Virtual Worlds
One powerful learning feature of virtual worlds is access to a large number of other players in one virtual place. These players, though virtually in the same location, can be physically located from a wide variety of places in such a way that a player in India could potentially be playing on the same server as a player in Minnesota.
As a consequence, the projective identities of players can potentially come in contact with the cultures, values and activities of people very different from them. Additionally, it provides tremendous opportunity for learning and expanding one’s horizon. It also brings on new challenges, as the ability to navigate and make meaning across cultures and contexts becomes crucial to success.
Literacy Practices
Playing in a virtual world also provides numerous opportunities to engage in both new and traditional literacy practices. One reason for this is that status in the communities of players that participate in these games can be achieved through a variety of routes, which stands in stark contrast with the single track that one must follow to succeed school.
In this light, the community might value a player with a powerful character for his accomplishments playing the game as much as they might also value someone who writes a strategy guide to defeat a monster. As a consequence, the continuous production of new artifacts, but most importantly of new knowledge, becomes highly valued and encouraged, providing the motivation necessary for students to accomplish what they would not or could not in school.