FUTUREFOCUS 2000 - this recent conference highlighted the new 'triple bottom line' of financial, social and environmental profits; the demands of Digital Age kids for a more dynamic virtual environment and the use of lighting, music and aromas by global retailers to win over customers by awakening their senses. (Future Times, winter 00)

3-D LECTURE HALLS - Attendees of VLearn 3-D recently participated in chat-based lectures and discussions as virtual characters. The characters they selected were able to walk around the classroom and interact with each other. This new technology is available online through a special 3D Web browser or as a plug-in download. Participants are able to express themselves through the characters by using body language and appear to gain confidence when they can see the characters listening to them. In addition, online teachers can design the 3D environments to model places, events or even objects - redefining the classroom space. (New York Times, 9 Nov 00