MUVEs

media type="custom" key="111612" toc =Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVE's) Overview=

MUVE's are video game like environments where users can create online representations of themselves called avatars. These avatars can be used to interact with other users through chatting. Some MUVE's are created primarily for social interactions but also allow users to buy virtual property, build houses, start businesses, play games and much more.

**Uses of MUVE's in Education**
The use of MUVE's in school settings is still quite limited as knowledge about the educational value of these environments is still largely unknown. There is also the very real concern of how to keep students safe as they interact with other online participants. Educational institutions such as the University of Indiana and Harvard have developed online virtual environments that are very focused on helping students achieve different educational goals. These environments provide students with real-life problems and scenarios that they must solve by using a variety of tools and information provided to them within the virtual environment.

Educational Benefits of MUVE's
We are still learning about the benefits of having students participate in these virtual environments. One potential advantage is that they can work with tools and resources that they couldn't access in the real world. For instance, teachers can have students conduct a vast array of scientific experiments without ever having to purchase any equipment or supplies. There is also the benefit of being able to interact with a wider audience of learners as students explore different problems.

Specific Ideas for using MUVE's in a k-12 Setting
Click here to add or view a lesson plan or idea for using this technology in the classroom.

**Relevant Online Tools**

 * [|Teen Second Life]is a social environment first and an educational environment second. Many people have raised concerns with the selection of suggestive clothing and "enhanced" body parts users can choose to create an online representation of themselves.
 * [|Quest Atlantis]was created at the University of Indiana and is very focused on helping students meet different academic standards. Students can participate in a variety of different online quests that require them to accomplish different tasks in a virtual environment.
 * [|The River City Project]was developed at Harvard and it is a spread of disease simulation set in the 19th century. Students must work in small groups to determine why citizens of River City are becoming ill.
 * [|Club Penguin]is targeted for younger children and is more for play than education.
 * [|Whyville]was created from the start to be an educational environment for children. It has grown to be quite extensive and can seem overwhelming to new users. Students can conduct experiments in a variety of labs, start their own business, purchase property, research the development of laws within Whyville and much more.
 * [|Tapped In]is designed more for the facilitation of meetings and classes but it has a virtual world feel to it because you move around a building and can meet/chat in different rooms.
 * [|Millsberry]is a cross between the social hang out worlds and the educational worlds in that it tries to provide helpful information to students.
 * [|Habbo]is similar to There. You can design your own room, plan events and meet with others.
 * [|Minyanland] is another virtual world for kids where they can earn money, buy property and run a business.
 * [|Secret Builders] is a virtual world where kids can meet different historical figures and go on quests that will help them learn more about literature and the humanities. There are also many different games for kids to play.
 * [|Woogi World] is targeted for k-6th grade students and designed to help them learn about being safe and respectful online citizens. The site has different games and activities that focus on health, goodwill and service to others in an attempt to help kids develop their character.

**Virtual World Development Tools**
There are a variety of tools currently available for developing your own virtual worlds or environments. Here are some of the options.
 * jokaydiaGrid: In addition to being able to develop your own virtual world, this site provides several helpful resources for people looking to create virtual environments.
 * ScienceSim: This tool allows you to build upon a virtual world that has already been created to develop your own virtual "land".
 * OSgrid: This is one of the open source virtual environment development tools currently available.
 * ReactionGrid: This is another 3D virtual world development tool built around open source technologies.
 * OpenSim: This is the open source development platform that many of the previous site use.

**Relevant Articles or other Readings**

 * [|Are Virtual Worlds the Future of the Classroom?] by Stefanie Olsen
 * [|Second Life: Do You Need One?] by Patricia Deubel

**Other Relevant Sources of Information (Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, Discussion Forums etc.)**
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