Using examples from Quest Atlantis and Secret Builders, the characteristics of virtual learning environments (VLE) for 8 to 13 year olds are described.

1. Educational Virtual Worlds for Tweens 8 to 13 year olds Quest Atlantis Secret Builders

4. Customizable Avatars Quest Atlantis

5. Personal Identity through Avatar Customization Secret Builders

6. User Profile Secret Builders

7. User Profile Quest Atlantis

8. A Customizable Home Area Secret Builders

9. Buddy Lists Secret Builders

10. Buddy Lists Quest Atlantis

11. Chat Options Secret Builders

12. Chat Requests Quest Atlantis

13. Chat Requests Secret Builders

15. In World Money and Economy Quest Atlantis

16. In World Money and Economy Quest Atlantis

17. In World Money and Economy Secret Builders

18. Ability to Visit Different Worlds Secret Builders

19. Secret Builders

21. Secret Builders

22. Secret Builders

23. Secret Builders

24. Quests Quest Atlantis

25. Ability to Gain In World Status Quest Atlantis

26. Peer-to-Peer Learning Quest Atlantis

27. Safe Environment Secret Builders

28. Safe Environment Quest Atlantis

29. Creative Expression Secret Builders

30. Creative Expression Secret Builders

31. Ability to Build Secret Builders

32. Secret Builders

33. Ability to Build Quest Atlantis

34. Teacher Toolkit Quest Atlantis

35. Extras: Social Case

36. Extras

37. Extras

38. Extras: Games