Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that has the potential to transform the way people learn. It allows users to immerse themselves in a virtual environment that can be customized to the user’s learning needs. It’s more than just a game, and it can be used in a number of ways.
It can be used for instructional purposes, to train workers and professionals in a variety of industries, and to entertain.
VR is also a powerful medium for facilitating collaboration. As a virtual space, users are free to interact in a way that’s impossible in the real world.
This article outlines the reasons why virtual reality is so great for online training, and provides some examples of how it’s being used.
6 Importance of Virtual Reality In Online Learning
Online Training: Eliminate Risk and Improve Adherence
You may immerse your students in risky scenarios using virtual reality in online training without putting them in danger. You could create an online training simulation that teaches them how to handle a dangerous chemical or use a temperamental piece of large machinery, for instance. Due to the fact that students are learning the ropes in a secure setting, they don’t have to worry about making mistakes or attempting new tactics. Virtual reality, though, is the next best thing to in-person training because it enables users to see how they’ll react under pressure.
Allow corporate learners to hone their techniques
Students go through a lot of processes during learning. It typically required expensive trial-and-error if they wanted to develop creative answers to an issue or refine their strategy. As a result, many of them chose to stay there and avoid taking any chances rather than attempting to explore new opportunities and satisfy their curiosity. In virtual reality training, they have the chance to put novel theories and productivity-boosting methods to the test. They have the creativity and lateral thinking necessary to streamline the working process.
For instance, engineering students can experiment with cutting-edge diagnostic tools or come up with fresh approaches to troubleshooting. Whatever the objective, students have the freedom to investigate every step and develop their own learning plan.
Give everyone access to online training
Schools can train an infinite number of students at once with virtual reality lectures. The best part is that students continue to receive all the advantages of “in-person” online training without any of the disadvantages. You could, for instance, design a virtual learning environment where they can communicate with their distant peers, hear from a virtual instructor, and participate in online training exercises.
As long as the student has access to a VR headset and an internet connection, they can all be done from anywhere in the world. Similar to this, you may provide learners with individualized support as needed without having to pay for an on-site mentor or instructor. This is perfect for those who might need more individualized assistance or are easily sidetracked. A video conferencing system is undoubtedly a useful tool, but virtual reality puts the user directly in the heart of online interaction.
Prepare candidates for success
Virtual reality applications for online training are numerous, especially for new learners. New students can take part in branching scenarios, online lessons, group collaboration exercises, and virtual reality simulations to get hands-on experience with online training. These elements are all frequently employed in the modern online onboarding training. Virtual Reality, on the other hand, immerses them in authentic settings and allows them to fully explore their new roles.
Give students the chance to learn from their mistakes
Any eLearning expert will confirm that failure to learn from mistakes renders them ineffective. Online training in virtual reality is all about learning via mistakes. Users have the freedom to experiment, try out different approaches, and observe where their decisions take them in a risk-free environment. They are able to predict how they would respond under pressure and spot performance issues that are getting in their way. In essence, individuals have the chance to get beneficial online training experience and get ready for anything before they start working.
Transfer Learners to Another Location
What should you do if you want all of your students to visit a remote facility or a historical site? You can invite them to travel there in an instant by donning a Virtual Reality headset, paying for their flight, which can be expensive, watching an online film with them while they passively watch it, or showing them an online video. Any area, actual or imagined, can serve as the basis for a virtual reality world. For instance, even if they are thousands of miles away, your students will be able to view your sites anywhere in the world. They gain a deeper grasp of how things work, and they can then impart this expertise to their lives.
Conclusion
You should take the time to learn about all of the devices that are accessible if you want to make the most of virtual reality in online training. Despite the fact that Google Glass and Oculus Rift are the two most popular VR devices, there are a lot of additional contenders. Decide which VR platform has the functionality you need to develop cutting-edge VR online training content that fits into your budget.