VR for Training
Some occupations require their representatives to achieve a certain level of hands-on experience before starting to perform the actual job. Yet, the quality of traditional professional skills training is strongly limited by many unavoidable obstacles, such as:
the inability to provide a safe environment for gaining experience in activities that would have been difficult to learn otherwise (i.e., realistic height training, operating heavy machinery, performing surgery),
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the inability to recreate the significant risks at work in the training environment (i.e. gas leaks, hazardous material spills, or explosions),
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the necessity of turning off the machinery for training and repair of heavy equipment, which could cause massive downtime.
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the inability to show the consequences of the risky behaviour, including the fatal ones (i.e.a fall from a height)
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the increased cost of staff training, which has to travel to a training centre every few months
How does VR for Training work?
We learn by doing, so simulations that let us experience scenarios help us learn and remember better. According to the STRIVR, learners retain 75% of what they are taught, compared to a 10% retention rate from reading or listening to a presentation. The immersive technology provides hands-on experiences that allow for better learning outcomes.
Thanks to its immersive capabilities, many organizations are making use of VR as a safety training tool. By being able to create realistic scenarios specific to the role, they formulate all types of customized VR training that may not have been possible otherwise.
These incidents can be tailored to replicate any potential work hazards so that employers can also analyse users’ stress levels and problem-solving skills. Each one can be repeated, and randomized as often as needed, exposing the workers to
a thousand hours of lifelike situations.
When combined with the story narratives and advanced learning curriculum developed by subject experts, the result is trainees learning in the best way possible — through personal experience — significantly improving learning retention, job performance, team collaboration, workplace safety, and cost.
Another advantage of VR in training is that the employer can receive measurable data on each employee’s performance, with the ability to set benchmarks and analyse the progress an individual has made over time. As a result, employees can receive immediate feedback on their performance and set targets to work towards, allowing them to implement what they have learned at a much faster rate.
Why is VR for training beneficial?
FULL ENGAGEMENT
With the ability to transport users to realistic, risk-reduced work scenarios, employees can learn the skills and procedures attached to the role whilst also being actively engaged in the learning process.
EMERGING TOOLS
Advanced headsets with controllers enable the user to involve themselves completely in the scenario, rather than just being a passive observer. The learning experience becomes a more enjoyable, engaging, and ultimately, memorable process.
JOB PREPARATION
Immersive simulations that provide authentic and safe experiences not only help prepare employees for their jobs, but also free up workers who would have to provide the training.
FULL CONTROL
Let your team experience what a real-life emergency would entail and how they ought to react whilst staying in a controlled and safe environment.
How does VR for Training work?
The goal of VR training is to create realistic workplace experiences and allow employees to take risks while working in demanding environments. Not surprisingly, some first industries that committed to using virtual reality for job training include healthcare and aviation, but VR is branching out into retail, hospitality, and other industries.
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VR for Health Care
Virtual reality allows patients to completely immerse themselves in the designed experiences, reducing chronic pain, phobias, and anxiety symptoms. It is also commonly used in the training of medical staff, which could now learn and practice in a fully interactive, yet very realistic, environment without putting their lives at risk.
