Virtual Worlds are online communities and simulated computer environments where participants are able to use the power of their imaginations to create and use objects, and to interact with one another. Participants are usually represented by a 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional avatar. Virtual worlds re-create real-life situations and fantasy worlds that participants can interact with and "imagine" that they really are there. It's no wonder both children and adults are engaged and motivated to "play" these simulations. Not only are they intrinsically rewarding, but entertaining as well.
Contrary to popular belief, virtual worlds do have benefits in the world of education.
Good examples of this are “Farmville,” “Tap Farm,” “Tap Store,” “Tap Zoo,” “We City,” "We Rule," “Tiny Tower” just to name a few. In “Farmville” for instance participants are in charge of a garden and growing and producing vegetables, plants, and fruit trees in that garden. Succesfully grown produce is sold for cash money to be used to expand their gardens, buy more seed, ornaments, or tools to be used in the garden or to “level up” in the game. Each level is usually more complicated, and participants are given a new set of items they can buy for their gardens. It is not difficult to see how children, as well as adults, can spend hours upon hours immersing themselves in simulation games.
Virtual worlds, believe it or not, do have benefits in learning. Participants become engaged in planning strategies to further themselves in these simulations, they are required to follow “rules”, they are engaged in critical thinking and problem solving, and they are involved in the creation of their “world” such as their garden, city, or store which they supervise the operation, maintenance, and growth of. Simulations like the ones I described, will teach the participants what it is like to own and operate a store, a farm, a zoo, or a city. It may no be the real experience, but it is a close second, and the experience and the skills they will attain from this will help them in the future.
"Farmville" is available on the internet for Mac and PC computers and mobile devices such as Ipad, Iphone and ITouch.
The other applications mentioned above such as "We City" are available through the Apple App store exclusively for Ipad, Iphone and ITouch.