Innovate, published as a public service by the Fischler School of Education and Human Services and sponsored, in part, by Microsoft is soliciting manuscripts for a special issue on academics in virtual environments. This issue focuses on the use of Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) as an enhancement to K-21 education. A MUVE combines graphics and audio with the ability to communicate with multiple users in real time within the context of a 3-D virtual environment. MUVEs are not necessarily considered games, as programs like Second Life and There have no end goal or objective.

Harvard's CyberOne: Law in the Court of Public Opinion course opened the doors for other academics to use virtual environments to enhance teaching and learning. In the past two years, over 300 colleges and universities have claimed virtual land in an attempt to enhance content delivery. This virtual land and its future development occurs only a computer network. While critics and skeptics exist, many educators are looking to take the plunge and discover the potential of virtual-based teaching.

Submissions for this special issue may address, but are not limited to, these key issues: