In a rapidly evolving technological world, Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer a new name. Thanks to the latest smartphones, VR has become more of a household name. How can the industry of eLearning be behind when it comes to using technology?
The Future Of Virtual Reality In eLearning
eLearning companies in India are embracing the new horizon of VR as a learning experience. There is considerable growth in this field of VR learning in the last few years. If current trends are to be believed, VR is expected to be the next big thing in the industry of eLearning.
What Is VR?
VR refers to a 3D-computerized environment that a person can interact with. The user feels as if he/she is a part of a 3D world. This becomes an immersive experience that engrosses the user in the virtual world.
One needs specially designed gear, popularly known as the VR headset, to access VR content. Google Cardboard is perhaps the simplest and most commonly used device that offers a visual, and auditory, immersive VR experience.
VR And eLearning
In a usual eLearning environment, learners look at images/text, interact via clicks, drag-and-drop or input text. VR, on the other hand, gives a far more immersive experience of the content. VR allows learners to interact with the learning material in a virtual environment. This intensifies the engagement and, hence, the motivation to learn.
For example, imagine looking at a world map for a Geography class. Not very interesting, right? Now, imagine the same class in a VR environment where you can play with a virtual globe and explore the geographical regions. Much more engaging, isn’t it?
VR has opened up new learning environments that were otherwise not possible. For example, one can create courses on how to work in dangerous or high-risk environments, explore with hazardous materials, or perform other complex activities without actually being exposed to such an environment. This gives hands-on experience with minimal exposure to fatality. Apart from the fun and engagement element, this safety feature makes VR a special innovation in the eLearning industry. It allows learners to learn from their mistakes, arrive at the right skill set, with the freedom to make mistakes, and try again. For example, a VR-based learning module on hazardous material will allow the learner to practice handling the material virtually without facing the actual risks of wrong handling.
Future Of VR
With the recent surge in VR compatible smartphones, VR is quickly becoming a familiar name. Several applications of VR technology are already on the market. With so much perspective, the possibility of training by means of VR is stimulating. Let’s look at some industries where VR-based eLearning is going to have the greatest impact.
The medical and healthcare training industry can use VR technology very effectively to train in processes and procedures. The VR environment will allow the learner to try and practice procedures without fearing the negative impact on real patients.
A key area where VR technology can revolutionize training is with technician and machine operators. VR will allow learners to operate machines in a virtual environment and thus, become experts before putting them on live systems.
Another area that is being explored, and is already on the market, is compliance training. VR is being extensively used in “safe” safety training. It allows trainees to experience the consequences of unsafe practices and violations of safety norms. It also helps them get a real-time feel of the actual environment they are going to be in and learn safety procedures precisely.
VR is also beneficial in highly skilled trades that need precision and practice. VR provides long-term financial benefits, in such cases, by eliminating the need to invest in materials for practice; allowing trainees to practice the task any number of times till they get it right.
VR is an exciting technology that is already revolutionizing the industry of eLearning. eLearning companies in India have rightly appreciated its immense potential and are embracing the technology to its fullest scale. More and more research is being done and certainly, in the near future, VR is going to drive the eLearning domain.
Quelle:
https://elearningindustry.com/vr-in-elearning-virtual-reality-future
Foto: SFIO CRACHO/Shutterstock.com
Originally published at blog.hexalearn.com.
