Thanks to MMO Crunch for making note that the US Department of Defense is creating a sim that recreates China for supplementing current diplomatic training:

Utilizing a team of programmers, 3D modelers, researchers, and educators, the US Department of Defense has begun building a virtual China within Second Life. Created on its own private island with the aid of photos and maps, the virtual world is being used as a supplement to current diplomatic training to educate US diplomats and other government employees about China’s history, geography, and even how to use Chinese ATM and Subway ticketing machines. More than just text books and slideshows, this training aims to ensure that government agents not only know China, but also how to function within China. If this virtual training succeeds, perhaps the scope of the project will grow to include more places, or even become a public learning tool. Why not model the entire world complete with historical landmarks, storefronts, and people? Learn to interact with people and machines from all around the world. Learn their customs, even their languages, all from this virtual world.

MMOCrunch claims that the sim will be SCORM compliant. I find this a little difficult to believe, but if true it’s a highly encouraging piece of news. It’s unclear to me how they would achieve this technically within the constraints of Second Life.