Building virtual worlds for informal science learning (SciCentr and SciFair) in the Active Worlds Educational Universe (AWEDU)

As a focus of its exploration of desktop 3D environments for science outreach, the Cornell Theory Center (CTC), Cornell University's high-performance computing center, has been exploring the use of the Active Worlds client/server technology for implementation of a 3D multi-user virtual science museum, SciCentr, that incorporates interactive simulation-based exhibits. We present early lessons in accommodating the needs of several interconnected user groups as we move forward with establishing the SciCentr community within the greater educational community of AWEDU and the Contact Consortium's V-Learn3D initiative. We have realized that we must provide the user communities with both social and spatial frameworks within which to work and play. Social support ranges from one-on-one over-the-shoulder help, to guidance and training within the environment, to coordination of "in-world" activities. Spatial design requirements depend on the activities of the user group and benefit from studies of real and virtual world examples.