One of the models we like to use in developing new training modules is Neil Fleming\u2019s VARK model of learning styles<\/a>. In this model, Fleming breaks learning styles into the following categories: Visual, Auditory, Reading\/Writing, and Kinesthetics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual reality training environments, by design, must include a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic responsive feedback. Therefore, in most cases, virtual reality is going to be a highly effective approach for any and all kinds of learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before entering into any learning scenario, the student must understand what the expectations are. They must ask questions like, \u201cWhat am I trying to accomplish?\u201d. \u201cHow do I know when I am successful?\u201d \u201cHow will I know if I am failing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because virtual reality is a simulation of the real world, VR training can be as messy and ambiguous as an actual workplace. In a lot of ways, that\u2019s one of the significant advantages of VR training. But, to create a successful training program, it\u2019s imperative to make sure that the expectations of the student are clear before they enter the virtual training scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two easy-to-make mistakes when hiring a VR Training company is to expect that virtual reality training should embrace all of the complexity that is possible on a job site, or conversely, leaving things excessively open-ended and general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual worlds can very closely replicate all of the possibilities of the real world. But to create impactful training, it\u2019s important to work first from the most basic, straightforward scenarios to build individual employee knowledge and skills, and then progress onto the full complexity of job or skill training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common point of failure in any kind of training is an unengaged learner. If a student simply isn\u2019t paying attention or isn\u2019t actively engaged in absorbing the material, the best content and trainer in the world can\u2019t produce a well-trained and fully-equipped employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engaging each student is another one of those areas where VR training excels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Right from the beginning, you have to pick up the VR goggles, grab the controllers, and get to it. There\u2019s no opportunity to rock back on your chair and slyly play Candy Crush while the instructor drones and mindlessly advances PowerPoint slides. What\u2019s more, the power of precision data collection within virtual reality software can help you determine exactly how engaged each student is in your learning scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if they are supposed to inspect a piece of equipment or device for safety: Are they spending enough time focused on and examining the device? (And here we mean \u201cfocused\u201d literally \u2014 are they actually looking at the right parts of the device? Are they using their inspection equipment correctly?) With our gaze-tracking feature, PIXO VR Training can determine where an employee is physically looking within the scenario, and for how long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way we keep trainees engaged is by going beyond simple \u201cpass\/fail\u201d, \u201cright\/wrong\u201d answers and testing. The real world, as we know, contains a lot of nuance and gray areas. PIXO VR\u2019s real-time scoring and analytics can provide a much more exacting view into how trainees actually train \u2014 did they get everything correct in a given lesson or were certain aspects only partially correct? Did they \u201cget lucky\u201d on anything or do they really know their stuff?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual reality training can keep trainees more engaged \u2014 and in more ways \u2014 than any other kind of training out there. Depending on how you plan to, or are currently, using virtual reality in your training program, how you establish the virtual reality environment can make a difference. One common mistake is to overgeneralize the virtual environment, often by trying to hack together a do-it-yourself solution or save a few dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The overarching goal with virtual reality training is realism without risk; dissolving the mental barrier between virtual and actual reality in a way that ensures everyone goes home safe and sound…and skilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Training in a virtual environment that is too removed, general, or unrelated to the actual operating environment can negate any benefit to VR training, (or indeed any training technique).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going to leverage the benefits of virtual reality it\u2019s important to, as strictly as possible, simulate your actual environment or task. If the student has to do too much extrapolation to make the training fit their day-to-day activities, or do mental gymnastics to imagine themselves in the environment, less of that training will transfer into the workplace or job site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s here that the quality of the art and realism of the environment really matters, and why PIXO VR ensures all our VR Training experiences are designed to be of a superior, AAA-game<\/a> quality visual fidelity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a student learning in VR encounters vague, imprecise shapes that look more like a drawing or model and less like \u2018the real thing\u2019, that environment will only convey \u201cthe idea\u201d of a given machine or place. In that circumstance, they\u2019re less apt to take the training seriously. Whether they\u2019re engaged or not, an internal barrier will be put up that says, \u201cthis is just a game, this isn\u2019t real\u201d, and the training will suffer due to a lack of immersion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a company is considering a VR Training solution, they would do well to insist on a premium VR experience, complete with fully immersive and interactive photorealistic simulations that communicate a message in the minds of their employees tha The good news is that virtual reality environments are built with software. Therefore, the incremental cost of creating a realistic and relevant environment, especially versus the physical alternative, has become much more affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, this is the question that should always be playing in the back of your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is what I\u2019m doing, the techniques I\u2019m using, and the content I\u2019m presenting developing more competent, better equipped, and safer employees? Is my training delivering better results for the people and the company?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re in charge of designing and delivering training in your organization, the question of effectiveness goes beyond just hitting the learning targets. For most training managers, this question needs to extend into other areas: \u201cAre my training methodologies more cost-effective? Do they provide greater long-term knowledge retention, and fewer mistakes and accidents in the field? Will they allow me to more efficiently train a larger workforce without degrading the quality of that training?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these questions have been addressed throughout this assessment framework, and VR training evaluates out as a highly compelling solution to level-up most training programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Are Expectations Clear?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is the Learner Engaged?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs the Environment Realistic and Relevant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
t \u201cI am really here, this is just like the job site.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nWill it Achieve Better Outcomes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tPIXO Has Improved VR Management to One Easy Step<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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