Since the dawn of civilization, new technologies-from the plow to the locomotive to the computer-have transformed human lives. These changes have often been for the better, but occasionally also for the worse. No matter what consequence, these changes have always been irrevocable and pervasive. Today's new technologies, from the well-connected computer to the digital communication infrastructure, are not exception. They are dramatically changing the way we work, play and live. The central theme of Our Virtual World: The Transformation of Work, Play and Life via Technology is the interplay of the ubiquity of the virtual environment and our evolving interactions in this changed context.

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 12th International Workshop on Groupware, CRIWG 2006. The book presents 21 revised full papers and 13 revised short papers, carefully reviewed and selected from 99 submissions. Topical sections include collaborative applications and group interaction, group awareness, computer supported collaborative learning, languages and tools supporting collaboration, groupware development frameworks and toolkits, collaborative workspaces, web-based cooperative environments, mobile collaborative work, and collaborative design.