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Real training in virtual worlds?

Part of the reason I got into training in the first place is because I love the interaction with people. And I think there is no better way of developing quality training and coaching than face to face. However, with transport costs, fuel costs and the environmental costs, alternatives have to be found.

I have been working on and developing online training modules for parts of courses - these work very well to add another dimension to face to face sessions. And they are useful for academic, quantifiable lessons, especially where assessment is needed. But there seemed little substitute for the interactive, participatory dimension: however over past months I have bee exploring the options provided by social networking sites, particularly Second Life.

It was about a year ago that I got interested in the psychological aspects of virtual worlds as research suggests that in general people behave the same in virtual worlds as the would in the real world. This does not mean that they will play a Troll or Space Cadet, but generally if say someone is, say, introverted or well-socialised in real life they will be in virtual life also.

This means we can set up training spaces in virtual worlds, bring in product, movies and demonstrations, and virtual worlds are ideal for role playing situations where the environment can be manipulated to a far greater degree than it ever can in a training room.

I would urge all trainers to explore the possibilities and let your imagination free - and please let me know what ideas you have, and what results.
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