, a meeting can be held in virtual worlds. Every characters represent a real person. They can share their agenda or perspectives as well as a real meeting. Plus, I have met a girlfriend in the character chatting place which looks like the second life. Virtual worlds are very near to us.
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