- The document discusses the early history and development of virtual reality from the 1950s onwards, including early prototypes that were limited by available technology, as well as issues that slowed adoption.
- It then discusses how virtual reality is now being integrated into many applications and areas like virtual worlds, augmented reality, training, and education.
- Research in virtual worlds is exploring how diffusion happens in virtual environments using programs like Active Worlds, which has many educational worlds.
- As technology advances, virtual worlds are gaining commercial uses in areas like training, marketing, collaboration, and education, and their role in society is likely to grow.