The document discusses the history and evolution of virtual worlds from text-based MUDs and MOOs to modern 3D virtual worlds like Second Life. It describes how MOOs allowed users to modify content and were used for some educational purposes. It then outlines the rise of massively multiplayer online games like World of Warcraft before focusing on Second Life as a general purpose virtual world that allows users to build content, engage in commerce, and is used by some educational institutions and businesses. It concludes by discussing challenges of using virtual worlds in education and proposing the creation of a learning community focused on virtual worlds at the University of Western Scotland.