What is VR Training?

Every time a new technology comes into existence, leaders across the globe look for opportunities to implement and embed the same within their business operations. Be it building an online presence over the web or moving business to the cloud, business entities never fail to leverage the change for the good. And similar has been the case with advanced technology such as AR/VR. Organisations across the globe are actively building solutions leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality. 

The popularity of the technology has grown and so has its adoption rate. Surveys conducted by IDC (International Data Corporation) predict that the global market of AR/VR will cross 15.5bn euros by 2022. While every sector is undergoing massive transformation, the impact of VR on learning and development seems to catch fire fast and real quick, 

Keeping this as the core of the article, we are going to talk about VR training and the ways it can transform the learning and development industry. Without further ado, let’s get started!

What is VR Training? 

Virtual Reality (VR) is an artificially created environment that transports the user to the place while detaching him/her from the real world. The primary idea of such an ecosystem is to immerse the user completely so that he can experience the environment in a realistic manner. In other words, VR Training is a recreation of the real-world environment with custom-fit work scenarios useful in training the staff in an interactive and engaging way. 

Types of VR Training

1. Non-Immersive

One of the simplest and the basic forms of VR Training is non-immersive reality. In such a scenario, the learning modules are present in the form of virtual content displayed over the computer screen. While the user can interact and experience the changes made by him in the virtual environment, he is not detached from the actual environment. An example of such a reality would be non-immersive VR training in healthcare where the patients are involved in recreational activities.

2. Semi-Immersive

As the name suggests, semi-immersive training is partially immersive. Meaning that while it offers some level of immersion, it prevents total control of the situation. The user has a perception of being in a different environment but they still have connectivity in the real world. Most of the use cases involve 3D replications of the real world scenario projected on a screen for the interactive learning experience. Early-stage training modules were built on this model, restricting the user to feel and sensing the environment in a realistic manner. Flight simulators, corporate training modules are a few examples of semi-immersive VR training. 

3. Fully Immersive

With dedicated head-mounted displays or VR glass, fully immersive training is the best mode of VR-based training. It teleports the learner to the environment and immerses the user in the virtual scenario for an enhanced learning experience. The user has total control over the environment and all his actions would render a response. There are multiple use cases where a fully immersive VR training environment can be implemented across industries. Some of the most common applications include VR training for welding, spray painting, and safety training, among others.

Impact of VR Training

Training conducted for basic skills such as welding involves 2D presentations. In a conventional scenario, there would be 50-70 students in a classroom with a trainer. Theories are followed by a few practicals with 3-4 students working on a single machine. Often, most of the students aren’t given the opportunity to go hands-on. In fact, a majority of them rely on passive learning and hence the question, are conventional training methods still effective?

Now imagine the entire training centre in the form of a virtual environment. The ideal welding environment, the machines and the equipment, all are part of the virtual setting. Every student has their own learning environment with trade-specific tools to practice and learn. That’s VR training for you. As a powerful training solution, VR creates skill-specific learning environments or trade simulators to simplify the entire knowledge transfer process.  

The entire system is artificially created meaning that the students can be trained in a life-like manner without limiting their exposure to the screens. Simulating real-life scenarios, VR training makes the learning cycle interactive, engaging and responsive. One of the biggest advantages of VR training is the ability to recreate risky work environments. While accidents and injuries cannot be predicted, VR Simulation Training helps prepare your staff for the worst but in a safe and risk-free manner.

Statistically, it is believed that students trained using VR technology outperform the ones that are training using the conventional modes of learning. A study conducted by PwC suggests that students trained using VR are 275% more confident and four times more focused than their peers while performing their job. To put it this way, VR Training is a game-changer for the learning and development of students.

Takeaway

VR Training has the potential to disrupt the learning space in a way that will benefit both the trainee and the trainer. A large number of industry leaders have already deployed this training model and are reaping the benefits of the same. In the next five years or so, this will become the standard, mandating every organisation to revise their training facilities and switch to VR training for their employees. Now is the ideal time to introspect the technology and decide when to deploy it in your business.

If you find it hard to come to a decision, get in touch with us and we will help you understand the solution in the best possible way.