eLearning innovations: ‘Simulations in 3D worlds’

I recently saw a post by Tony Karrer (eLearning Technology blog) about eLearning innovations in 2010, and one category listed ‘Simulations in 3D worlds.’  Here are the three that Tony pointed to:

Virtual World

The tools are starting to get there where simulations in 3D worlds makes sense.

1. Eight 3D Virtual World Design Principles, March 8, 2010
2. Virtual Immersive Environments: From Theory to Practice, February 7, 2010
3. Instructional Design for Virtual Worlds, January 22, 2010

I took a quick glance through the links trying to find the answer to one question: what does the 3D have to do with things?

I think it is natural when one thinks about “immersive environments” to use an analogy to 3D, but I would really like to see an insightful piece on what the 3D immersiveness adds, and what it makes more complex.  I think 3D can be used as a crutch at times to turn anything into a ‘simulation,’ meanwhile, the 3D-ness only adds potential complexity in navigation and scenario construction.  The 3D worlds people get opportunities to bring the technology back into spotlight in an effort to go mainstream, but I think we still have a ways to go instructionally in using simulations to teach, even without regard for the complexities that a real 3D environment introduces.