Virtual reality is making a major buzz in the training world. This technology places users in immersive experiences from the comfort of their own homes or workplaces, making it easier to learn new concepts and skills.
For dangerous industries, virtual reality training can provide another benefit: safety. By providing employees with a safe, controlled environment to test out new skills, organizations can limit risk while building essential skills.
What Is Virtual Reality Training?
Virtual reality is the digital simulation of lifelike 3D environments. Using a wearable headset and specialized controllers, users can interact with different elements of the virtual world. There are many exciting applications for virtual reality, including gaming, e-commerce, and immersive training environments.
Using virtual reality technology, organizations can create an active learning environment for their trainees. Users can look, speak, and move around the virtual training area as if they were in a real-life situation, making it easier to practice new skills and prepare for the field.
Virtual reality training is often more effective and more inclusive when compared to in-person training experiences. Benefits of virtual reality training may include:
- Improved job performance
- Fewer on-the-job errors
- Improved learning and skills retention
- Improved workplace safety
- Stronger decision-making skills
- Reduced training expenditures
Dangerous Industries That Could Benefit from Virtual Training
For some industries, real-world training environments can be very dangerous. Trainees can become injured. The training may fail to simulate what an actual real-life scenario would be like, leading to issues when trainees go into the field. Plus, there is usually a significant cost to planning these training sessions, both in terms of money and labor.
By adopting virtual reality training, however, dangerous industries can alleviate several of these concerns. Virtual learning environments allow participants to actually experience a high-stress situation before they’re physically placed into one, allowing them to prepare for dangerous environments. Trainees can practice in a controlled environment to learn and hone the skills that they need.
There are several industries that could benefit from virtual reality training:
- The Military: One of the most promising applications for virtual reality training involves the military. Using this technology, all branches of the military can practice skills in dangerous settings without having to physically be there. Applications may include flight simulation, battlefield simulation, and medic training.
- First Responders: First responders like emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and police officers often encounter high-stress situations on the job. Using virtual reality training, these responders can simulate common experiences and practice critical skills, without needing to schedule a costly and time-consuming live event.
- Sports Performers: The sports industry is increasingly adopting virtual reality training as a low-stress, cost-effective way to keep their players’ skills at an elite level. Athletes can practice plays and train in recreated environments. This training can be made available to off-season players as well, helping them stay in shape before they return to the field.
Upskill Safely with Virtual Simulations from HigherEchelon
Are you interested in implementing virtual training in your organization? Trust the experts at HigherEchelon to help you get there. We specialize in developing custom-built immersive technology to enhance learner experiences.
To learn more about our services, contact HigherEchelon today. You can call us at 866-488-9228, email us at solutions@higherechelon.com, or fill out this form for a free consultation.