© Pathfinder Linden

Many online college students take courses in virtual realms such as Second Life. To enter these worlds they must choose a graphical figure to represent them. The Economic Times reports:

"An internet fantasy universe teeming with faux worlds devoted to socializing and video games is expanding to include virtual classrooms and universities.

A new trend in online education involves students Acting through animated characters called "avatars" mingling in simulated school settings and even rocketing off, via the net, on quests for knowledge."

On one hand, avatars give students the chance to make an impression based on their intelligence and personality rather than their looks. On the other hand, avatars do seem to act as a sort of mask - allowing students to feel anonymous rather than being accountable as their real selves.