Modeling Reality with Virtual Worlds

 A virtual world is a computer based simulated environment. In this created world a person creates an avatar and interacts with other avatars. Some examples of virtual worlds are games like sims. Virtual world's range from realistic to fantasy and science fiction

One major use of virtual worlds is in the classroom. It allows for things like computer based training. In addition it allows for members of the class to interact with one another in a virtual classroom. Besides from classrooms another major use is in the medical field. In order to help train nurses and doctors hospitals are using virtual realities to practice and play out scenarios. For example in the Wall Street Journal article "Avatar II The Hospital", it explains these useful qualities. As stated in the article "Dozens of hospitals, medical schools and health foundations have staked out space in the online community Second Life, where participants can build their own virtual clinics and stage just about any training drill they can imagine." I think the ability for doctors and nurses to train with various scenarios prepares them well for when real situations occur. For example, in situations like terrorist attacks there is no way to prepare without having played out scenarios for a hospital in a virtual world.

Another major use for virtual worlds is in business. For example according to an article by CNN "Going to the virtual office in second life",  in order to save money companies are organizing conferences by having workers meet remotely in a virtual space. Most importantly what it provides for companies is an extra level of security. For example, "The company's Enterprise tool will let employees' avatars -- animated alter egos -- meet in virtual worlds from the privacy of a company's own network, rather than the public networks used in standard Second Life."

To Sum up the Pro's of the virtual world is it adds an element of training and security that allows companies and educators to prepare people for real life situations. The Cons however are social isolation. Even though an individual is involved in an interactive world he or she is spending most of their time alone with this world and isn't a part of society.

I believe the future of virtual worlds will continue to see an increase in education and especially in business. You may visit a world where you do work that gives you a real paycheck even though you are in a virtual world.