Hello,

My name is Megan Loving. I am an undergraduate communication major enrolled in a
course on virtual worlds at Trinity University (http://www.trinity.edu <http://
www.trinity.edu/> ). Trinity is an independent liberal arts college based in San
Antonio,
Texas.

In this class, we have the opportunity to conduct a major research project on
the topic of
our choice. I am exploring ways that social virtual worlds could be used to
improve the
quality of life of children who are being treated for cancer.

Social virtual worlds are on-line spaces in which thousands of people interact
with one
another by assuming the identity of a highly customized game character. Players
work
alone or with others to explore new territories and solve on-line puzzles.

My hope is that virtual worlds such as these can make it possible for these
children to
interact with others and improve their communication skills that can be lost in
the dreary
hospital wing. The characters created by the patients could provide an outlet
for them to
run and jump and have long hair – whatever their individual wish may be. They
could gain
confidence and escape lonely, self-conscious feelings for a little while.

Some of you might have heard of Everquest or World of Warcraft. Other examples
include
There, Second Life and Walt Disney's Toontown. These virtual worlds can be
confusing at
first, and I would be happy to explain them in greater detail.

I am hoping to speak with parents (over the age of 18) about their concerns and
recommendations related to this proposal. When it comes to understanding the
needs of
children undergoing cancer treatments, you are clearly the most well-informed
adults with
whom I could speak.

These interviews could take place via e-mail or over an anonymous instant
messaging
connection. If it is more comfortable for you, we can also talk over the
telephone at my
expense. I will preserve the anonymity and confidentiality of all participants.

If you are willing to be interviewed about your thoughts on this topic, please
contact me
at:

megsproject@... <mailto:megsproject@...>

If you have questions about the academic legitimacy of this project, you can
also contact
my professor (Dr. Aaron Delwiche) at adelwich@... or (210) 999-8153.

Sincerely,
Megan Loving

p.s. Our class is committed to sharing its research findings. At the end of the
semester,
all student papers and presentations will be linked to the course web site and
made
available to anyone with an Internet connection.

For more details about our course and the research project, visit:

http://www.trinity.edu/adelwich/worlds/faq.html
<http://www.trinity.edu/adelwich/
worlds/faq.html>