This paper describes premises of a video, Zircus, presenting a design
for a virtual environment. The video is a basis for discussion-a sketc
h, rather than a specification, of a virtual playspace and interaction
s that can happen there. The playspace is conceived as a learning envi
ronment in which constructive activities can focus thinking on certain
sets of ideas. Conversations within the multiuser environment can als
o be conducive to learning, as well as to developing an online communi
ty. These actions and conversations would depend on a future system co
mbining technologies in networked graphics, speech, Al, various input
devices, and high-level software for constructing animations and audio
/video sequences. Taking the ideas in Zircus from sketch to implementa
tion will require contributions from researchers in a range of discipl
ines, including architectural design, film media, learning theory, and
computer science.