A 3D virtual world is a simulated computer-based environment where users can interact with the world or with other users through a virtual representation of themselves called avatars. The avatars can interact with other avatar or with 3D objects that form the virtual world.
This particular kind of interaction with users and objects creates an immersion to a particular experience visualised in the virtual world. By immersion, it means that the artists of the 3D virtual world create 3D objects and interaction with such objects to look and feel real. The users feel that they can inhabit and explore the virtual world collectively, collaboratively or individually for purposes such as learning and training or for just leisure.
Types of 3D virtual worlds are Massively Multiplier Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) such as Second Life and War of Warcraft. In both games, players are represented through avatars within a 3D environment. Users may feel socially and psychologically connected and form 3D based communities.
3D virtual worlds in education are commonly used for social interactions, achieving learning outcomes that require realistic objects and representations to be displayed in smaller scale especially in science and experiential learning for students to learn through and by experience. Second Life and MineCraft are the most prevalent examples of 3D virtual worlds used for educational activities.