In our previous two columns, we discussed the potential for using blogs and wikis with developmental education (DE) students. Another Web 2.0 technology, virtual environments like "Second Life", provides a virtual world where residents create avatars (three-dimensional [3-D] self-representations) and navigate around an online environment (Caverly, Peterson, Delaney, & Starks-Martin, 2009). Other virtual environments comparable to "Second Life" have emerged (Virtual Environments Info Group, 2007). "Second Life" differs from asynchronous blogs and wikis because the 3-D interface allows users to immerse themselves into synchronous interactivity. Information can be disseminated through video, note cards, e-mail, simulations, mapping, bodily actions, or text-based conversation histories. Avatars can discuss this information using text-based chatting (thus creating a downloadable history) or through a voice tool (requiring a microphone and speakers). Communicating synchronously through avatars provides the opportunity for greater social interactivity which is a vital factor when developing a community of inquiry within online or hybrid DE courses or learning support (Garrison, 1985; Peterson & Caverly, 2006).