Immersive learning explained: VR, AR and MR for training and business

The problem with passive learning

Most training still asks people to sit back and take in information: a lecture, a slide deck or a manual. Learners lose interest, and much of what they hear does not stick. For skills that people must perform with their hands or under pressure, passive learning is a weak preparation for the real job.

The idea: learning by being there

Key terms

• Virtual reality (VR) is a simulation that makes people feel they are inside a three-dimensional world. It is widely used for games, and increasingly for teaching and training.
• Immersion is that feeling of being present in the virtual world. You can look around and react as you would in the real place.
• Immersive learning uses that sense of presence to teach. The learner is placed in a simulated situation that closely resembles real life and takes an active part in it.

Because learners are involved rather than passive, immersive learning holds attention better, is more engaging and helps people remember what they learned for longer. It also lets each learner work in the way that suits them.

Three ways to deliver it

• VR places the learner in different situations and environments. It can even take learners to other countries, which helps with language learning.
• Augmented reality (AR) adds digital information to the real world. It gives learners extra information or tools on top of what they see, and supports group work.
• Mixed reality (MR) combines real and digital elements. It can show 3D models of objects to explain ideas.

Where it is used

In schools, VR is used to teach maths, science, history and languages, and practical skills such as driving, cycling and cooking. In healthcare, patients can use immersive environments to learn about medical procedures and conditions. The military uses VR to train soldiers, and it is also used to teach doctors new techniques.

How businesses apply it

Training employees

Companies use VR simulations to train people and improve productivity. The same approach can teach business skills such as marketing and sales, or how to use new software. Immersive learning can be delivered as a VR training programme or as classes held in a virtual environment.

Showing customers your factory and process

A VR headset can take a customer around your factory or explain how your product is made, without the customer travelling to the plant.

Supporting sales

Businesses use VR to help sales teams. A customer who has explored your product and your company in an immersive environment knows you better, which builds interest and trust.

Previewing products before they are built

A VR environment can show how a product will look once it has been made. That lets you and your customer check that the design is right before production.

Next step

If you want to try immersive training or a VR product or factory demo, talk to our team or book a visit to our Experience Centre in Noida to see the options first hand.

First published on the Metaverse911 blog.