This may be hard to believe for some, but online virtual worlds can actually help kids with school and school work.

At least that's what online virtual world Whyville.net is claiming -- with 1.6 million or so children aged 8 to 12 spend time there to learn about math, science and other subjects in a "multiuser virtual environment." (Anybody remembe the three Rs?)

According to a recent CNN report, some educators believe virtual worlds can have a big impact on education, but proponents are having a difficult time overcoming negative perceptions of computer games.

What negative perception?