The present invention provides a learning environment that presents information in an organized fashion with defined objectives using an extension of current 3D online technology. By combining 3D virtual space technology with additional asynchronous and synchronous communications features, a content rich learning environment can be created that allows students more realistic interactions than those provided by currently deployed systems. In addition, the system allows for the overlay and integration of 2D, text-based, and audio-based learning tools both within and outside the 3D environment and provides an interface with convergence technology such as cell phones, pagers, hand held computers, etc as well as collaborative tools such as presentation of overheads, computer software slide presentations such as MICROSOFT POWERPOINT, whiteboard, virtual network computing (VNC), and for class lectures, whiteboard, virtual network computing (VNC), and other collaborative tools layered into the 3D environment.