Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are steadily changing the way we do things. Whether it’s through advertising, entertainment, retail, gaming, or otherwise, you’re sure to have had your fair share of encounters with immersive technology. Today, however, we’re here to talk about immersive training and how it’s transforming to way we learn – and teach.
And while it’s fair to assume that AR and VR training are the exclusive reserves of only a few industries, this simply isn’t the case. In fact, in their Seeing is Believing report on the economic potential of AR and VR, PWC estimated that AR and VR could add up to $1.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030. From this figure, VR training could contribute up to $294 billion: an eye watering number.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of immersive training, specific use cases, and how you can get the most out of your immersive training programmes. But first, a brief foray into the basics.
Types of Immersive Technology
If you’re here, you might already have a firm grasp on what these different technologies can do. For the uninitiated however, we’ll quickly touch upon each. Don’t worry – this won’t take long.
Virtual Reality
VR creates whole computer-generated environments to fully immersive users, allowing them to interact with a digital world, objects, and other avatars. Users wear a headset or goggles and have the benefit of a 360-degree perspective.
Augmented Reality
AR overlays digital information such as images, sounds, or 3D models, onto the real world. Typically, these environments are viewed through a smartphone or tablet and are less immersive than VR experiences.
Mixed Reality
A blend of VR and AR, MR uses specialised headsets to show digital content which is overlaid onto the real world that interacts with the real world.
Use Cases of Immersive Training
Healthcare
The medical field was one of the first to embrace immersive training, and it’s easy to see why. Medical training is fraught with complications, from learning complex procedures to dealing with highly infectious patients. Courtesy of VR, trainee healthcare professionals can engage in all sorts of training such as viewing accurate representations of the human anatomy, carrying out complex procedures, and practicing patient interactions in a risk-free environment.
Military
Military training has seen significant transformation with the integration of immersive technology, with many nations adopting the technology, including the British Army. Virtual reality allows soldiers to take part in realistic combat scenarios, practices tactics, decision-making, and teamwork, and drive an array of vehicles. Immersive training has many of the benefits of traditional training, without the pitfalls such as safety and cost issues.
Manufacturing
In the world of industry, following safety protocols and correct operational procedures protect workers and ensure maximum efficiency – and profit. Virtual reality and augmented reality mean employees can navigate virtual factory floors, learn how to operate complex machinery, handle dangerous materials, and respond to emergencies, without having to comb through dry instruction manuals.
Aviation
If you grew up playing video games, chances are you’ve tried your hand at a flight simulator or two. Well, as technologies have evolved, so has VR based pilot training, making it an invaluable tool for the aviation industry. Trainee pilots can now take part in super realistic simulators, experiencing different flying conditions, emergencies, and other controlled scenarios. Such hands-on practice serves as an excellent precursor to real flight training or during those times when flying isn’t possible.
The Benefits of Immersive Training
Like any emerging technology, immersive training has a long way to go, but the perks are already plain to see.
Safety
Immersive training provides a controlled environment for learners to practice potentially dangerous tasks. This ensures that people are well-prepared before entering high-risk scenarios.
Cost-Effectiveness
Traditional training methods often involve expensive equipment, travel, and resources. Immersive technology eliminates many of these costs by allowing learners to train in virtual environments.
Information Retention
Studies have shown that immersive experiences significantly improve information retention. In fact, AR and VR training can result in up to a 75% learning retention rate over other forms of training. If you’re somebody who struggles to absorb information by pouring over reams of text, you can probably relate.
Collaboration
Immersive training allows for more collaborative learning experiences wherein multiple users can interact in the same virtual space.
Engagement
Immersive training is inherently more fun and engaging. By making learning more interactive, learners are more motivated to participate and commit to the process.
Learn more about Virtual Reality analytics today and see how you can get the most out of your VR experiences
