Well, today is your lucky day. We\u2019re going to answer all of those hidden, but crucial questions, so that you can bring VR Training into your program in an informed way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Virtual Reality-Based Training?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The name \u2014 virtual reality-based training \u2014 largely self-defines this emerging training methodology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Virtual Reality Training is a technology-based training method that uses computer software and special sensory hardware to recreate real environments and scenarios. These virtual environments allow students to engage in fully immersive, realistic, and interactive virtual training scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most importantly, VR Training can effectively simulate on-the-job style training in a safer and more forgiving environment, while giving trainers the kind of visibility and control they\u2019ve long desired in their training exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explaining virtual reality on an even more practical level, a training setup generally consists of one or more dedicated high-performance (but standard gaming-grade) computer workstations, a quality VR headset (HP Windows Mixed Reality<\/a>, HTC Vive<\/a> or Oculus Rift<\/a>), and a couple of motion-tracking sensors, (depending on the headset you\u2019re using. In the case of the HP Windows Mixed Reality headset mentioned above, \u201cstandalone\u201d headsets are also becoming available which deliver a great VR experience without needing light tower-tracking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This low-profile technology can be installed in a relatively small training area (as little as 100 square feet \u2014 a 10\u2019 x 10\u2019 square), in the corner of an office, training room, or even on-site job trailer, and just like that: you\u2019re ready to train in virtual reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this simple and inexpensive setup and a VR Training software module, (which is roughly equivalent in difficulty to ordering and installing a video game), you\u2019re ready to host your first virtual reality-based training session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best thing about using VR Training instead of, or in conjunction with, the typical snooze-fest PowerPoint dirge through training talking points and objectives, virtual reality gets each student mentally and even physically involved, actively challenging them to do the training they would otherwise be (mostly) passively learning about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Critically, despite needing some amount of hardware to take full advantage of the experience, there\u2019s no \u201cdowntime\u201d. Even when the students aren\u2019t in the virtual training environment themselves, they can remain mentally and emotionally engaged as they watch and learn from the photo-realistic successes and failures of their classmates on the screen (or on a recorded video).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than simply wait for their turn, they can learn and troubleshoot for themselves as they watch how co-workers successfully or unsuccessfully complete their virtual jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve defined the term \u2018VR Training\u2019, we\u2019ve touched on several of the benefits of using it for your workforce. Now let\u2019s break down some of the most important of those benefits so you can build a business case for leveraging VR in your company\u2019s training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No more sitting in rows of cramped, grade school-style desks, watching an instructor drone their way through slides filled with regulatory-speak in the vain hope that someone is paying attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual reality-based training gets folks out of their seats and participating in real-life training scenarios. Even those watching outside of the virtual reality \u201chot-seat\u201d are still engaged, if for no other reason than the excitement and novelty of the training medium itself. There\u2019s no shame in admitting that something serious like training can also be fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most significant benefits of virtual reality is the amount of control you have over training and practice scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can create a training environment customized to your specific business\u2019 needs. Your VR Training can be designed to replicate actual jobs, situations, or even a particular job site or project. Add in hazardous materials, specialized equipment, and a variety of unexpected twists and turns, and you have real on-the-job training \u2014 all without the dangers of on-the-job training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, because it\u2019s software you can program your training scenarios to focus on specific problem areas or unique challenges expected from an individual worker or an actual project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retention is always a training priority, and virtual reality has been scientifically proven to help with retention<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This positive retention rate makes a lot of sense if you\u2019ve ever experienced a virtual training session or even a virtual reality game; it\u2019s why some call our field \u201cserious gaming\u201d. VR Training transports the trainee into a realistic environment and makes them an active participant in the experience, less a \u2018student\u2019 than a \u2018player\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual reality lets you see, hear, and react to scenarios, making your training feel as real as real can be. Trainees retain more because they will have to assess what\u2019s going on around them, make decisions, and suffer the consequences \u2014 they have to use more of their minds (and even bodies).<\/p>\n\n\n\n When presented with new concepts and ideas in vivid interactive 3D, they can\u2019t just sit there and pretend to pay attention, they\u2019ll have to get involved. What\u2019s more, they\u2019ll actually want to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the mental side of retention, VR delivers on sense-memory. When trainees actively participate in this kind of hands-on training, they\u2019ll only need to practice most things a few times before they acquire that new skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the great things about Virtual Reality Training is that you can do it from anywhere. This feature gives you the opportunity to make sure that every single worker has a chance to get realistic, virtual training \u2014 no matter where they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With PIXO VR\u2019s multi-user functionality, not only can they train from anywhere, they can all do it in the same virtual setting at the same time. This helps build chemistry and team skills, fostering collaboration and even enabling a little friendly competition, driving everyone to be better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of your VR Training sessions can also be recorded and made available in a library of videos that demonstrate your training objectives, even if every employee doesn\u2019t have access to the hardware at that moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Critically, VR has also made training itself more efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VR has proven to reduce the time needed to train, allowing users to master skills quicker. Research has shown that trainees learn the same material in 40-60% less time with VR as opposed to more traditional forms of training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost is one of the most important, if somewhat overlooked benefits of VR Training. Although there are some upfront investments, compared to traditional training that often requires paid instructors, travel expenses, and even specialized training equipment and facilities \u2014 VR Training can yield a much higher return on investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the most significant financial return can be found in the ongoing value provided by greater institutional self-knowledge, delivered in aggregate training data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VR provides a degree of visibility into employee capabilities \u2014 at both the individual and team-level \u2014 that, until now, training managers and employers could only dream about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With robust data capture mechanisms and real-time reporting and analytics, VR can make an entire training program \u2014 including parts of the program that aren\u2019t even leveraging virtual reality \u2014 more efficient and cost effective by revealing the programs strengths and weaknesses over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, who can say precisely how much capital a business loses annually by misunderstanding (or outright not knowing) what its employees do best and where they need some work — before an accident or production mishap takes place?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If information is power, VR Training is far more empowering for enterprise than traditional training methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, with a solid understanding of the benefits of virtual reality-based training, it\u2019s time to help you build a business case for VR Training to sell internally, so you can become the hero of your training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s begin that business case by outlining a practical path to launching that very first VR training session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When considering VR Training, many wonder where to start. That\u2019s why I encourage companies to begin by identifying a real business problem. Identify an area of your company where performance or training is lacking. In so doing, you\u2019ll give your VR Training program an opportunity to be applied where it can bring the most immediate value and clearly demonstrate its usefulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the area of construction training, we often see companies starting with our fall protection VR Training module<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fall hazards are one of the most frequent and fatal construction accidents. At the same time, it is difficult and costly to provide adequate prevention training. Fall protection training is a perfect example of when VR Training could be the most effective training solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the beginning of piloting a new VR Training program, I also recommend starting with a specific training objective and a module or lesson to accomplish it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t try to replace your whole training program or satisfy every possible learning objective with virtual reality; while anything that can be taught can be virtualized, there are still places where traditional training may make more sense, or be more cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Introduce virtual reality as an alternative or complementary training method within a more extensive training curriculum, rather than attempting to \u201crip and replace\u201d your entire program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since VR Training is going to be a \u201cradical\u201d new approach in your training system, it\u2019s essential to apply it against a specific learning objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We started by identifying a clear problem within your business\u2019 training program. Next, we thought of one aspect of that problem where virtual reality might make the most sense as a solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, we want to be able to actually demonstrate that virtual reality is directly meeting a specific training goal. So set your goals ahead of time. VR Training isn\u2019t a magic bullet \u2014 it\u2019s a tool, and like any tool, how you actually use it counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, make sure you have all of the right equipment to deliver an excellent VR Training experience for your employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news on this front is that virtual reality has become very accessible. Mainstream computers, graphics cards, and processors, as well as the VR headsets themselves, have become so powerful and affordable that budget is rarely a barrier to implementing VR Training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a typical VR Training technology wishlist:<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of Using Virtual Reality in Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Engaging and Interactive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Controlled, Specific, and Forgiving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Higher Retention Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Efficiently Train Every Worker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cost Effective<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Five Steps to Launch Your First VR Training Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Start with a Real Business Problem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Begin with a Specific Training Module<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Have a Well-Defined Learning Objective<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Required Technology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recommended VR Headset(s)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Computer Specifications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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