Imagine being transported to Mars as a robotic avatar.
In this virtual reality (VR), a computer-simulated world, other people also move around you like robots.
Your task is to work together to overcome a series of challenges and escape the planet in a space pod. The mission is only successful if all the robots manage to escape, not if one or two blast away on their own.
But this isn't a video game. Rather, it's a training session where you and your co-workers all have VR headsets on.
In retrospect, it sounds more fun than sitting in a conference room for hours while your bosses tell you about your organization's exciting plans for the coming year.
Journey to Mars is a team-building exercise called Apollo, created by British firm Jenson8, which specializes in VR-based training platforms.
Each workplace team gets three or four tries in the simulation to figure out how to escape. And participants can experience Apollo from different perspectives – in a leadership role, as a standard robot or as an observer.
Then, when the VR goggles are removed, the group is asked to discuss the various dynamics that helped them fail or succeed.
“When people are in that immersive experience, it removes a lot of the preconceived notions they carry with them when they're in the workplace,” says Bryan Barnes, head of research and development at Jenson8. "And it allows them to come out as themselves rather than trying to play that job character."
He adds that participants can better or worse understand their role in the group. And that it can lead to honest conversations that help build a more successful team.
Pandemic lockdowns have forced millions of workers to work from home and video conference, and now training is changing, too.
With regular Zoom calls since March 2020, we've all realized that we don't actually have to be in the same room for meetings. And this is now more and more the same for educational courses.
Add in the increased development of VR technology, and a growing number of businesses are asking employees to don VR goggles when it's time for a vacation or to brush up on their skills and knowledge.
Mike Wynn, is in charge of VR-based training at Bank of America. He says he primarily appeals to younger employees who are used to technology from years of playing immersive computer games.
"For the longest time we've relied on the exact same traditional training methods, but people have changed and the way they absorb and digest information has certainly changed," he says.
"Attention spans are not the same as ten years ago and even longer. Now we want information quickly and we want to be able to see things and not just read them."
But is there any evidence that VR training is actually more effective? According to a study last year by accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers, employees learn four times faster through VR than when they are in the classroom. The report also found that employees were 1.5 times more focused on VR lessons.
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Edwina Fitzmaurice, is in charge of VR technology at global accountancy firm Ernst & Young. He says another benefit of VR-based training is that users can more easily continue practicing.
"People like the idea that they can try again, they can learn again," he says. “You get a much higher retention rate, you get a much better engagement score.
"You get much better results because people can do it over and over and feel like they're in it. We all know you learn by doing more than just reading."
Others point out that VR training is often more cost-effective and safer than real-world training, especially if you're teaching someone to do a dangerous job. Instead of sending someone straight into a high-risk environment like an oil rig, chemical plant or hospital emergency room, they can first go through a VR simulation.
Additionally, many VR training systems provide feedback to the user rather than a human boss. One such provider is London-based VirtualSpeech, which offers VR-based public speaking and leadership training.
Some people are said to be more receptive to negative feedback if it comes from a computer. And VirtualSpeech founder and chief executive Sophie Thompson says computers are often better at it.
"Humans are not good at giving honest feedback and you have to ask explicitly. Whereas a machine doesn't care about your feelings."
However, VR training is not without its critics. For example, some users say that wearing VR glasses is uncomfortable or makes them dizzy or nauseous, while others complain of headaches or eye strain.
Ernst & Young's Ms Fitzmaurice agrees that the industry needs more regulation. “The key is to find the right balance between management and innovation,” he says.
"You have to allow enough for innovation to happen, and you want enough governance—in fact, one feeds the other."
Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a breakthrough technology that is reshaping the landscape of training and education. This immersive technology offers a new way of learning, allowing individuals to enter realistic simulations and gain hands-on experience like never before. In this article, we delve into how virtual reality is transforming training methods, improving skill acquisition, and ushering in a new era of interactive learning.
Immersion power:
Virtual reality immerses students in realistic environments and allows them to engage with content in ways that were once unimaginable. From medical procedures to operating heavy machinery, VR provides a safe space to practice, experiment and hone skills without real-world consequences. This increased level of immersion increases knowledge retention and confidence as students can actively apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios.
Engaging learning experiences:
With virtual reality, training becomes engaging and interactive. Traditional methods often struggle to hold students' attention, leading to suboptimal results. VR engages students by transporting them into dynamic 3D environments and ensuring they are actively engaged in the learning process. As a result, complex subjects become more digestible and enjoyable, promoting a deeper understanding of the material.
Real-time feedback and adaptation:
Virtual reality allows for immediate feedback, which is a critical component for effective skill development. Students receive instant feedback based on their actions, allowing them to correct mistakes and improve techniques in real time. This iterative process accelerates the learning curve and enables individuals to effectively build competencies.
Versatility across industries:
The impact of virtual reality on training extends across various industries. From aerospace and manufacturing to healthcare and retail, VR offers tailor-made training experiences to meet specific needs. This versatility ensures that professionals across sectors can benefit from realistic simulations that reflect their real challenges.
A cost-effective teaching solution:
Traditionally, hands-on training can be expensive due to equipment costs, logistical issues and safety issues. Virtual reality removes these barriers by providing a cost-effective alternative. Students can access a wide range of scenarios without the need for physical resources, saving organizations valuable time and resources.
Preparing for the future:
As technology continues to evolve, virtual reality offers the promise of even more sophisticated training experiences. Artificial intelligence integration, haptic feedback and collaborative VR environments are just a few examples of evolving possibilities. By adopting VR, individuals and organizations can now stay at the forefront of learning methods.
Virtual reality has ushered in a new era of training that goes beyond traditional methods. Its ability to engage learners, create engaging experiences, offer instant feedback and adapt to different industries makes it a transformative tool for skills development. As we look to the future, the potential for virtual reality to redefine training methods and prepare individuals for the challenges of tomorrow remains limitless. Harness the power of VR and unlock a new vision of training like never before.
In the dynamic field of training and education, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a game-changing technology, ushering in a new era of immersive and effective learning experiences. This article delves into the innovative impact of virtual reality on training programs, highlighting its myriad benefits and transformational potential.
Advantages of virtual reality in training:
Immersive Learning Environments: Virtual reality allows students to immerse themselves in realistic simulations, which increases engagement and retention by providing hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
Real-world practice: Trainees can practice tasks and scenarios in a virtual environment that mirrors real-world situations, enabling safe and repeatable practice without real-world consequences.
Personalized Learning Paths: VR adapts to individual learning styles and enables customizable training experiences that meet specific needs and skill levels.
Overcoming physical limitations: VR opens the door for training in environments that are otherwise difficult to replicate, such as hazardous environments or remote locations.
Data-Driven Insights: Training programs can collect performance data, offering trainers valuable insights into progress, strengths and areas for improvement.
Enhancing educational programs through virtual reality:
Incorporating VR into the education curriculum has led to better outcomes in a variety of sectors, including:
Medical training: Surgeons can practice complex procedures in a virtual operating room and hone their skills before entering a real surgical environment.
Manufacturing: Workers can learn to operate heavy machinery in a safe environment, reducing risk and increasing confidence.
Customer service: VR can simulate interactions with customers, allowing students to practice handling different scenarios and improve communication skills.
Military and Defense: Soldiers can undergo tactical training on virtual battlefields, improving strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
Embracing the Future of Learning:
The potential for virtual reality to revolutionize training is huge, and as the technology continues to evolve, its applications are bound to expand. Organizations that incorporate VR into their training strategies can benefit from increased efficiency, improved skill acquisition and a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing world.
The impact of virtual reality on training is undeniable and brings a new vision of education and skill development. With its ability to create immersive and experiential learning environments, VR is poised to shape the future of training programs across industries. By harnessing the transformative power of virtual reality, organizations can empower learners to reach their full potential and excel in an ever-evolving knowledge and skills landscape.
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