Large corporations worldwide are turning to immersive learning to train their employees better and ensure a smoother onboarding process. At its core, immersive learning is about using modern technologies to ensure better learning outcomes. What do companies aim to achieve through immersive learning? Better knowledge dissemination and information retention in employees through interactive learning. In this easy-to-understand guide, we shall explore the role of immersive learning in the blooming arena of corporate training.
What Is Immersive Learning?
Immersive learning definition suggests that it is a method through which a learner is put through a real-world scenario to learn through interactive elements. What makes it stand out? The learning methodology prioritizes practical learning through engaging content and minimized distractions. Companies are creating real-life workplace simulations with a high-risk factor to enable new learners or employees to learn how to respond to real-life situations related to their work. Immersive learning in corporate setups primarily focuses on maximizing learner engagement.
When it comes to corporate training, scenario-based training through role-play experiences is prioritized to learn new skills and practice them until perfection. Essentially, these situations have proven effective in multiple areas, such as sales and marketing, handling customer interactions, managing risks and threats, building leadership in managerial roles, and a lot more.
In traditional role-play setups, training involves peer-to-peer learning experiences, which were limited due to resource constraints. However, as more companies adopt modern technologies for training, the scenario is being completely transformed through solutions like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual reality (VR), 360-degree videos, and simulations.
Kinds of Immersive Learning Tools in Corporate Training
Four types of immersive learning processes and solutions are commonly used in corporate training, each with its own unique offerings and limitations.
360-Degree Images and Videos
This method is one of corporations’ most affordable and easy-to-use immersive learning solutions to enhance their training outcomes. 360-degree images and videos supplement trainers’ text or voice resources to explain workplace situations and their appropriate responses to learners. Higher resolution and engaging 360-degree image and video content help secure learner engagement thoroughly but have limitations when letting learners practice their skills or experiment with the system.
Here, the learner is not completely immersed in the simulation as the learner cannot enter or control it. Therefore, this method is more suited to onboarding training, explaining the physical working environment and job descriptions according to the role of the employee/ learner. These images or videos can be merged with e-learning content to elevate the learning experience.
Scenario Based Learning
Best suited for sales and customer relationship management training, this method seeks to help the learners imagine a real-life situation and act as per the changes in the circumstances happening within the imagined simulation. This method can be executed utilizing modern technology, but it is best to use technological tools to create visual learning experiences. Gamification is one way in which scenario-based learning is best practiced. It is suited for both individual learners as well as group learners.
Immersive Simulation
This method relies on the use of multimedia technology to reproduce a live working environment and all possible hypothetical situations that could arise for the learner based on their job description or role in the company. This process does not require external tools like VR/ AR but depends largely on computers, mobile phones, and tablets. The learner is continually encouraged to act within the system through feedback. Feedback can be given through typed texts, verbal cues, or multiple-choice responses. The educators can also provide feedback on the learners’ performance through scores and suggestions. The best part is that these feedbacks can be given live for improvement.
Extended Reality
This is the most hyped solution for immersive learning and also the most preferred due to its excellence. It necessitates using hardware like a VR (Virtual Reality) headset and eyewear for AR (Augmented Reality). Usually, these hardware are used for gaming and fun by creating simulations of a car race or a football match. Still, noting that it’s an excellent use case in corporate training, developers develop real-life simulations of workplaces to help train learners. The cons, however, are the expenses incurred to use them and the scalability issues.
Why Immersive Learning for Corporate Training?
When used right, immersive learning has proven to be an effective mode of employee training and online learning.
Employee Engagement and Retention
Online learning, or eLearning, primarily focuses on engaging the learner as much as possible because maximum engagement produces the best results. Immersive learning helps engage learners efficiently by introducing interactive elements, infographics, feedback systems, and more.
Personalization
When the learner engages with the immersive learning method, it creates a data set based on the interactions and results. These insights personalize the learning method to fit the unique needs of the learners, helping them learn better at their own pace.
Practice and Experimentation
Through online learning and immersive learning platforms, learners can practice their tasks anywhere. This provides them with a safe space to practice without fear of being judged for their mistakes. With consistent practice, feedback, and experimentation, they can master the skills effectively in a short period of time.
Conclusion
While immersive learning is the next big thing in corporate training, scalability concerns still remain prevalent. The expenditure to buy additional hardware like VR headsets and AR eyewear can take a toll on businesses with a large group of learners or businesses with fewer resources. However, ignoring the ROI of immersive learning solutions for online training is not ideal. Corporates must find a competitive edge over contemporaries by incorporating immersive learning into their system.
