Activeworlds.com to Launch First Online 3-D Community Dedicated to Educational Institutions @ [8/24/1999 2:38:27 PM] by: Activeworlds Press

Activeworlds Inc., a leading developer of 3D community based environments on the Internet, today announced the Internet's first online 3-D community dedicated to serving the early childhood through higher education markets, the Educational Universe.

The Educational Universe, slated to make its official debut in September, is already occupied by early adopters representing over 30 different educational organizations. By making the Active WorldsTM 3D technology available to educational institutions, teachers, students, and individual programs at lower costs, Activeworlds.com, Inc. hopes to encourage educators to explore new concepts, learning theories, creative curriculum design, and discover new paradigms in social learning.

"Learning is a natural application for virtual reality," said Mandee Tatum, Vice President of Educational Technology for Activeworlds.com, Inc. "The unique collaborative environment of Active WorldsTM complements any educational curriculum; and has already been implemented by dozens of educational institutions worldwide. The Educational Universe will provide educators and students with the tools to become pioneers of 21st Century education, as well as develop their own unique educational community."

As part of the Educational Universe package, Activeworlds.com will offer the following components to qualified participants:

Free 400x400 Active Worlds Servers (hosted free of charge by Activeworlds.com, Inc.)
Free starter package of 20 Citizenships
A subscription to the Educational Universe Virtual Learning Discussion ListServ
33% discount on additional server expansions and citizenships as required.
Access to a selection of 3-D object paths and avatars.
"Active Worlds' intuitive navigation, ease-of-use functionality, and light demand on a user's computer make it an ideal tool for use in any classroom, computer lab, dorm room, or home," notes Rick Noll, CEO of Activeworlds.com, Inc. "Our technology makes it simple for educators to step right into virtual reality teaching with no need for special training or computer experience."

The Active Worlds educational community consisting of longtime participants including: The University of Santa Cruz, The University of Colorado, and The University of London, are eagerly supporting the launch of the Educational Universe.

"This is an exciting opportunity for undergraduates from a variety disciplines to work with researchers and professionals in developing a fun project for an emerging medium," said Margaret Corbit of Cornell University's Theory Center. "Our activities include creating 3D spaces based on scientific data, interactive learning tools, and community spaces for science fairs and collaborations."

Educators interested in participating in the Active Worlds Educational Universe should contact edu@activeworlds.com.

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