In the past, articles about Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) often began by referencing science fiction movies. However, these technologies have significantly advanced and become integrated into our daily lives. Rather than being surprised, we now expect VR/AR to simplify our lives.
The integration of VR and AR in learning has created an immersive learning experience, allowing learners to engage in hands-on training even in previously impractical scenarios. These technologies enable learning by doing, overcoming previous limitations.
The growth of these technologies in the market is remarkable. The estimated value of AR in education is projected to reach $5.3 billion by 2023, while VR in education is expected to reach $640 million.
Exploring the Holographic World: An Introduction to Augmented Reality (AR).
AR or augmented reality, involves the real-time integration of digital information into a user’s video or physical environment. This technology enables the superimposition of sound, videos, images, animations and more, resulting in a holographic effect.
Virtual Reality (VR) a Gateway to New Realities:
VR or virtual reality, is a technology that creates a simulated environment, placing the user inside the experience. By using VR headsets, users can interact with and manipulate a three-dimensional world, providing an experience that closely resembles reality.
Advantages of AR and VR in Corporate Employ Training:
Cost-effective and Secure Training:
Industries often require training for their employees to familiarize them with processes and operations before they take on full responsibilities. VR and AR can be utilized to create simulations that offer safe and consequence-free training experiences. Employers design accurate simulations of their operations, including the equipment used, enabling new employees to gain expertise and experiment without real-world consequences. Mistakes made during the simulation only impact the virtual environment.
The Power of Practice: Enhancing Skill Development through Hands-On Learning.
Practicing skills is crucial for skill development, studies have shown that combining learning with practical application yields greater retention. Hands-on practice surpasses other methods such as discussions, lectures, reading or audio-visual learning, boasting a retention rate of 75% compared to lectures’ mere 5% retention rate.
Beyond Technical Competence: Cultivating Soft Skills through VR and AR Simulations.
VR and AR technologies are able to assist enterprises in cultivating employees’ soft skills and expertise. Employers can create VR simulations that replicate specific situations employees are likely to encounter, making them more comfortable in real-life scenarios and enabling them to deliver better customer service. These technologies are particularly beneficial for nurturing soft skills.
Saving Lives Virtually: VR and AR for Effective Emergency Training.
VR and AR are invaluable for training employees to handle real-life emergencies. Some airports, for instance, employ this technology for safety training. The International Air Transport Association has long utilized a VR platform to train employees in ground operations, resulting in reduced damage to aircraft and equipment and decreased training costs. Similarly, some companies use VR to train staff in handling emergency situations effectively.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Revolutionizing Learning Outcomes.
Employers have the opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of learning materials by implementing innovative solutions. For instance, they utilize technology such as smartphones to augment training manuals with supplementary resources. This approach allows users to access additional materials by simply pointing their phone cameras at specific texts. Enterprises can leverage this technique to train their employees on various products, services or solutions.
Virtual reality (VR) teaching surpasses traditional methods in terms of efficacy. Learners utilizing VR or augmented reality (AR) retained information at a significantly higher rate. Even after a year of training, VR/AR learners exhibited a recall rate of 80%, whereas traditional learners only retained 20% of the information after just one week.
Advancing Expertise: VR and AR for Technical Competency Development.
VR and AR technologies are not only beneficial for cultivating soft skills and experiential learning but also for developing technical competencies. The healthcare sector, for instance, has already started utilizing VR to train medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. A study conducted by Yale University demonstrated that VR learners performed surgeries 29% faster and made six times fewer mistakes compared to their counterparts who underwent traditional training.
Similarly, the construction industry employs VR and AR for safety training purposes. The effectiveness of virtual reality in corporate training is widely acknowledged, prompting numerous enterprises to invest in immersive learning experiences involving VR and AR.
Immersive Learning Playgrounds: Enhancing Training with AR and VR Gamification.
Enterprises are increasingly adopting AR and VR technologies to implement advanced gamification techniques that enhance the learning process. This approach proves particularly effective in engaging employees and expediting the learning journey. It allows companies to showcase their best practices while creating a highly interactive learning experience.
The gaming industry has already embraced VR and AR as mainstream technologies. Gradually, other sectors are following suit and utilizing these technologies to facilitate interactive and personalized learning experiences. VR gamification is preferred due to its ability to create a sense of reality, enabling employees to learn in real-time.
Conclusion:
The rise of AR and VR in employee training brings numerous advantages. From realistic simulations and hands-on practice to improved retention and engagement, these technologies offer a transformative learning experience. With the ability to enhance soft skills, develop technical competencies and facilitate safe emergency training, AR and VR are revolutionizing the way organizations approach employee learning and development. By embracing these technologies, companies probably can unlock the potential for more effective and impactful training programs, leading to better-prepared employees and improved organizational performance.
