VR FOR TRAINING

As we know, training is a crucial aspect of any organization or industry. It helps employees develop the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job responsibilities efficiently and safely.

However, traditional training methods such as classroom lectures, videos, and manuals can be monotonous, and learners may find it difficult to retain information. 

Moreover, certain training activities can be dangerous, costly, or impossible to replicate in real-life scenarios. This is where VR comes into play.

VR technology can create immersive and interactive simulations of various training scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate in real-life situations. 

For instance, VR can be used to simulate emergency situations such as fires, medical emergencies, and terrorist attacks. This allows trainees to experience and respond to these scenarios in a safe and controlled environment,without the risk of physical harm or damage.

 

Before discussing the topic. Let’s understand about virtual reality:-

What do you understand by virtual reality?

vr for training

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that uses computer graphics and 360-degree videos to create a simulated reality. Businesses who employ VR have discovered new ways to engage their employees, potential leads, and existing customers. 

The most popular business applications for VR are for training employees. VR is also implemented when training pilots, truck drivers, and even medical professionals, due to its low-risk, yet realistic environment.

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be experienced using special head-mounted displays (HMDs) and other input devices such as hand controllers or gloves. 

Over the years, VR has evolved from being a technology used primarily for entertainment to a tool that can be used for training and education in various fields. In this blog, we will explore how VR can be used for training purposes and its potential benefits.

 

I hope the meaning of virtual reality has been cleared with you.

Now we will discuss about the use of virtual reality for training:-

VR FOR TRAINING

VR technology can create immersive and interactive simulations of various training scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate in real-life situations. For instance, VR can be used to simulate emergency situations such as fires, medical emergencies, and terrorist attacks. This allows trainees to experience and respond to these scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of physical harm or damage.

Another advantage of VR is that it allows trainees to repeat and practice tasks until they master them. In traditional training methods, trainees may only have one chance to perform a task, and mistakes can be costly or dangerous. However, in VR simulations, trainees can repeat tasks multiple times until they feel confident in their ability to perform them correctly.

In addition, VR can provide a more engaging and immersive learning experience.

Unlike traditional training methods, VR can simulate real-life situations that can evoke emotional responses and create a sense of presence. This can make the training more enjoyable, memorable, and effective.

 

Let’s explore some specific examples of how VR is being used for training purposes in different industries.

virtual reality trainingHealthcare

VR is being used to train healthcare professionals in various areas such as surgery,medical procedures, and patient care. For instance, VR simulations can be used to train surgeons in complex surgical procedures such as neurosurgery or cardiac surgery. Trainees can practice the procedure in a simulated environment and receive feedback on their performance. Moreover, VR can be used to train healthcare professionals in patient communication and empathy, which are crucial skills in healthcare.

Manufacturing

VR can be used to train workers in manufacturing processes and machinery operations. For instance, trainees can practice assembling complex machinery or operating heavy equipment in a simulated environment. This can reduce the risk of accidents and errors in real-life scenarios. Moreover, VR can be used to train workers in hazardous environments such as chemical plants or oil rigs.

Aviation

VR is being used to train pilots and flight attendants in various areas such as cockpit procedures, emergency situations, and customer service. For instance, VR simulations can be used to train pilots in landing procedures or emergency situations such as engine failure or hijacking. Moreover, VR can be used to train flight attendants in customer service skills and emergency procedures such as evacuation.

Military

VR is being used to train soldiers in various areas such as combat tactics, weapons training, and virtual battlefield simulations. For instance, soldiers can practice tactical scenarios such as clearing a room or navigating through a hostile environment. Moreover, VR can be used to train soldiers in cultural awareness and language skills when deployed to foreign countries.

Sports

VR is being used to train athletes in various sports such as football, basketball, and tennis. For instance, VR simulations can be used to train football players in offensive and defensive strategies or train tennis players in serve and volley techniques. Moreover, VR can be used to simulate game-like situations that can improve decision-making skills and reaction times.

 

You might be cleared with the use of virtual reality in different industries.

Now take a look at its benefits.

How Virtual Reality Is Beneficial For Training?

Reduce Training Costs :-

When you need high-risk training or high-performance training, you’re usually talking about big budgets. Training a construction worker, health worker, or soldier with comprehensive and realistic training is expensive, and the real cost of improper training in any of these jobs increases and can kill people. 

To receive quality training for complex and challenging tasks, you often need to travel and pay for specialized training facilities and experiences. And despite the cost, it still can’t be customized to your specific needs. 

Virtual Reality lets you  deliver immersive, personalized software training at a fraction of the cost.You can then offer this virtual experience and even let the trainees train together anywhere in the world without having to travel.

 

Create a More Engaging Learning Experience

In virtual reality training, the trainees have to get up from their seats and practice the learning objective. As the name suggests, you get as close to the actual workout as possible. Virtual reality offers the opportunity to not only tell students what they will experience in practice, but to show them instead; Insert into these scenarios and real-world experiences – risk-free.

 

Helping  Employees  Develop Technical Skills

Virtual reality and augmented reality are great for soft skill development and hands-on learning. However, the same technologies can also help develop technical skills. 

The healthcare sector has already started using virtual reality to train doctors and nurses. In a study conducted by Yale University, people who learned virtual reality completed tasks 29 times faster and made 6 times fewer errors than a group who learned traditionally. 

The construction industry also uses virtual reality and augmented reality for safety training.The study evaluated the effectiveness of immersive learning technologies in safety training. One group was trained using VR simulations, while the other group used traditional methods. The researchers then tested both groups after training. A month later,  the VR group oddly overtook the other group in the standings. 

The effectiveness of using virtual reality in in-company training is beyond doubt.Because of this, many companies have chosen to invest in immersive learning using virtual reality and augmented reality.

 

Reduce onboarding time

As soon as a new employee is hired, they should contribute as soon as possible. VR training benefits new hires by providing immersive training in a virtual world that replicates the real world, allowing new hires to acquire the  knowledge and skills they need faster. 

 In the wake of the pandemic, Sprouts has had to quickly hire thousands of new employees, though protocols have changed to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. A faster and more secure implementation was essential to meet customer demands during this challenging time. 

 Using virtual reality, Sprouts reduced the time it took to train new hires from four hours to 45 minutes, an 81% increase.More importantly, Sprouts can continue to hire and onboard staff as needed because it’s no longer based on an approach that requires team training or day trips.

 

Faster and better learning

As a rule, digital learning is often faster than training using traditional means such as classroom instruction. Virtual reality is no exception. Studies show that virtual reality training is up to four times faster than face-to-face classes. Even without the time it takes to get to and from class. 

An in-depth study analyzing 22 reports also shows that learning is faster with virtual reality.In addition, fewer mistakes are made and  the learning efficiency is higher. The latter mainly indicates that we remember what we learn for longer.

 

Better workplace safety through VR training

Virtual reality training enables you to teach skills, procedures and basic knowledge to your employees  anywhere and anytime. VR training helps reduce training equipment costs as it includes all devices and machines involved in work processes in virtual simulations. This helps your employees stay safe as VR training can recreate dangerous situations that would have negative consequences if someone made a mistake in real life. 

The aviation industry is one of the sectors using virtual reality in education. Before entering a real cockpit, pilots use high-tech equipment to simulate different flight conditions to learn how to fly the plane  without the dangers of  real life.

Virtual hands-on training has also been shown to be significantly more effective than face-to-face or online learning methods. According to PwC, virtual reality students are four times faster to train than face-to-face students.

conclusion

In conclusion, virtual reality has become an increasingly popular tool in the training industry due to its cost-effectiveness, realistic simulations, and enhanced learning experiences. Its applications in various fields such as healthcare, military, manufacturing, customer service, and education have proven to be effective in training employees and enhancing their skills. To make the most of virtual reality as a training tool, it is important to set clear objectives, design realistic simulations, choose the right hardware and software, and provide proper training and support. With advancements in technology and potential for remote and collaborative learning, the future of virtual reality in training is bright. We encourage businesses and institutions to explore the possibilities of virtual reality training to enhance their training programs and stay ahead of the competition.