Another year in the proverbial metaverse has arrived, and we see no slowing down for an industry where hardware (and software) is still in its infancy.
Another year in the proverbial metaverse has arrived, and we see no slowing down for an industry where hardware (and software) is still in its relative infancy. With extended reality (XR) headsets growing in adoption, we are starting to see more robust enterprise use cases. With players like Apple looking to get into the fray this year, this could be a breakthrough year for immersive technology.
In this ultimate guide to VR training, we will take a deep dive into the world of immersive learning technology, specifically extended reality (XR) and how it’s being utilized in meaningful ways around the world for a variety of applications. The blend of both virtual and augmented reality (extended reality or XR) allows for enhanced learning opportunities across many different sectors, learning outcomes, and use cases.
You will learn exactly what VR training is, why it is an effective tool, the differences between XR/VR/AR, as well as where it’s being utilized today. We will also take a look at both the hardware and software options available and provide the reader with some key takeaways for successfully implementing XR technology within their organization.
So strap on your wearables, plug in your PC-powered optics, and read on for a wild ride into the world of immersive learning for 2023.
INTRODUCTION TO VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
Are you looking to upskill your employees or teach them a new set of skills? Virtual reality training provides an immersive, interactive way to learn, practice, and develop skills in a safe, simulated environment.
In this guide, you’ll learn just what virtual reality training entails, why you should use it, and the benefits it offers. We’ll also look at how to develop a VR training plan, and the best platforms, tools, and technologies to use when implementing the technology within your organization. Lastly, we’ll dive into the challenges of virtual reality training and how to overcome them by delivering impactful experiences.
Overall after reading this guide you will have a fully in-depth knowledge base for immersive technology, as well as many takeaways for successful adoption within your own business use cases.
WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING?
Virtual reality training is a form of training that uses technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), and other immersive technologies to simulate real-world environments and scenarios. It gives learners a safe and immersive way to learn and practice the skills they need to succeed in their roles.
VR training is an effective tool for teaching complex concepts, enabling learners to experience the consequences of their decisions in a safe, simulated environment. It can also be used to teach soft skills, such as communication and leadership, as well as to increase safety awareness and compliance.
WHY USE VR FOR TRAINING?
VR training has many advantages over traditional training methods. It allows learners to experience, practice, and develop skills in a safe, simulated environment. This enables learners to make mistakes and learn from them without any real-world consequences. Think for a second if you are working with radioactive waste or on a nuclear reactor — would you want to make a mistake on the job that could have terribly harmful consequences? VR can also aid in hard to access places by bringing a digital double of those hard to reach places to a virtual world.
Immersive learning also encourages active learning, allowing learners to “learn by doing” and develop their skills through practice. VR training also offers a more engaging learning experience for the end user, as learners are immersed in the environment and can interact with virtual objects almost as if they were in the real world. This leads to a much more memorable learning experience and content digested during that period will be recalled more effectively, creating a more impactful learning outcome.
Furthermore, VR training is highly scalable and cost-effective. It can be used to train large groups of learners without the need to invest in physical equipment or travel to remote locations. And, because it’s digital, it can easily be updated to reflect changes in the real world.
With advancements in artificial intelligence and the medium of virtual reality growth is only going to continue to evolve rapidly, and while it may be hard to predict just how quickly this sector will grow, we will do our best in this guide to outline all the essentials for you.
COMPARING OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
There are a number of different virtual reality training options in terms of usability available. The most common are as follows:
HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS (HMDS)
These are the type of VR devices that are worn on your head and provide a fully immersive experience. Typically thought of as VR headsets and are the most commonly used when looking at using VR in a training capacity.
Leading headsets on the market currently for HMD’s are the Meta (formerly Oculus) Quest 2 and Quest Pro (pictured right) devices. Other examples of HMD’s are the Pico 4 Enterprise and the HTC XR Elite (Updated as of April 2023).
ROOM-SCALE VR
This is a more advanced version of HMDs, which uses sensors to track the user’s physical movements and translate them into the virtual environment. This is more on the PC-powered side of VR headsets and is less portable but offers more immersion.
Example HMDs that are typically used for room-scale VR would be the HTC Vive Pro, Valve Index and on the gaming side of things the PSVR 2.
FULL BODY SIMULATORS
These are computer-based simulations that allow learners to practice skills in a virtual environment, typically used for things like airplane pilots or military applications. They offer a full simulator that the user is engaged with, often with body haptics and other immersive elements other than visual.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs. There are other augmented reality options when it comes to immersive learning, but for this guide we are going to focus solely on VR solutions.
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY LEVERAGED IN VR TRAINING
In addition to the platforms mentioned above, there are several tools and innovative equipment available to support virtual reality training simulations. These include the following:
ANALYTICS TOOLS
These tools provide insights into learners’ performance and enable organizations to measure the effectiveness of the training. Typically trainers will measure interaction design and object manipulation during a training simulation. This data can then be integrated and synced to a learning management system (LMS).
Here at VR Vision we’ve developed the Vision Portal for scalable enterprise VR training course management, administration and deployment.
MOBILE DEVICE MANAGEMENT (MDMS)
These platforms allow easy use when managing a fleet of devices on a network. Allows remote managing AR & VR devices, deploying content, and controlling what users can see and do in the headset.
There are two leaders in the VR MDM space:
ArborXR – https://arborxr.com/
ManageXR – https://www.managexr.com/
360 STEREOSCOPIC CAMERAS
These are used to capture real-world images and videos, which can then be used to create virtual environments and scenarios. Often a 360 stereoscopic video camera(s) is used to capture and replicate a real-world environment.
The Insta 360 Pro Titan camera pictured in the example here is being used to film a variety of safety protocols in a factory setting. This allows us to get a fully immersive reproduction of real world job processes that can then be replicated for a virtual simulation.
For more information about check out our page on 360 Video Production.
MOTION TRACKING
This technology enables learners to interact with virtual objects and environments naturally. With full body motion tracking we can gauge where the trainee is moving, how they are moving, and what corrections would possibly be needed for the learning outcome.
As motion tracking evolves we will see headsets use more cameras and sensors to allow for better optics on hand movements, interactions, and eventually full body feedback.
HAPTIC FEEDBACK
Haptic gloves & feedback suits exist for the learning to wear during training to simulate various effects that would happen in the real world. An example of this could be a construction worker getting electrocuted during training, the haptic suit would provide force feedback to the wearer.
Pictured right: the HaptX gloves for virtual reality and robotics — a leader in the tactile haptic feedback for VR space.
CONTENT PRODUCTION OPTIONS
360 STEREOSCOPIC VIDEO
360 stereoscopic video is a type of video technology that allows a user to experience a three-dimensional (3D) visual environment. It is achieved by capturing video from two cameras that are set apart at a certain distance and then combining the images from the two cameras to produce a single 3D video. This 3D video can be used to view an object or scene from different angles.
The most common application of 360 stereoscopic videos is in virtual reality training scenarios. By using this type of technology, instructors can provide a realistic, immersive training experience to their students. The video will provide depth and realism to the user to make the experience feel similar to the real world equivalent.
By allowing individuals to view an environment from different angles and distances, they can better understand how to react to a given situation. In addition, they can learn how to navigate a space and interact with objects safely and efficiently. This type of training can be invaluable in helping individuals prepare for real-world situations.Some of the key advantages of using 360-degree stereoscopic video for training include:
IMMERSION
360-degree stereoscopic video provides an incredibly immersive experience that closely mimics the real world. This allows trainees to practice in virtual environments that closely resemble the actual conditions they will encounter on the job.
INTERACTIVITY
360-degree stereoscopic video allows trainees to interact with the virtual environment in a way that is not possible with traditional 2D video. This provides a more engaging and interactive training experience.
SAFETY
With 360-degree stereoscopic video, trainees can practice in virtual environments that are not possible or safe to replicate in the real world. This includes hazardous environments, such as industrial settings or emergency response scenarios.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
360-degree stereoscopic video can be more cost effective than traditional training methods, such as live simulations or on-the-job training. This is because the virtual environments can be reused multiple times and are not subject to wear and tear.
FLEXIBILITY
360-degree stereoscopic video can be easily customized to meet specific training needs. This allows for tailored training programs that are more effective for individual trainees or specific industries.
COMPUTER GENERATED (CGI) SIMULATIONS
CGI, or computer-generated imagery, is the use of computer graphics to create realistic images, animations, and simulations. When combined with VR technology, CGI simulations can create highly realistic and immersive virtual environments or digital twins that are ideal for training purposes.
Some of the key advantages of using CGI virtual reality simulations for training include:
REALISM
CGI simulations can create highly realistic virtual environments that closely mimic real-world scenarios. This allows trainees to practice in environments that closely resemble the actual conditions they will encounter on the job. Many times these scenarios are digital twins of real-world environments and job processes.
SAFETY
With CGI simulations, trainees can practice in virtual environments that are not possible or safe to replicate in the real world. This includes dangerous environments, such as industrial settings or emergency response scenarios. An example would be working with electricity, in VR you mitigate risk entirely by using a virtual environment.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
CGI simulations can be more cost effective than traditional training methods, such as live simulations or on-the-job training. This is because the virtual environments can be reused multiple times and are not subject to wear and tear.
FLEXIBILITY
CGI simulations can be easily customized to meet specific training needs. This allows for tailored training programs that are more effective for individual trainees or specific industries.
SCALABILITY
CGI simulations can be used to train a large number of trainees at once, making it an ideal solution for organizations with a high volume of trainees. For true scalability there would need to be a management and administration solution in place for seamless adoption and roll out, we look at solving this issue with the Vision Portal.
SINGLE PLAYER & MULTIPLAYER COURSES
CGI, or computer-generated imagery, is the use of computer graphics to create realistic images, animations, and simulations. When combined with VR technology, CGI simulations can create highly realistic and immersive virtual environments or digital twins that are ideal for training purposes.
SINGLE-PLAYER COURSE MODES
These are the standard and more widely recognized VR courses. There are typically three modes, which can sometimes be combined either entirely or just for specific functions. For example, hazard identification training allows users to learn about hazards while also being simultaneously evaluated on their performance.
COMPUTER GUIDED
The system will provide visual highlights, voice-overs, and other user interface elements to guide the user through their training.
NON-GUIDED
The trainee will be given a task to complete. They will have to know each step in the procedure and follow through without any assistance.
EVALUATION
Similar to the Non-guided mode, the system will not provide guidance on completing tasks. The trainee’s interactions with the course, including mistakes, completion time, and other metrics, will be tracked.”
EXAMPLE OF SINGLE PLAYER VR TRAINING
Toyota Material Handling Core Electric Forklift Part Identification VR Training
Video below or read the full case study available here.
MULTIPLAYER COURSE MODES
Multiuser (multiplayer/metaverse) courses are a new industry tool for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing, but designing courses for them can be much more complicated due to factors such as multi-user behaviour and evaluation systems. There are three main modes of multiplayer VR training.
INSTRUCTOR LED
The trainer can start a course, assign a PIN to lock it, and the LMS will send a notification for the course schedule along with the PIN. This way, other members of the organization cannot join the shared course. The instructor will then proceed to go through procedures and training in VR while the trainees have a limited range of interactions depending on the course design.
CO-OP
Similar to Trainer Lead mode, Co-op allows multiple users to join the same shared virtual reality course. The main difference here is that two users will collaborate to complete tasks while others (if any) can only observe. A great example of this is one person operating a crane while another person at the base is assigning loads.
OPEN SANDBOX
In this mode, there are a few limitations on what users can do while in the same course. Trainees can pass tools to each other and complete tasks in any way or order they choose. This is the closest to an interactive digital twin that can be created.
EXAMPLE OF MULTIPLAYER VR TRAINING
Avangrid Renewables Reclosure Switching Order VR Training (Multiplayer Scenario)
PERSISTENCY, SAVED STATES & THE „METAVERSE“
The concept of the “Metaverse” lacks a definitive consensus. It is recommended to avoid delving too deeply into its potential and instead concentrate on feasible options that are both stable and scalable.
This subject is closely related to the preceding topic, “Multi-User Course Modes.” It is worth noting that persistent VR modes are necessary for more advanced multiplayer courses. This indicates that the state of a course must be perpetually saved and accessible to any user with the proper credentials.
For instance, if a trainer arranges tools in a particular configuration, that configuration should persist for any user who joins the course at any point in the future. Think of this as saved games in the video game sense, except for immersive learning. The ability to have people save progress and pick it up where they left off at a later date can really elevate a learning curriculum.
CHOOSING VR HARDWARE FOR YOUR TRAINING NEEDS
Virtual Reality training has advanced considerably, from simple single-player 360° videos with little to no interactivity, fast forward to procedure-based step-by-step linear courses, and finally, the latest and greatest in shared persistent virtual worlds. Much needs to be considered when looking at hardware to ensure you are getting the right fit for your specific needs. Someone looking to simulate open heart surgery for example would need a much more enhanced resolution to view minute details verses someone who is working in construction.
VR HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS (HMDS)
These are what you normally think of when you are considering using immersive technology for a learning outcome or experience. There are quite a few options available on the market today, and we’re not going to cover all of them, but here’s an idea of the best options currently available as of writing this guide (March 2023).
META QUEST 2 (FORMERLY OCULUS)
This is a standalone VR headset that doesn’t require a PC or console to run. It has built-in motion tracking and high-resolution displays. It offers a great level of freedom and portability and you can use it for a wide range of applications, from gaming to virtual tours.
One of the drawbacks is that the battery life is limited, and it may not have the same level of graphics as PC-based VR headsets. Even still it remains the best choice for mass adoption in terms of cost/quality/ease of use.
HTC VIVE FOCUS 3
This standalone VR headset offers high-end graphics and precise motion tracking. It is in many ways very similar to Quest 2, however, there are some downsides and key differences. It also comes with controllers that allow for a more immersive experience.
It is great for gaming and applications that require a high level of graphics and precision. Again cost will be a factor as this headset is 3x the cost of the Quest 2 and in our tests underperformed.
HTC VIVE XR ELITE
The XR Elite will have a high-performance display utilizing advanced optics and AI technology to provide more accurate representations of environments. It also will feature a 7-camera array for better tracking and interactions with pinpoint precision.
HTC believes the XR Elite will be the future of immersive learning as they’ve designed a lightweight and portal device to compete with the likes of Meta’s Quest range of headsets.
EXTENDED REALITY AND XR’S FUTURE HARDWARE
We are starting to see the emergence of mixed reality or extended reality headsets that offer both VR and AR capabilities. This is prevalent most obviously with the Meta Quest Pro headset and we will continue to see the space develop. For extended reality to work the Hololens quality needs to be combined with true virtual reality capabilities to enhance the simulation experience.
META QUEST PRO
The Quest Pro boasts an array of features that set it apart from other devices. It offers a 5K resolution display, a wide field of view, low-latency tracking, and controllers that offer realistic haptic feedback. The Meta Quest Pro headset is also compatible with many devices, making it a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a high-quality VR experience.
This is not without downsides..the much much costlier older brother of the Meta Quest 2 is simply for enthusiasts as many of the features simply will be under utilized. Even more important to consider is when looking at the VR training scale of adoption, many times it just doesn’t make sense from an optics or budgetary standpoint, especially if you have an entire enterprise organization looking to utilize the technology.
APPLE XR
The rumour mill has been fully circulating and we are expecting to get something XR related from Apple this year, but only time will tell. With the attention to detail, Apple puts into its hardware we can expect nothing less than perfection. The Apple mixed reality headset is rumoured to feature an iOS-like interface called XROS, with advanced hand tracking and the ability to work as a second display for Mac… As a long-time Mac user, sign me up!
The headset is expected later in 2023 (perhaps at WWDC), our best guess is around the summer, but it could drop right before Christmas season as well in order to drive additional sales. It is expected to be priced to sell for somewhere around $2,000-3,000.
As hardware evolves we will continue to see the progression of both virtual and augmented reality into one device type. The duality of an XR headset provides more flexibility for the end user and makes for a better immersive viewing experience overall. The only issue currently is that the augmented reality pass-through camera’s quality still is just not powerful enough to be effective or useful. Of course, these issues will be addressed in future iterations and we will see the technology evolve.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL VR TRAINING SCENARIOS
UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL OF VR TRAINING: IS IT THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?
When considering using immersive learning for your training needs, you must consider several factors that will determine whether you are successful or not.
First, you need to measure the impact of the technology organization-wide. We gauge that there should be a minimum of at least 100 users that will utilize the technology before even beginning. With any less than this, it becomes difficult to scale a training program, and the cost becomes a factor; simply put, it will not be profitable to develop a VR training program if only 10-15 people will be utilizing it.
There are a variety of out-of-the-box options that would be a better fit for smaller organizations that are looking to utilize VR for training outcomes but don’t have the scale, capacity or breadth to warrant the expense of developing full custom scenarios.
The second thing you have to consider is IT implementation, and depending on the organization what roadblocks will exist when looking to adopt the technology. Often getting IT involved early in the development process can alleviate a lot of pain points that will arise later on. How the headsets are administered, managed, and networked within your organization becomes a determining factor of success.
Lastly, you have to have executive sponsorship or buy–in. Developing sophisticated virtual reality learning courses takes considerable time and resources. From extensive digital twin 3d modelling to interactive design and game programming to bring it all together.
One of our most popular pieces of content dives into this: VR & AR (XR) Application Development Costs Explained (Updated 2023).
On average organizations can expect to budget several hundred thousand dollars for a 15-minute training course. To make sure it’s done properly there needs to be an adequate budget allocated, so learning leaders need to be aware of the costs and have executive backing.
SELECTING THE IDEAL VR PARTNER FOR YOUR NEEDS
It is essential to make sure that the vendor you select matches the objectives you are hoping to accomplish with virtual reality training, including making sure you are future-proofing your instruction. This will help you conserve resources in the long run.
It is worth noting that not all providers of virtual reality services are alike – they vary in terms of their capabilities, procedures, tools, and functions. Furthermore, each vendor has its approach to introducing new scenarios, revising existing ones, and disseminating modifications.
Here at VR Vision, for example, our specialized skillset revolves around immersive CGI-based learning outcomes, whereas at another company they may have a focus on 360-video content for soft skills training.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS TO ASK POTENTIAL VENDORS
Knowing where to start can be daunting, here is a list of questions to keep in mind when looking at procuring a virtual reality training vendor or platform.
- Can you develop a digital double or digital twin of a specific real-world process?
- Can you create 3D environments from 2D models or images?
- Are your apps optimized for standalone HMDs?
- Do you support multi-user (multiplayer) sessions with interactions?
- Can you describe your process for developing VR training scenarios?
- How do we manage user data for analytics and measurement?
- How do we manage a suite of training courses and devices at scale?
- Can you integrate with our LMS?
- What security measures are in place to protect user data?
- What kind of support is available post-delivery?
- Do you have a save system, if so; how do you manage application object persistence for online simulations?
- Do you have customer references available to contact?
- Are you compliant with industry standards (OpenXR) and regulations?
- What tools do you have in place to help trainers deploy VR training?
MEASURING PERFORMANCE & SETTING GOALS
What are the objectives of your VR training program? Establishing concrete targets will help make sure that your program is successful. Your objectives can be sorted into the following three categories:
BUSINESS & PRODUCTIVITY OBJECTIVES
It’s essential to decide on your ultimate goal for the training in terms of your business and productivity goals. What issue are you trying to address? Not only will this guide your training, but it will also help to generate support from stakeholders. The goals should solve a problem or help address a larger organizational objective.
LEARNING GOALS & OUTCOMES
A learning outcome is a statement that defines what knowledge or skill a trainee should possess after finishing a training session. By the end of the VR training program, what must your employees be able to do? For example, you may have a goal to onboard a new employee for a front-line worker position or job role.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)
Key performance indicators (KPIs) detail exact expectations for a task. Having clearly defined markers will help determine whether a trainee has succeeded in a given job. These are programmed into the interaction design, saved states, and often are integrated with enterprise LMSs to enhance post-training measurement and analytics.
BUILDING ENTERPRISE VR TRAINING APPS
Enter the world of enterprise training, and how immersive technology has begun to interweave itself into the fabric of upskilling, reskilling, onboarding and knowledge transfer.
For the ageing workforces that are retiring, to the new graduates looking for work, virtual reality is being utilized to scale, attract, learn, and better the overall process for training employees.
Employees are being onboarded and trained faster than ever before, remotely, without the need for instructors or expensive equipment.
The ability to create virtual equipment for interactive learning is a game changer, and also having the essence of capturing aging demographics’ knowledge forever is as enlightening as it is powerful.
For even more information on this topic check out our full write-up on “Immersive Learning for Enterprise Training Applications” where we dive into detail how large organizations can scale VR effectively.
CRAFTING THE XR LEARNING EXPERIENCE
When we transition from an old-school learning environment towards a fully immersive 3D one, there are several considerations to keep in mind for implementation. First of all, there is a mindset shift away from slide-based learning (think Powerpoint, Google slides) to one where you are in the first-person perspective of a trainee performing a virtual task of a real-world process.
It’s tempting to simply transfer 2D elements into a 3D space, such as panels, videos, and photos. However, to make the most of the advantages of VR training, the learner mustn’t be a passive spectator in the situation, but rather a participant.
Questions should be posed concerning how the learner will experience their instruction in the virtual world, like what they will be looking at, what they will be interacting with, and the decisions they should make.
At the end of the day, the VR learning experience is simply a tool in the arsenal of an entire training curriculum or program. It should be thought of as such and utilized to help alleviate pain points for training participants. If risk can be mitigated, time can be saved and ROI can be measured by utilizing VR training, then it starts to become a no-brainer for looking at adoption.
DIGITAL TWINS & BRINGING YOUR VISION TO REALITY
Digital twins are being used to revolutionize virtual reality training and we are seeing it more and more used by enterprise organizations. By creating a digital replica of physical objects, they can be used to simulate real-world scenarios and build representations of real-world scenarios in a virtual environment.
REAL WORLD:
DIGITAL TWIN:
This provides a more realistic and interactive VR training experience, as well as the potential to create scenarios that would be impossible in the physical world. With digital twins, VR training can become more immersive, efficient, and cost-effective.
Digital twins are also being used to monitor and maintain complex physical systems, providing predictive analytics and real-time feedback to operators. This enables operators to reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and optimize operations.
Digital twins are the future of virtual reality training and will enable the development of more immersive and effective training regimens. For expanded learning on this topic check out our post on Eliminating Workplace Injury with Digital Twins and Virtual Reality.
POST-TRAINING ASSESSMENTS & LMS INTEGRATION
Once a learning scenario has been transformed into virtual reality training, there are still several factors to consider for measuring and analyzing the learner’s performance after training. There are three methods for accessing post-training assessments, starting from the simplest way to view results to the most sophisticated.
IN-APP RESULTS
This is the quickest and simplest method for trainees to view their VR training results once finished. A results interface usually appears after the training session showing their performance, including the completion time, errors made, and steps are taken.
These results can provide instant feedback for instructors and can be easily seen for replayability and course correction for the desired learning outcomes.
However, when not paired with LMS integration or advanced analytics, the data cannot be viewed outside of the current app, hindering trainers’ ability to track trainee performance and compare metrics.
LMS REPORTING
LMS (Learning Management System) integration with VR courses offers numerous benefits for tracking and reporting on the immersive learning process.
Instructors can use their existing enterprise LMS to schedule training for learners and access course-specific analytics. Most modern learning platforms have SCORM2 or XAPI functionality that automatically collects results from VR training systems. Some even have custom APIs that allow external third-party VR integration.
This is useful as learners can view VR training results in the same system as non-VR courses. However, the LMS only provides basic data such as course completion status, lacking in-depth analytics available from advanced VR systems. In this case, custom vendor analytics portals are the best solution.
ADVANCED ANALYTICS (VISION PORTAL)
The sophisticated Vision Portal system enables trainers and organizational leaders to view and benchmark historical data at both macro and micro levels.
To ensure best practices, tracking should encompass three layers of information: high-level usage across all groups and courses, benchmarking courses against each other, and detailed analytics for a specific course.
Tracking user engagement with objects as well as interaction types is also important for any kind of technical skill training scenarios.
BENEFITS OF VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
There are countless benefits to using virtual reality for training scenarios. In this section, we will look at the biggest drivers of VR success and what organizations gain from using VR for training.
ELIMINATE RISK
One of the biggest benefits of VR is the ability to reproduce a harmful environment virtually. This will eliminate on-the-job training incidents and injuries. By simulating hazardous job environments the learner can enjoy the knowledge of the subject without the need to put themselves in harm’s way. We dive into all the ways in which VR can eliminate risk in our blog post on VR Technology Empowers Safer Job Training WhileReducing Costs.
INCREASE LEARNER RETENTION
By having one pre-screened and optimized learning workflow, the trainer can now provide the same experience to the entire workforce in a strategic and organized manner. This will allow organizations to surpass audits and meet compliance that much easier, while also giving them the ability to train more people at a scale much faster than would normally be possible.
CUT COSTS/INCREASE ROI
Using VR as a medium for training allows for a much smaller environmental footprint as users can learn remotely with a VR headset and no longer need to travel for training. This can lower insurance premiums, save on space requirements, and increase ROI by having a much faster learning outcome with much quicker adoption. For more examples an how VR is measurable enhancing ROI in enterprise use cases check out the article Measuring the ROI on VR Training.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using virtual reality for job training is that it allows for a safe, immersive, and realistic training experience. This can lead to improved retention of information and skills, and can also reduce the cost and risk associated with traditional training methods, such as on-the-job training.
EXAMPLE CASE STUDY
Avangrid Renewables Substation Walkthrough – Oculus Quest 2 Single Player – VR Vision
MEASURABLE RESULTS:
- Net zero incident rate, due to the elimination of on-site safety risks
- Millions in annual savings due to reduced OEM reliance & eliminated travel costs
- Training effectiveness increased to 65% faster onboarding
For the full case study with Avangrid Renewables and how they are using virtual reality to train technicians globally for a fraction of the cost, while also saving millions annually, check out the full case study here.
CHALLENGES OF VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
Although VR training offers several advantages, there are some challenges associated with it. These include:
COSTLY
VR can be expensive, as it requires the purchase of hardware, software, and other technologies. Often to develop a full training program or suite of training courses, the up-front costs are considerable. On average to develop a 10-minute VR training simulation will cost in the ballpark of $150-200k.
ACCESSIBILITY
Not everyone has access to VR, as it requires the use of specialized hardware and software. Not everyone will enjoy having a headset on their head for short periods, and like any new technology, there is a learning curve. Understandably, VR accessibility has some evolving to do.
SAFETY
VR can be exhausting and mentally draining, as it involves the use of immersive technologies that can cause physical and mental fatigue. While safety is not the biggest concern in VR, and typically VR training is much safer than dangerous real-world environments, it is still something that needs to be considered.
Fortunately, these challenges can be overcome. For example, organizations can use analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of the training, as well as to identify potential risks and safety concerns.
Additionally, organizations can use virtual reality headsets that are designed to reduce physical and mental fatigue. For more information on the safety challenges with immersive learning check our our article on the topic, VR Training Can Eliminate Risk for Dangerous Jobs.
CONCLUSION
SUMMARY OF VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING
Virtual reality training is becoming an increasingly popular method for training employees in a wide array of industries. This is because it offers several benefits over traditional training methods, including improved retention of information and skills, reduced cost and risk, and the ability to simulate dangerous or difficult-to-access scenarios.
Additionally, virtual reality technology is becoming more advanced and accessible, making it a more viable option for a wider range of organizations. Overall, virtual reality training can revolutionize how we train employees and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in their careers.
If you’d like to learn more about virtual reality and how it can empower your organization…
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