It’s immersive, it’s cost-effective, and it’s the next-best thing to reality itself, says Jenna Scott
We regularly hear about great technology advances that launch humanity into a new era - that makes things once thought impossible, so possible it becomes common. Look at the aeroplane - there really isn’t a good reason that people should be able to fly, and yet when we put our minds to it, it wasn’t long before we were flying high in the sky.
The training for those who work on aircraft has evolved just as quickly. From chalkboards and text on a page, to very complex flight simulators. Humanity is attracted to new knowledge and novelty, but few organisations can afford to fully invest in the latest and greatest technology-based learning like the aviation industry can.
Google and Oculus Rift are just two companies helping to change all that by making virtual reality headsets that are affordable, portable, and compatible with existing software on the markets. Their goal is for virtual reality headsets to become as commonplace as a games system, enabling anyone to experience a virtual version of anything from the comfort of their own home or office.
For now, it can still seem as though virtual reality is straight out of Star Trek. But the potential for using virtual reality scenarios - either bespoke creations or replications of real life situations - are huge and instantly apparent the first time you step into a virtual world.
Using a simulation for training of dangerous environments, or fragile, priceless equipment, allows for the learners to have the freedom to fail without risk to life, limb, or wallet. Add that freedom to fail with the wholly immersive sense of presence makes for a learning experience unparalleled by anything but the best physical simulators.
When a virtual reality learning simulation (VRLS) is designed by subject-matter experts, instructional designers, serious games designers, 3D graphic artists, and human-computer interaction experts like ours are, the outcome is nothing short of impressive.
And it becomes even more impressive when you consider how cost-effective this can be. Unlike other forms of learning technology, creating a VRLS means you develop a virtual set and props which can be reused in different simulations, or as part of instructional videos or tours. This means that your L&D investment will help you build a library of engaging and relevant content for your learners - unlike aeroplane flight simulators, which have a singular purpose and costs hundreds of thousands of pounds to develop.
People Management has repeatedly reported that what millennials value the most in choosing a place of employment is the training available to them. Nothing will both train and entice learners like a VRLS.
But don’t just take our word for it. Visit the People Management stand at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition in Manchester on 4-5 November to try out your public speaking skills in our bespoke VRLS. You might even win the opportunity to present at the 2016 event.