Flying over the Mississippi River from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and continuing on to South America, learning about the migratory habits of swans; walking across a busy intersection; or becoming a hydrogen molecule as you bond with a second hydrogen molecule and an oxygen molecule to form a drop of water—these are just a few examples of the experiences offered by virtual reality technology today. And now, climbing the Eiffel Tower, fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, and investigating the far regions of the world are closer to becoming virtually possible in the very near future because of recent advances in computer technology.

A nursing student in Hong Kong learns more about performing surgery through the use of virtual reality equipment.

Scientists and educators are working together throughout the United States to introduce "virtual reality" to teachers and students via CAVEs, ImmersaDesks...