Immersive Learning
In another blog we already explained why the game-like setup of Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality (VR & AR) creates memorable hands on experiences.
A related study conducted by the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point shows improvements in hockey players that are trained with VR. The theory behind the study has been “if you train the brain in the virtual world with drills related to, in this case hockey, it will translate to improved physical skills in reality.” and the results have been promising.
Indeed there is a staggering increase of 300% in memory recall using VR training sessions compared to traditional training.
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A perfect sector to include such immersive technologies is the Education & Training sector. The use of immersive technologies will save companies millions of £ and man-hours due to various reasons like for example the possibility of training without supervision and increased performance resulting from the increased efficiency of VR training.
A recently published report by Catapult Digital & immerse.uk.org furthermore revealed that there has been a 70% improvement in employee performance based on Virtual Reality training programmes decreasing e.g.assembly time and other work steps.
The use of immersive technologies is nothing new in this specific sector. Computer generated flight simulators for example have been around for more than 40 years. Actually, the first appearance has been already in the 1960s.
However, developments in technology and also a much higher accessibility to these technologies open up more and more possibilities as well as markets you could be taking advantage of right now.
Indeed a Google Cardboard Viewer (Cardboard VR headset that can be used in conjunction with your phone) just costs around £10.
Useful Sectors
There are key areas in Education & Training where immersive technologies are especially useful and these areas are for example health & safety as well as behavioural skills.
A 2019 conducted study by the University of Nottingham suggests employee safety could be improved through the use of Virtual Reality in Health and Safety training. In more detail the study suggests that “Immersive health and safety training enables employers to train people about hazards and hazardous environments without putting anyone at risk.”
As already identified in our blog article about immersive gamification, the main goal of gamification is to influence behaviour. Therefore, immersive technologies are very suitable for training social and behavioural skills. Employees with a high degree of customer touch points can learn how to deal with customers in a variety of situations. But also outside of corporate training when it comes to special needs or mental health conditions participants respond very well to behavioural training assisted by Virtual Reality because the participant does not need to be in the actual environment that causes distress. Instead the situation can be replicated in a safe environment and mistakes can be made and reflected upon. (Forbes)
Also in terms of creating awareness and teaching emotional intelligence, immersive technologies can be used to create simulations to help see the world out of someone else’s perspective. There are already simulations available to various topics ranging from dementia over tackling bias and harassment to being homeless.
How can we help?
If you would like to know how we can help your bespoke marketing or training needs with the help of immersive technologies give us a ring on 01752 987909 or contact us on [email protected]