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OSVR.NET came about as a result of two Victoria University administered projects, the TUG Engine, and Connected Lives.
The TUG Engine (Training Using Gaming) began as a Second Life based vocational training project, with the virtual world communicating with the web to create virtual, interactive and fully configurable educational games.
Upon looking to implement this system at high schools we realised that Second Life didn't allow us the flexibility we required, particularly in terms of eventually building a stand alone version of the various versions of the 'game' which can be located on a lan or possibly even a dvd/usb stick.
At the same time we were starting work on a project called Connected Lives, which aims to deploy virtual worlds, internet connectivity and free media software to enhance the social connectedness of young people isolated by disability, geography and socio-economic disadvantage.
One of our immediate issues with using Second Life was that many of the people we deal with have mental capacities which don't necessarily match their physical age. There are ethical issues involved in introducing a 21 year old who might have the maturity of a 12 year old (just as an example) to the often very adult world of Second Life.
We then looked at Open Sim as a possible solution and this is what we are currently using.
Therefore what had always been a long term aim became a necessity, and it has now evolved into something which continues to present us with exciting new opportunities in both research and education.
We would encourage anybody considering getting involved in this field to give serious consideration to what it has to offer, and then go for it!
Everything we are doing is based on open source software, is fully accessable, and has enormous potential for both educators and researchers.
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