CONCLUSION
MOOsburg is a powerful addition to the BEV. The Web/Java version of MOOsburg is a giant leap from the earlier version, but care needs to be taken not to neglect the lowest common denominator technology, i.e. the plain text-based telnet feature. Another problems that beset MOOs in general is the resistance of people to discussions in writing - most people feel comfortable talking face to face rather than by typing through a terminal.
A text-based virtual meeting place is still outside the realms of imagination of many people. "Virtual Reality" to many people means the use of sophisticated hardware devices like head-mounted displays, hand-held 3D cursors and trackballs etc, and expensive softwares which are still out of the reach of the ordinary people. Even after users are made aware of such tools, they need to understand for themselves the viability of these tools, and how the tools can be used to better their lives. Intuitive interfaces and ease-of-use will go a long way in promoting the acceptability of such tools as MOOs. Users need to get comfortable enough with these tools before they can begin to use them effectively, i.e. without spending too much time on "how" to use them, just as the interface of the telephone that has become so transparent (easy to use) to users, that people can concentrate on the conversation rather than the phone receiver.
In the future MOOsburg will utilize VRML through a Web browser. VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) specifies the parameters to create virtual worlds networked together via the Internet and accessed via the Web's hyperlinks. It will dramatically reshape the MOOsburg.
With VRML MOOsburg can more accurately illustrate some features, processes, etc. than by other means. It gives the opportunities for insight and encourages creativity. The users can have extreme close-up examination and more manipulation of an object. The interface will be highly interactive and the atmosphere more social and friendly.
Without doubt, MOOs will become a trend in the future, even a way of life. So it's just a matter of time before MOOs find worldwide awareness and acceptance. In the future, any computer connected to the Internet will become a powerful communication tool that can be used to connect to any person in the world in a much cheaper and more versatile way than is possible with the telephone. MOO technology will encourage worldwide information sharing and cooperation.
Finally, we would like to thank Dr Carroll anf Craig Struble for their invaluable help and guidance through the course of this project. This project could never have been the same without their support.
