Abstract: A system for establishing a virtual environment is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the system includes at least one computer terminal for use by a participant for interfacing to the virtual environment and an operation module coupled to the computer terminal for manipulating the virtual environment in response to one or more actions by the participant. The operation module may be adapted to assess the mental dexterity of the participant in the virtual environment. The operation module may also be adapted as a marketing tool for soliciting donations.

Abstract: A method for interfacing with a virtual environment provided by an operation module is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a participant computer terminal to permit a participant to interface with the virtual environment by way of a participant avatar; providing an agent computer terminal to permit an agent to interface with the virtual environment by way of an agent avatar; and providing an avatar navigation selection module that permits said participant to have an option of selecting one of a plurality of virtual environment avatar navigation modes including an independent, self control mode, a surrender-to-agent control mode, and a partial surrender-to-agent control mode.