What do you think of when you hear Virtual Reality? A bunch of images probably pop to mind: matrix-like graphics, video games and probably even immersive video and movie experiences; but did you know that Virtual Reality has become an increasing trend to train people in a wide amount of fields?
We've covered some of these uses before, such as VR training for the Military, however this is being also used by other industries. Not so long ago we found out that Rolls Royce and Qatar Airlines have started using this technology for the first time to train their own engineers.
Engineer training in VR seems to be growing by the minute: it's also being used to train railway engineers; and the aeronautical and aerospace industries have been using these technology for a long time.
But companies dedicated to a much more mainstream and day-to-day service are also making use of Virtual Reality training. Companies like Walmart, Verizon and JetBlue are training their employees in more service related aspects, such as empathy, customer service and compliance. And let's not forget that sports team are also using VR to train their players, helping reduce injuries.
So, if these large companies are using VR training for their staff, why shouldn't you? Below you can find a few advantages of Virtual Reality training:
1) No risk or safety concerns: The possibility of emulating can eliminate risk from some situations such as medical training for surgeons, where the professional can first practice virtually as many times as they need to until they are ready to move on to patients. This aspect can be applied to a great number of industries, such as construction or armed forces.
2) Safe and controlled environment to learn: These is very useful in areas such as military, firefighting, police, etc. If the situation becomes stressful for the student this can be managed easily by removing the headset and allowing frequent breaks.
3) High definition and more realistic scenarios: With the advance of Virtual Reality the conditions of simulations are only getting better. High quality graphics combined with surround sound will make a super immersive experience for the trainee.
4) Can be done remotely, saving time and money: If the experience to learn requires transporting people or employees to remote areas this could be very expensive. With VR the journey can be done from an office without the need of transportation.
5) Suitable for different learning styles: VR learning allows to use all different learning methods: visual, auditory, tactical, and kinesthetic. This means a better approach for different people who respond differently to each method.
6) The process will be more exciting and enjoyable: There will be a higher level of engagement and understanding if the learning experience is pleasant.
So, let us know, would you use VR training for your company or have you already adopted this trend?
Tell us what you think in the comment section below!