The way of learning has evolved
Employee training has significantly changed over the last years. Methods such as e-learning and remote classroom learning are becoming a necessary and more popular alternative. These methods are practical and economical learning tools, however their effectiveness is comparable to the traditional way of learning. The need for affordable, effective, and scalable training solutions is increasing. Furthermore, user freedom has become an important factor in employee training, especially since the pandemic of 2020, where traditional classroom teaching has become difficult to conduct. In this article, we will dive deeper into the benefits of implementing VR training.
Virtual Reality as a learning method
Virtual Reality still is a relatively new technology and can have some teething troubles. The potential of VR however is tremendous. Before condemning teachers and their (e-)classrooms as obsolete, it is good to mention that Virtual Reality will never replace real-world experience or ‘base reality’ as we like to call it. Nonetheless VR training has already shown its multiple benefits. To start, VR training is a cost-effective learning tool compared to traditional teaching methods, and can easily be scaled. No need to hire an external instructor. Second, training in VR often results in a higher retention rate for the user. The immersive nature of VR enhances the learning experience for the trainee. Third, VR training is shorter in time compared to classroom training and E-learning. Thus reducing again the overall training cost for the company. Lastly VR training gives the possibility to retrieve statistics and analytics. This can easily integrated with any LMS and gives for overview of the company.
Reduced cost
If we compare traditional fire training with a Virtual Reality alternative we can discern an important reduction in cost. The average price for a legacy fire training in Belgium can vary significantly. Prices in excess of 100 euro can be charged for a full day of training. This includes the ‘traditional classroom experience’ followed by a practical course. These trainings are given by Training Schools and can handle groups of 5 to 20 participants. Participants however often have to travel and will easily spend hours at the training location. This adds to the overall cost of such training, and makes scheduling these training sessions much more challenging. Whilst a VR solution such as https://vrft.io will cost between 20€ and 40€ per trained employee. Additionally the cost per trainee decreases as the number of learners increases.
Better learning tool
The immersive nature of any VR experience tricks the brain of the trainee and ensures a higher retention rate. PwC’s study has shown that 40% of the v-learners saw an improvement in confidence compared to classroom learners and 35% improvement over e-learners to act on what they learned after training in VR. The complete study about Virtual Reality as learning tool can be found here.
More time-efficient
As mentioned before, VR training takes less time than its traditional counterpart. Skills that require a teacher and a 2-hour course can be learned with VR in less than 30 minutes. This means more people can have a more impactful learning experience, in less time.
Reporting and Analytics
Traditionally, the only way of having analytics is by organizing a exam about previously learned material. With VR training, learners are tested while they learn. All the training data can be stored and visualized easily. This gives each company an overview of their trained workforces and their overall performance. The acquired training data can be linked to a Learning Management System(LMS).
Conclusion
Virtual Reality has a really promising future and even in its relatively early life it has shown its huge potential. Some companies such as Securitas Belgium or the Belgian Navy are strong believers in the benefits of using VR to train their workforce. They have opted for VR training because of the safety, cost-reduction and time advantages.
Want to learn more about VR training and its benefits? Contact the OneBonsai team and we will be happy to help.
