The rapid advancements in technology have transformed learning in ways that would have been unimaginable a few decades earlier. Online learning, in particular, has gone from using large computers and multimedia to providing completely remote learning experiences using devices that can fit in the palm of your hand. Now, it seems that the next step in online learning is Virtual Reality (VR) courses. This isn’t surprising, given that immersive learning experiences transport users to a distraction-free learning environment where hands-on training takes on a new meaning. In this article, we explore just a few of the many benefits of using Virtual Reality in training.
Immersive learning, and especially VR, seems to be taking the world of eLearning by storm. It’s no longer the stuff of sci-fi novels, and organizations can now leverage this modern tech to foster experiential learning. Let's look at some of the benefits that make it such an unparalleled training technique.
The ultimate benefit of using Virtual Reality in learning is that it allows learners to mix theory with practice. They get to act out a certain scenario or assemble parts almost in the same way it would happen in real life, just by using a VR training program. Not to mention that immersive learning promotes repetition, thus improving retention of new information. Learners can repeat activities as many times as they want, exploring different choices and outcomes every time. As a result, they acquire a deeper understanding of the topic they are trying to learn.
With smartphones and other digital devices taking over our lives, staying focused and completing even a simple task without interruptions can be extremely difficult. This has a direct impact on the learning experience, as it prevents learners from fully assimilating and retaining information. However, immersive learning offers a solution by blocking out the real world along with its many distractions. Learners “lose” themselves in the subject matter, and external distractions are no longer a significant hurdle to overcome. And it’s not just headsets that come into play. Even smartphones can become powerful tools that help learners focus on the task at hand and make the most of training opportunities.
If there is one thing we can say about Virtual Reality courses, it is that they truly bring learning to life. Instead of reading documents, watching videos, or listening to an instructor, VR instantly transports learners to a different place. There, they can use most of their senses to practice new concepts and hone their skills in any subject, such as pitching a sale, handling a challenging customer persona, or even going through safety compliance protocols. The reality of the learning experience boosts employee engagement and motivation to keep expanding their knowledge base.
Learning is a unique experience for everyone. However, one-dimensional training courses force everyone to learn at the same pace and use the same training material. Fortunately, Virtual Reality offers highly personalized and customizable courses that fit every single person's training preferences. In the immersive environment, users can complete activities as fast, slow, or as many times as needed. The flexibility of being able to learn on your own terms and in such an interesting and relatable environment is what makes immersive learning so popular. In fact, eLearning and VR initiatives often go hand-in-hand. For example, many eLearning activities can take place within a VR environment to enhance immersion.
Mistakes are a very important part of the learning process; however, they can cost a lot of money. Let's say your company is training new employees on warehouse vehicles and which methods are more suitable for cargo transportation. Employees have to learn, but you can't risk destroying products in the process. This is where VR courses come in. Employees can throw on a headset and practice in the virtual world without any risk at all. Not having to worry about costly mistakes gives learners confidence to try new things and test all alternatives. This way, when the time comes to do the real thing, they will know exactly how to handle it.
The final benefit of Virtual Reality that we must mention is its ability to measure learner progress. Most advanced VR course creation platforms, such as CenarioVR, monitor learning experiences in real-time. The data that is gathered can then be shared with instructors or trainers so that they can provide immediate feedback. Also, Virtual Reality training courses can be integrated into your existing LMS and even viewed with a headset from an LMS (if using CenarioVR), allowing you to create any reports. Therefore, all aspects of the learning experience become measurable, helping test learner progress at a later stage and ensuring the effectiveness of the training program.
Now you know how beneficial Virtual Reality training courses can be for the development of your employees and the success of your organization. But how does one go about creating their own VR-powered course? Most authoring tools allow businesses to create their own courses even if their development teams aren't as tech-savvy. All they have to do is prepare their material, use the built-in templates, and then let the software work its magic.
The same can be applied to VR courses as well. Virtual Reality course creation tools such as CenarioVR guide you through every step of the creation process and help you produce engaging training content that boosts workforce development. The process starts by capturing your learning environment in a 360-degree video or an equirectangular image. The second and final step is creating and adding interaction points, such as hotspots, 3D objects, games, quizzes, etc. Once your Virtual Reality course is ready, you can publish it to the web, mobile devices, or your existing LMS. This way, your employees can immerse themselves in engaging training experiences, the results of which you will be able to monitor with ease.
Here are a couple of examples of the immersive situations you can create with your VR course creation solution:
Safety Protocols – Go through safety compliance scenarios and train your employees on how they must react in various emergency situations.
Product Showcase – Use the 3D object and quiz feature to help your employees become experts in pitching the services and products of your company.
Site Tour – This feature is particularly useful for the onboarding stage. Let new hires take in their new surroundings as if they're there, without having to even set foot in the office.
Immersive learning, and especially Virtual Reality, is an amazing way to get your employees motivated to take part in your company's training program. Virtual Reality also promotes skill development, knowledge retention, and employee satisfaction. All you have to do is pick a Virtual Reality course creation tool to produce your own training program and watch your business grow.
If you are interested in seeing CenarioVR at work, read this case study to find out how a world-famous fashion brand was able to standardize health and safety issues within their organization:
Fendi's Immersive Mobile Learning Course By Video Interact Using Lectora & CenarioVR