This paper is dedicated to the idea of studying in virtual worlds and discusses how virtual storytelling technology (VST) can provide an educational process. We try to answer the question -is it possible to substitute a real learning environment with a fully immersive 3D virtual space? And if so, what role should a virtual teacher play and what skills should he have? We describe several advantages that virtual environment (VE) has as compared to an ordinary classroom. It enables children to explore a phenomenon involved and gives them a strong incentive to study. Further, in VE we can transfer a lesson to inaccessible places and carry out demonstrations and experiments that are unrealizable on Earth. We consider the relationship between VST and game-like environments. We present some particular educational applications developed at our institute on the basis of Avango VR-system. Finally, we discuss the future of educational virtual environments and virtual storytelling.