This approach applies unnecessary restrictions to the Avatar's usefulness. By extending the range of Avatar capablities, we find a new area of interactivity and expressive power. Like a genie, they can become any type of model, graphic or animation. They can do this in sync with any type of oral or text based presentation.
Avatars can become content delivery platforms.
They would inherently blend the best elements of three dimensional interactive enivronments with human sensitivity and human flexibility. Because of its three dimensional nature, Multi-user VRML has a unique role to play in this developing field. VRML leaves the flat 2-D screens behind and becomes a true environment, a true classroom. In this vision of the VR classroom we can marry the best that technology has to offer with the human interaction and sensitivity needed for a rich educational experience. The use of Multi-user VRML as a classroom environment provides the educator with a number of unique and intriguing opportunities.