Traditional corporate training methods often struggle with information retention. But what if training felt as real as working on the job – without the risks or high costs on the company’s part? That is exactly what Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) bring to corporate learning. If you are thinking these are just futuristic gimmicks, keep on reading.
VR and AR are reshaping training for every single industry you can think of. With simulations as real as the real world, the risks are low and the rewards high. In this blog, we will tell you how VR and AR can impact corporate training and if you should adopt it too!
What is Augmented Reality?
AR adds digital objects to the real world. Unlike Virtual Reality, it does not replace what you see. Instead, it improves your surroundings with extra visuals or information.
AR devices like Microsoft HoloLens and smart glasses have see-through screens. You can still see everything around you, just like wearing sunglasses. These devices display digital images that move with your environment, making them feel real.
You may have already seen AR in action in games like Pokémon Go. The app uses your phone’s camera to track your surroundings and adds digital objects to it. But it is not just for games. AR is also used in corporate training. It can display simple data like the time or show floating 3D objects. Devices like Magic Leap One and HoloLens let you place virtual objects like app windows or 3D decorations anywhere in your space.
What is Virtual Reality?
Unlike AR, Virtual Reality in corporate training blocks out your real surroundings and replaces them with a virtual space. You use VR with headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. These cover your eyes completely. If the headset is turned off, you won’t see anything at all. But when it is on, it fills your vision with a digital world. This can be a training simulation, a game, or a 360-degree video.
VR headsets track your entire body’s movements using six degrees of freedom motion tracking. Some use built-in cameras, others use sensors placed in the room. Users can walk around the room and use controllers to play with the virtual world. Even though movement is usually limited to a small space, it feels much more interactive than watching a screen.
If you are looking to boost the ROIs of your staff training, look no further than EducationNest. They provide the best corporate training in Noida with expert-led programs on many topics – digital marketing, AI/ML, soft skills, and much more – all of which are customizable.
Examples of AR and VR in Corporate Training
AR and VR are revolutionizing corporate training by offering realistic, hands-on learning experiences without real-world risks. From engineering and healthcare to retail and customer support. You will find numerous companies using these technologies to boost their corporate training ROI. Many industries have found confidence in these technologies and are getting several benefits, including in knowledge retention. Here are some real-world examples of AR and VR use in different industries:
1. Engineering Training
Ford uses VR in its Accelerated Credential Program to train dealership technicians. Instead of working with actual car parts, trainees practice diagnostics and repairs in a virtual environment. They learn about car components in-depth and can master maintenance tasks like lathe operations before working on real vehicles.
VR sessions can last as short as 15 minutes or as long as you need. The time is displayed on a monitor, so that supervisors can track progress and assist as needed. This hands-on, risk-free training helps technicians build confidence and reduce mistakes.
2. Skill development for new joinees
Many young joinees struggle with gaining enough practical experience when entering the workforce. AR and VR simulations bridge this gap by giving immersive training. It is widely used in careers in automotive and aviation mechanics.
Learners follow animated instructions and then replicate training steps independently, guided by voice and visual cues. This method ensures better knowledge retention and helps trainees feel job-ready. Many offline/online corporate training courses these days let you customize courses to incorporate these elements.
3. Healthcare Training
Medicos need hands-on experience. But can you imagine the consequences if a newbie doctor practices on a real patient? For most healthcare professionals, real-life practice opportunities are very limited. VR solves this problem by offering interactive simulations that mimic actual clinical situations.
Use of VR in surgical training is well known. AR and VR let surgeons practice complex procedures before taking care of real patients. Doctors and nurses can even practice assessing patients, diagnosing illnesses, and administering treatments – all in an AR or VR environment that mirrors real life. The win – this can be done without any harm to real patients!
That is not the end! VR can recreate even critical emergencies like trauma situations, cardiac arrest, or natural disasters. These simulations let medical teams practice decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Empathy training is another application of AR and VR in healthcare training. This lets healthcare professionals experience what it is like to be a dementia or disabled patient. This can help them empathize and understand patients better, in turn, improving patient care.
VR also fosters teamwork and collaboration. For example, there are similar tools available for radiology interns to explore real CT/MRI scans in 3D instead of viewing flat DICOM images. Students can also join virtual classrooms to discuss cases with supervisors.
4. Retail & Customer Support
In customer service, one bad experience can make a customer switch the brand. That is why companies like Walmart use VR to train employees in handling tough customer interactions. Walmart’s VR training simulates high-pressure situations like Black Friday. So employees can practice de-escalating conflicts and providing top-notch service.
Product demonstration training can be done with AR and VR too. They help sales teams showcase product features and answer customer questions effectively. This builds product knowledge and boosts sales performance.
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Conclusion
Apart from the above examples, AR and VR are also used in high-risk safety drills. Companies using VR and AR in corporate training have seen huge boosts in knowledge retention already. Studies show that people remember up to 75% more when they train using immersive tech like VR and AR instead of old-school methods. Big companies like Walmart, Boeing, and Accenture are already using these to train people faster and smarter.
If you are still wondering if it is the right time to adopt these technologies for your staff training, it absolutely is. EducationNest, the best corporate training provider in Delhi, offers high-ROI courses on various domains that you can customize with AR and VR elements. Their courses cover a lot of domains like digital marketing, cybersecurity, AI/ML, etc. to help corporates in their training efforts.