Working in Virtual Worlds Report

Collaborative Working in Virtual Worlds

A simulated computer based environment where online users can communicate, exchange files and different objects, creating them in collaboration, is known as a virtual world. It can be used by numerous people who make use of avatars that can distinguish this or that particular user. These can appear as textual, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional representations. The internet based shared worlds will allow for collaborative working. Users apply mutual effort as a tool on the way of achieving a common goal.¹ Therefore a common objective forms the initial purpose that leads to working of the users in collaboration. When people work in the collaboration, they interact by means of creating some particular objects, working out different plans and achieving determined goals and purposes together working as teams.²

The use of collaborative software enables a collaborative working environment, where people can work together irrespective of varying geographical locations. The software may support, among others, shared calendars and task assignments. It should help the individuals in the team to interact favorably, in all important processes, including decision making.

Improved Work Processes and other Applications

According to McLennan, it appears that the advent of the virtual world of work that enable more productive virtual environments will increasingly remold the workplace to allow collaboration and connectivity.³ It will have a definite impact touching on, among others, the areas discussed below:

Data and Computer Graphics

Described as ‘a precise re-creation of a real-world environment via multisensory data and computer graphics’, a virtual world will allow for interaction between humans and synthesized objects.⁴ The result will be an unprecedented computational power and capability to deal with complicated and a wide range of scientific and engineering problems. The combination of graphical capabilities with social interaction systems in 3D environments engage teams in innovative methods, interaction and socialization through collaboration.

Project Management

According to Papamichail et al. the new collaborative technologies are used to equip learners with interpersonal and project management skills. This would act as a way of enhancing greater learners’ creativity, productivity, engagement and participation in team work.⁵ The collaboration, which might be formal or informal, gives rise to human organization or collaborative work systems. Different Virtual teams can have varying management strategies as impacted by technology. With collaborative software the ability to meet and conduct business has to improve. In addition, online conferencing systems come in handy and assist in sharing of platforms and documents and in decision making process.

Challenges and Recommendations

There are cultural and linguistic challenges since members of different teams might be from different locations in the world with varying language use.⁶ In addition, lack of facial or auditory clues might affect relationships amongst team members. The time zones also differ presenting a major challenge, as well as performance of the systems can be affected by lagging. However, with good interpersonal relationships and balanced operating procedures with clear focus and roles, the teams can function effectively. This implies a distinct goal that motivates the team and clear roles and responsibilities amongst team members.

The diversity represented in the teams by different cultural backgrounds and so on, should be celebrated to remain more successful. Rules that govern the operations of the team are also necessary, as well as a knowledgeable composition of members with skills required for the team’s objectives.

In conclusion, virtual worlds can be said to present potential benefits. They spare a lot of time and other resources. With the 3 D web technology, it has a better future than other technologies.

Bibliography

Lytras M, Visioning and Engineering the Knowledge Society- A Web Science, Springer, UK, 2009.

Mistrak I, Collaborative Software Engineering, Springer, UK, 2010.

McLennan K, The Virtual world of Work: How to Gain Competitive Advantage, IAP, London, 2007.

National Research Council, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, National Research Council, New York, 1997.

Peachy A, Researching Learning in Virtual Worlds, Springer, UK, 2010.

Papamichail K et al., Exploring the Potential of Virtual Worlds for Enquiry-Based Learning, Manchester Business School, UK, 2009.

Footnotes

1. A Peachy, Researching Learning in Virtual Worlds, Springer, UK, 2010.
2. I Mistrak, Collaborative Software Engineering, Springer, UK, 2010.
3. K McLennan, The Virtual world of Work: How to Gain Competitive Advantage, IAP, London, 2007, p. 256.
4. National Research Council, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, National Research Council, New York, 1997, p. 2.
5. K Papamichail et al., Exploring the Potential of Virtual Worlds for Enquiry-Based Learning, Manchester Business School, UK, 2009, p. 376.
6. M Lytras, Visioning and Engineering the Knowledge Society- A Web Science, Springer, UK, 2009.