User Training for 3D Virtual Worlds: An Evaluation of Training Approaches

3D Multi User Virtual Environments (3D MUVEs), often referred to as 3D virtual worlds, show a number of useful applications in different domains. These engaging immersive environments which have simulated 3D content and virtual land are popular in the entertainment, commercial and education sectors because of their novelty and attractiveness. 3D MUVEs provide an application interface known as a viewer (client) to access the simulation server; viewers often provide a challenge for novice users as a result of their steep learning curve. Moreover, the application specific terminology used in the User Interface and the hierarchical menu options increase the challenge of even basic avatar interactions let alone the complex virtual environment and content management models. In this study we have investigated two popular methods of user training in order to identify the best options for efficient and effective training. The study described in this paper suggests that in-world training is more effective than conventional user documentation in building competences.