And the Pacific Northwest Center links Washington State's 34 Schools for the 21st Century. Among the large numbers of other networks are National Geographic's Kidsnet, ATT's Learning Network, and Peacenet. The Internet, which is a network of computer networks, includes thousands of networks used by millions of people of all ages. For educators, telecommunications networks offer an important resource and support system. Airplane pilots have for some time been learning to handle emergencies and to use new equipment through virtual reality.
Medical students can now pertorm their first surgeries virtually.
At Children's Hospital in Tokyo virtual reality is used to scaffold the learning of disabled and developmentally delayed children. They may, for example, experience for the first time real sports, such as playing soccer, or experience other physical skills. It takes little imagination to project what virtual learning experiences might one day offer in schools to students of physics, chemistry, biology, or architecture. Distance Learning facilitates communication between teachers and students in different parts of the community, state, or world. This interactive technology develops expanded and enhanced interpersonal skills and breaks through cultural barriers as students and teachers learn to communicate in new ways appropriate to this medium.