Avatars come alive in workplace

Avatars are gaining popularity.    

Avatars have been popular with video gamers for many years now.  

The definition that is used today is: `An electronic image, often a person, that represents and is controlled by a computer user. It's most often used in computer games, and in a virtual world called Second Life. A growing number of employers are now using avatars, in Second Life and elsewhere, as a cost-effective, new way to share ideas, recruit people and hold conferences.`

Avatars are now also emerging in the workplace.  Some may wonder what is the point of using a digital person rather than a real one? 

Applications of avatars in the workplace:  

Recruiting – Hosting job fairs or information sessions for potential new hires.

Training – Employees, using avatars, can role-play or go through simulations.

Research and development – Workers can congregate to discuss new ideas, products or services.

Meetings/events/conferences – Employees can gather electronically at a lower cost than physical gatherings.

Team-building exercises – Employees can gather to play games or do exercises.

Challenges of using avatars:

Needs high-speed Internet – Not everyone has enough bandwidth to participate, especially in rural communities.

Requires training – Not everyone may be comfortable using an electronic alter ego or a computer.

May not be private – Companies may worry that their secrets could get leaked.

Conversing can be difficult – In groups, using instant messaging rather than just speaking can be awkward.

Tough to verify a person's online identity – It's hard to know if the person at a job fair or conference is who they say they are.

There are also other advantages and positives to using avatars.  Employees can collaborate on a project or assignment and share ideas, which in turn allows for better cohesion among group members.  Avatars also allows shy employees to socialize with fellow co-workers.  

Avatars are a cost-effective method for meeting and sharing ideas and knowledge.  It speeds up the learning process, which other methods of training cannot do.   

Read more here

Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-08-05 12:08:13

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