Useful definitions:

Virtual World-

Virtual Reality-

Massive Multiplayer Online Enviroments- 

Examples

Technology in use:

1) Hardware

2) Software 

Current uses on campus:

Lisa Troyer in Social Psychology

Virtual Portal 

Graphic Design in the Art School

Possible future uses

Organizations 

Uses off campus

 Penn State(http://engage.tlt.psu.edu/CFPVirtualWorlds)

Second Life:

What it is:

How to use it:

what it costs:

http://secondlife.com/whatis/landpricing.php