PIXO VR recently hosted a panel discussion at AWE 2024, moderated by Anthony Fontana, UX & Digital Transformation Lead from Owens Corning, with Tom Ditzler, Portfolio Director – Research & Development from J. J. Keller and Justin Malloy, Sr. Product Manager from LION Protects. Tom and Justin shared their top 5 tips for how to incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) into an existing training program, emphasizing a blended learning approach. Here’s a deeper look into their strategies, challenges, and where they see the future of VR in enterprise training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip #1: VR is a Strategic Addition to Blended Training Curriculums and Not a Complete Replacement for Current Training<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The experts agree that while virtual reality training increases participation and engagement by replicating real life situations in a way that is safe and cost effective, VR will not completely replace other traditional learning methods. Instead, learning experts suggest incorporating it into existing curriculums for a blended learning approach that appeals to different types of learners and provides an opportunity for multiple reinforcement moments. This blended curriculum can be implemented by having different stations for the trainee, e-learning, classroom, and VR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom from J. J. Keller and Associates explains that VR is an excellent addition to traditional training. “We think VR is a great augmentation to the other formats of training and we invested in it early to continue to bring innovative solutions to our customers,” he says. VR provides experiential learning and helps demonstrate knowledge gained through other methods, complementing classroom and online training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Justin from LION Protects echoes this sentiment, noting that VR feels like a natural progression in training tools. “It’s another tool for the arsenal. It is absolutely something that I see the market shifting towards,” he says. For instance, their VR-based fire extinguisher training provides hands-on experience, crucial for building muscle memory in real-life scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip #2: Make VR Integration Easy for Your Customers and Lifelike for the Trainees<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The practical application of a blended learning approach also makes VR an effective training tool. VR allows for hands-on practice in a controlled environment, where learners can apply what they\u2019ve learned in traditional settings. This can bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the learning process more effective. “What we wanted to do is come up with an actual extinguisher prop that would allow people to train exactly how they would do it in real life” he explains. The traditional VR controllers are built into the fire extinguisher, which has a similar size and weight to a traditional fire extinguisher. This method ensures trainees use the same motions and actions they would in real emergencies, making the training more effective and realistic. It is expensive and dangerous to create real fire training in the office, but with VR, you are able to train in a simulated, safe virtual environment and there are no real-life consequences if you make a mistake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom stresses the importance of seamless integration, avoiding the pitfall of making VR a separate, isolated tool. “I don’t want VR to be the shiny thing that’s off to the side. We wanted VR to be integrated into our existing training platform with other online training. ” he says. \u201cBy partnering with PIXO VR, J. J. Keller ensured that VR training is part of our single, cohesive Learning Management System (LMS). PIXO\u2019s platform has the capability to embed directly into our LMS, so when our customers login to deploy training, everything they need is there. This is very important because it allows users to access all training materials, including VR, in one place, simplifying the user experience and centralizing learning data.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip #3: Plan Ahead to Overcome Challenges Implementing VR Training<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Tom and Justin acknowledge the challenges of integrating VR into training programs. One of the main challenges they are actively working to overcome is making sure VR training provides a good learner and customer experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom highlights the need to address learners’ potential anxiety and unfamiliarity with VR equipment. To overcome this, they include a VR readiness tutorial that acclimate users to a VR environment before the actual training begins. “We’ve built unique hand controller walk-throughs that help the learner get into that experience and understand what controls you’re going to use, to interact with this specific training. For example, what motions or controls do use in order to open the truck door, or select specific parts on the truck. This way they are familiar with the controllers so when they actually perform the training they can focus on the learning aspect, and not on how to use VR” J. J. Keller also considered how to handle the cost of implementing VR training for their customers. They addressed this challenge by granting their LMS subscription customers the ability to use credits on VR without an additional charge. The only investment the customer needs to make is to purchase a VR headset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Justin identified hardware challenges LION faced, such as the need for portable and user-friendly systems. LION Protects initially chose a complex, tethered headset solution but switched to a more compact and usable stand alone headset with PIXO\u2019s support. “Make sure that your customers’ user experience is top of mind going into it,” he advises. Justin encourages champions to stay engaged and make updates or changes when it\u2019s the right thing to do to drive success. \u201cThe system we originally set up was not user intuitive, and was not in line with what our customers wanted. We listened to our customers, took a step back, and with the support of PIXO we were able to switch to something that was more compact and usable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip #4: Listen to the Learners but also Track the Data<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Justin emphasizes the importance of active listening to understand customers’ needs. \u201cI am very customer centric when it comes to recommending solutions, I do a lot of active listening, ask questions, and once I learn how the customer trains, it helps me best figure out what VR solution would work best for them\u201d By understanding their current training methods, frequency, and goals, trainers can tailor VR solutions to meet specific requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom advises organizations to use VR where it fits best. “It has to be this holistic training strategy designed to meet your goals and considering the difference between theory training and actual application training,” he explains. Tom reinforced the importance of embedding the PIXO platform into their LMS. \u201cWhen a trainee completes the PIXO VR training, all of the data from the session goes back to the J. J. Keller LMS so we can see it all in one place.\u201d The data captured from VR training can be used to improve future versions of the training and also to better understand where learners are struggling to grasp the learning objectives. These insights benefit the training company, their customers and the employees engaged in training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the LION fire extinguisher training, you are able to change the difficulty and class of fire, and then the trainee is graded on their performance with all data captured in the PIXO platform so that LION\u2019s customers have access to their training data and LION can use the data to improve their training. LION Protects is also using a survey based feedback system with their trainees that is then used to shape the future of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip #5: Keep an Eye on the Future of XR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Both experts are optimistic about the future of VR. Tom sees potential in using VR for additional use cases. “We think VR has some great applications in all aspects of learning. Not only with hard skills, but also with soft skills or interpersonal communication types of training We want to continue to chase the efficacy and use VR to its highest potential,” he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Justin notes the rapid evolution of VR technology and increasing market adoption. “I’m very optimistic about VR. We are seeing the technology and marketing adoption increase at rapid speeds.” Justin quoted a recent survey they conducted where over 50% of their customers indicated they are currently using or plan to integrate VR into their training programs, signaling growth for VR in enterprise training and a significant opportunity for LION\u2019s training program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In summary, integrating VR into training programs involves understanding its role as an augmentation tool, ensuring seamless integration, addressing hardware and user experience challenges, and tailoring solutions to meet specific training needs. As technology advances, VR is poised to become an integral part of an effective training strategy . Both J. J. Keller and LION Protects recommend finding a trusted VR partner to expedite and simplify the implementation and launch of a VR training program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"