1. A virtual reality welding system, comprising: a programmable processor-based subsystem; a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem; at least one mock welding tool configured to be spatially tracked by the spatial tracker; and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, wherein the system is configured to simulate, in a virtual reality environment, a weld puddle that is responsive to manipulation of the at least one mock welding tool by a user and has real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics, and display the simulated weld puddle on the at least one display device in real-time, and wherein the virtual reality welding system is further configured to overlay and display an image of an ideal weld puddle onto the simulated weld puddle when at least one characteristic of the simulated weld puddle deviates more than a determined amount from an ideal amount of the at least one characteristic.