Activeworlds technology offers the possibility to let groups of students search for the right answers together, progressing from one level to the next as they get the answers right. Hints and clues can be hidden within the search environment, encouraging the students to work together as a group. Teachers can come online (in the form of ‘teacher’ or ‘wise owl’ avatars) to help them if they get stuck.

Activeworlds Europe organized a worldwide Saint Nicholas hunt for all Dutch children and adults around the world in 2004. It was held in 10 different virtual 3D internet environments, varying from medieval castles and forests to sci-fi Worlds and underwater locations in the Atlantis Web World. With more than 700 people from 75 countries joining in, it was a great success. Many prize winners donated their prizes to the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital in Utrecht, the Netherlands.