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Active Worlds

Active Worlds at a Glance

• In short: A modern-day 3D world, international in feel, that can be modified for educational purposes.
• URL: http://www.activeworlds.com
• Maintained by: Activeworlds, Inc. since 1995.
• Price: Free tourist access to general areas, but full access requires a citizenship account ($6.95/month).
• Active Worlds system requirements
• Platforms supported: Windows, Linux

Active Worlds Overview

Active Worlds has been around longer than many virtual environments, since its beta launch in 1995. It’s a world that is similar to Second Life and Cybertown. Members of Active Worlds build objects that are visually appealing, but lacking in functionality, especially compared to newer virtual environments such as Second Life. Active Worlds takes place in a modern day setting, with utopian undertones. One characteristic of the virtual world is its international feel; many of the locations within Active Worlds are based on real places and countries in the world.

Active Worlds licenses its virtual world technology for private development, which is potentially useful for educational researchers, entertainment corporations, and others. Dr. Marina Bers at Tufts University, for example, has made use of Active Worlds for educational research. Quest Atlantis is another example of an NSF-funded inquiry learning environment that utilizes Active Worlds.

Active Worlds Screenshots

Active Worlds Resources

• Active Worlds News - A regularly updated website on all things related to Active Worlds
• Active Worlds Community Pages - Tutorials, free objects, tips and tricks, etc.
• Active Worlds and educational uses, including the Active Worlds Educational Universe