You will need to download a viewer to access a virtual world. A viewer is the web interface you use to interact with the virtual world such as for login, text chat, and teleporting to different locations. Each grid will have its own viewer but you can also use a third party viewer such as Imprudence. The third party viewers should work on all grids, making it easier for you to become acquainted with just one web browser interface. When you first start the Imprudence viewer, it will ask you which grid you want as a default, such as Second Life. This is the list of virtual world grids that Imprudence is known to work with.

Imprudence Download Page

This video by Texas State University introduces Second Life, explains some of the terminology, and describes how to get started. Use the link below to register for Second Life. Second Life users have created a well-populated wiki with guidelines, help, and video tutorials. Once you have your avatar, visit Orientation Island to learn the basics about maneuvering in a virtual world. Also, be sure to visit Genome Island in Second Life. That was the virtual world you toured on the “How To Implement” page in LATIST. And remember, when class is not in session, this area may not be well populated.

Video: Introduction to Second Life

Second Life Home Page to Access Registration

Second Life Wiki, Tutorial Videos

Second Life, Genome Island, Grid Location Coordinates: 119, 144, 52

OpenSimulator is an open source platform that can be downloaded and put on a server to create your own multi-user 3D environment. The software is maintained and improved by a community of developers. While it is free and allows you to make additions to your version of the code, it is less stable than other older commercial versions. Educational institutions are beginning to move towards the OpenSim option to reduce costs.

OpenSimulator Home Page

Active Worlds is another 3D virtual world that began in 1995. Like many social virtual worlds, visitors are free. Active Worlds also has a separate universe dedicated to education, called Active Worlds Educational Universe. Compared to some worlds, the cost is relatively cheap but as with many grids, you will have to pay for your visitors, i.e. students, to enter your world. It also has a wiki with helpful guidelines.

Active Worlds Home Page to Access Registration

Information on Active Worlds Educational Universe

Active Worlds Wiki, Home Page

Reaction Grid is another 3D virtual world grid that was originally focused on education. It started based on open source, meaning you could create your own objects and have access to all coding. Reaction Grid has evolved and is now based on Jibe, a proprietary platform that still includes open sim but other software as well. For example, the use of Unity 3d allows it to run in a browser (you need a plugin but not a 3D viewer). This means it can potentially run on tablets and cellphones. You can host or they will host for you. If you pursue this platform, you will need to discuss your specific learning environment because a review of blog postings indicates there is a question as to how many simultaneous users can be supported in a network-dominated environment versus one that is local, that is, each person views their own instantiation of the 3D environment. Also, its graphics are rich with fast download times.

Jibe – Reaction Grid Home Page