Cornell Theory Center

Virtual Worlds in Formal and Informal Education
Hosted at CTC

May 20 - 21, 1999

Background

The Cornell Theory Center (CTC) has been exploring the use of interactive 3D multi-user Internet worlds for informal science outreach through the development of SciCentr. SciCentr is an online science center, based on Active Worlds technology. It is a shared environment--part laboratory, part museum, and part Worlds Fair--bui lt by collaborative teams that include students, scientists, and artists.

Our early work with SciCentr has brought us into a growing community of educators, computer scientists, and artists who are dedicated to driving the development and use of this technology for education. Our interactions with these folks and especially with Bruce Damer and Bonnie Devarco, made it clear that the time was ripe to get together and begin sharing our ideas as a community. Many members of this community presented at the workshop, either in person or "in world".