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Engagement levels (measured by eye tracking, head movement, and other learner interactions)Īlthough VR training can become a cost-effective solution, there are of course upfront implementation expenses to consider.Performance data (tasks performed, questions answered correctly).Usage statistics (frequency of training, duration, and completion rates).Many VR solutions offer the following data: It not only allows them to better assess content mastery, but conveniently provides the data necessary to continuously improve training interventions. VR training technology gives L&D teams greater insight into learner analytics, in real-time. And when it comes to soft skills training, simulated environments create a safe space where failure doesn’t have detrimental impacts on key stakeholder relationships. VR training also makes it easier to practice skills that carry a high degree of risk to costly equipment. Less down time also means greater productivity, adding value to an organization’s bottom-line.Įmployees trained with VR learned up to 4 times faster than traditional classroom learners.ĭespite the upfront costs of investing in VR training technology (more on this topic, below), research shows that using it to train large numbers of people over time can be more cost-effective than live, in-person simulations. In fact, the aforementioned PwC study found that employees trained with VR learned up to four times faster than traditional classroom learners. Immersive learning eliminates distractions and allows learners to progress through training faster, saving organizations time and money. Plus, if learners need extra practice time to master a skill, they can repeat these same tasks multiple times in a virtual environment with minimal additional costs.
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VR training is then able to facilitate “learn by doing”, making learners more capable by giving them simulated, hands-on experiences with tasks they might otherwise have to read about or wait to do once they’re on-the-job. The superior outcomes resulting from immersive experiences like these reflect a basic tenet of adult learning theory – that adults learn best and retain information the most under conditions that approximate real-world performance. VR training drove a 76% increase in learning effectiveness over traditional methods.Īnother PricewaterhouseCoopers study compared VR training to traditional training and found that when practicing soft skills, VR simulations taught learners faster and created a “stronger emotional bond” to the content A study from Stanford University and Technical University in Denmark saw VR training drive a 76% increase in learning effectiveness over traditional instructional methods. Virtual reality engages the senses and immerses learners in a simulation of the actual work environment, which can lead to better training outcomes. VR training helps overcome this obstacle by creating a learning environment with minimal distractions in which employees have the power to control their experience. ImmersionĮngaging employees is one of the biggest challenges for L&D professionals.
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This type of training offers several tangible benefits over traditional training formats. These can be anything from technical skills exercises, such as learning to operate machinery, to soft skills exercises, like de-escalating an intense customer interaction. In the virtual environment, learners can complete activities and scenarios. They also typically have motion controllers which allow them to interact with their virtual surroundings.
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The learner wears a virtual reality headset that visually immerses them in computer-generated, 3D graphics designed to mimic real world environments. Virtual reality training uses lifelike simulations to help employees learn new skills and develop existing ones. VR tools can help solve this global crisis.”Īs many are touting virtual reality as the next great training frontier, forward-thinking L&D leaders should verse themselves in the advantages, disadvantages, and different ways this technology can be utilized. Hilton’s director of learning innovation calls VR “the future of learning.” Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices’ VP of global education also remarked on the vast potential of this technology saying, “The world doesn’t have enough access to safe healthcare because there aren’t enough trained surgeons. This rapidly emerging, highly immersive training tool offers numerous benefits to learners and organizations alike. It’s no surprise that more learning and development professionals are beginning to explore how VR training might fit into their organization’s goals.
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