Day 5: Tutorial task on virtual worlds

In the tutorial we were asked to run a 3D chat room called active world. After experiencing this new program it certainly opens your eyes to the three dimensional worlds. 3D chat room is a mixture of a computer game and a chat room. You can use your customized avatar in it. In some virtual worlds even audio and video communications are used so that it gives a realistic feel to the user.

What are the qualitative differences between IM and a 3D world?

IM programs certainly made my life easier, as all my friends were on it, I could get my message across. Also I could leave a message even if they were offline. Along with time internet has grown and more and more things are being launched on it. Newer IM programs are being launched which allow you to send different facial expressions and noises to anyone connected with you. In virtual worlds you can create your own avatars. You can customize them the way you want. It helps to bring out your creative side. Sometimes it also reflects what you want to be and do. But all of it comes at a price. Whereas IM programs are free to download and use. It takes a lot of time to understand the 3D programs and some of them are not user friendly. After some time you get bored of them. In my opinion IM are better when compared to the 3D environments.

What are the kinds of socializing that happens in these spaces?
We tried using the active world 3D software in the class today. It was something different but I wouldn’t call it as a satisfying experience in socializing with other people. You can’t share your stuff like files, pictures and videos. The only way you way you can chat are through messages. But in IM you can share stuff and also have video chatting.
By looking at both the chat rooms I can only conclude by saying that IM are the technology for today and 3D chat rooms may be for the future.