How to Create Online Training Courses with VR and AR Tech

Create training modules with VR/AR: Best Practices

Many organizations today need to know how to create online training courses to achieve the best learning outcomes and business results. Online training courses have become increasingly popular over the years and more and more companies are opting for virtual training over traditional classrooms.

While online training courses offer several advantages, including convenience, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility, they often lack the interactivity and engagement that face-to-face training provides. This is where Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) learning courses come in as they offer a more immersive and engaging experience for students. Experts say the future of learning will be driven by immersive AR/VR experiences.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the global market for VR and AR in education is expected to reach $19.6 billion by 2023, with a CAGR of 16.2% for the forecast period 2018-23.

This suggests that the demand for AR/VR training and education will only grow in the coming years.

6 best practices for creating online training courses with VR and AR technology

1. Define your learning goals

Before creating any online learning course, it is important to define your learning goals. This means determining what you want your students to have achieved by the time they complete the course. You can create a more immersive experience with VR and AR, but it’s important to ensure that the technology is used to support the learning objectives and not distract from them.

2. Incorporation of interactive elements

Implementing AR/VR online training allows for a more interactive and engaging experience. Rather than just watching videos or reading text, students can actively engage in simulations and scenarios. Incorporating interactive elements such as quizzes, games and simulations can improve engagement and retention rates.

According to a University of Maryland study, students who learned using VR had an 8.8% improvement in retention compared to traditional learning methods. This suggests that incorporating interactive elements into online training courses can lead to better learning outcomes.

3. Ensure availability

While VR and AR can be great tools for online training, it’s important to make sure they’re accessible to all students. This means taking into account factors such as disabilities, language barriers and access to necessary technology. Providing alternative options for students who may not have access to VR and AR technologies can help ensure that training is accessible to everyone.

4. Provide clear instructions

VR and AR technologies can be intimidating for some students, especially those who may not be familiar with the technology. With clear instructions on how to use the technology, any anxiety or confusion can be reduced and students can focus on the training content. This can be done using video tutorials or step-by-step guides.

5. Include real-life scenarios

One of the benefits of implementing online AR/VR training is that students can experience real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. This can be particularly useful for training in high-risk industries such as healthcare and construction. By incorporating realistic scenarios, students can develop their skills and knowledge in a practical and engaging way.

A PwC study found that VR training led to a 31% improvement in employee confidence and a 22% improvement in training completion rates. This suggests that using real-life scenarios in AR/VR training can lead to better learning outcomes and improved confidence.

6. Test and evaluate

As with any training, it is important to test and evaluate the effectiveness of the training. This can be done through surveys, feedback forms and ratings. A training evaluation can help identify areas that need improvement and ensure that learning objectives are met.

A study by Deloitte found that 78% of companies believe that VR and AR will become mainstream in their organization within three years. This suggests that VR and AR are here to stay and will become an integral part of online training for years to come.

It is also interesting to understand the applications of VR and AR technology in workforce learning and education. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize workforce development and education, providing students with immersive and engaging experiences that are more effective than traditional training methods.

VR and AR applications in workforce development and education

1. Simulation and training

VR and AR can be used to create realistic simulations and training environments that allow students to practice skills and procedures in a safe and controlled environment. For example, healthcare professionals can use VR simulations to practice surgical procedures, while factory workers can use AR to learn how to operate machinery.

2. Distance education

VR and AR can offer remote learning and allow students to participate in virtual classes and training from anywhere in the world. This can be especially helpful for students who cannot attend face-to-face meetings due to distance or scheduling constraints.

3. Boarding and orientation

VR and AR can be used to provide immersive onboarding and orientation experiences for new hires. This can help them quickly familiarize themselves with the new work environment and become more productive and efficient in their roles.

4. Soft skills training

VR and AR can be used to train soft skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership. These skills are essential for success in the workplace. VR and AR can provide realistic scenarios for students to develop and practice these skills.

5. Job shadowing

VR and AR can provide students with virtual job shadowing, allowing them to observe and learn from experienced professionals in their field. This can be especially helpful for students who cannot attend in-person job viewing due to scheduling or other constraints.

Conclusion

AR/VR training courses have several advantages over traditional online training courses, including better engagement rates, retention rates, training completion rates, and trust. By following best practices and incorporating VR and AR technologies into online training courses, organizations can create a more engaging and effective learning experience. This, in turn, can help them better meet the educational needs of their employees.

However, it is important to note that VR and AR are relatively new technologies and there are still some limitations and challenges to be solved. For example, the cost of technology may be a barrier for some organizations, and not all students may have access to the necessary equipment or internet speed to use VR and AR.

It is also important to ensure that technology is used properly and not as a gimmick, as this can lead to a distraction from learning objectives.