E-learning continues to grow, with universities such as Phoenix and Strayer making it possible to earn degrees without ever setting foot on campus. Now the “Second Life” phenomenon (that shimmering, avatar-inhabited online world) is mashing with education, creating virtual classrooms that create e-learning environments almost as tangible as any classroom.

No flash in the pan, Harvard Law School is already on board, and other prestigious institutions are jumping on board. We can now attend cyber-concerts, learn in virtual lecture halls, and socialize in three-dimentional chat rooms.