The Advantages of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Employee Training

 

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are rapidly changing the landscape of employee training. These immersive technologies offer unique learning experiences that can enhance skill development, improve knowledge retention, and increase employee engagement. In this article, we will explore the top benefits of using AR and VR in employee training and how they can revolutionize the way organizations train their workforce.

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Advantages of Augmented Reality (AR):

1. Safe and Affordable Training

One of the major advantages of AR and VR technology in employee training is the ability to provide a safe and affordable training environment. In industries such as manufacturing and power plants, employees need to be trained on complex processes and operations before they can assume full responsibility. 

With AR and VR simulations, organizations can create realistic training scenarios without the risk of actual harm or costly consequences. New employees can gain expertise through virtual simulations and experiment freely, learning from their mistakes without any real-world repercussions.

These simulations immerse learners in a virtual environment, allowing them to navigate and interact with a 3D world in real-time. This hands-on approach to learning enhances practical skills development and provides a safe space for employees to practice and refine their abilities.

2. Enhanced Skill Development

Practice is key to skill development, and AR and VR provide the perfect platform for employees to practice and hone their skills. Studies have shown that hands-on practice leads to better retention of information compared to traditional learning methods such as lectures or audio-visual materials. 

AR and VR technology enable employees to engage in realistic simulations and interact with virtual objects, replicating real-world scenarios and challenges. This immersive learning experience allows employees to actively participate, reinforcing their learning and improving skill development.

3. Improved Soft Skills and Expertise

AR and VR can also be used to develop employees' soft skills and expertise. For example, retail giant Walmart has implemented VR training to improve their employees' customer service skills. 

By simulating interactions with customers, employees can practice handling various scenarios and become more comfortable and adept at providing excellent customer service. This kind of training helps organizations enhance customer satisfaction and improve the overall customer experience.

4. Emergency Preparedness

AR and VR technology are particularly useful for training employees to handle real-life emergency situations. Airports, for instance, have started using VR to train their staff in on-ground operations and emergency procedures. 

The International Air Transport Association has been using a VR platform to train employees, resulting in reduced damage to aircraft and equipment and lower training costs. Walmart has also utilized VR to train employees on how to handle shooting situations, preparing them for real-time threats. 

By simulating emergency scenarios, organizations can ensure that their employees are well-prepared to handle critical situations.

5. Enhanced Learning Materials

AR and VR technology can augment traditional learning materials by providing additional resources and interactivity. Employers can develop solutions where employees can use their smartphones or specialized devices to access additional information or resources related to their training. 

For example, pointing a phone camera at a specific text in a training manual can trigger additional materials or videos to appear on the screen. This interactive approach to learning enhances engagement and improves knowledge retention. 

Research has shown that VR teaching has a recall rate of 80% even after a year, compared to only 20% for traditional learning methods after just one week.

6. Technical Skills Development

AR and VR are not only effective for developing soft skills but also for technical skills training. The healthcare industry has already started using VR to train doctors and nurses, resulting in faster surgeries with fewer mistakes. 

The construction industry has also embraced AR and VR for safety training, with studies showing that immersive learning technologies outperform traditional methods in evaluations. Whether it's practicing complex medical procedures or learning safety protocols, AR and VR provide a realistic and effective training environment.

7. Gamification and Engagement

Gamification has been widely used in employee training to increase engagement and improve learning outcomes. AR and VR take gamification to a whole new level by creating immersive and interactive experiences. Organizations can develop VR games and simulations that mirror real-life scenarios, allowing employees to learn by doing. 

This approach not only makes training more enjoyable and engaging but also increases the retention of information. VR gamification provides employees with a sense of reality, making the learning experience more impactful and memorable.

Is AR and VR Learning Suited for Your Organization?

AR and VR technology have gained significant traction in various industries and are becoming increasingly accessible. The potential benefits of implementing AR and VR in employee training are vast, including improved learning outcomes, increased engagement, and reduced training costs. 

According to research, VR-based enterprise training is expected to generate $6 billion by 2022. Furthermore, 30% of enterprises have identified AR and VR learning as a top priority, demonstrating the growing interest in these technologies.

To determine if AR and VR learning are suitable for your organization, consider the specific needs and goals of your training programs. Assess the potential cost savings, efficiency gains, and the ability to create immersive and engaging learning experiences. 

The reduced cost of VR headsets and the availability of smartphone-based AR applications have made these technologies more accessible than ever before. By investing in AR and VR training, organizations can equip their employees with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles.

Conclusion

AR and VR technology offer numerous advantages in employee training, from creating safe and affordable learning environments to enhancing skill development and improving knowledge retention. 

These immersive technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way organizations train their workforce, providing engaging and effective learning experiences. By embracing AR and VR, organizations can stay ahead of the curve and empower their employees to reach their full potential.

Remember, the key to successful implementation is careful planning and consideration of the specific needs and goals of your organization. With the right strategy, AR and VR technology can take your employee training to new heights and unlock the full potential of your workforce.