The use of Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) as part of Immersive learning is creating a totally new way of teaching. The traditional model of just reading about something is being replaced with the ability to learn about things by seeing them, hearing them and experiencing them in an artificial environment. By allowing learners to interact with the content that they are studying, this new model provides a greater level of understanding by giving learners the opportunity to both see what they are learning about visually, and also experience that same thing actively. AR adds digital information on top of the existing world, while VR creates a completely digital world. Together, they are changing how people learn in K-12, Corporate Training, and Military Training environments by making learning more relevant, measureable, and fun.
1. Learning Through Experience Leads to Greater Long-Term Memory Retention
Immersive learning allows learners to apply their knowledge through experiential activities, instead of simply applying theoretical knowledge. As a result, learners are able to retain their knowledge longer, build confidence in their ability to perform the task(s) being learned, and ultimately make fewer errors in real-world situations.
Experience gained through hands-on simulation reduces the amount of time spent on correcting mistakes made during actual operations; particularly in high-risk industries.
Examples of commonly used immersive applications include:
- Science students conducting virtual lab experiments
- Medical students performing simulated surgical procedures
- Industrial workers practicing safety drills in VR
- Students interacting with historical events using AR in the classroom
Studies have shown that learning through experience retains much more information than consuming passive content.
2. Training Using Simulations Reduces Costs and Risks
Training for complex or dangerous activities can be costly and expose learners to unnecessary risks. Virtual simulations offer a safe and cost-effective alternative for repeated practice of those activities.
The cost savings associated with this approach include:
- No risk of injury during the practice of emergency scenarios
- Lower costs associated with equipment and/or setting up a training environment
- Opportunity to repeat complex tasks multiple times without the need for additional materials
- Ability to receive immediate feedback on your performance
Simulations increase the learner’s preparedness for the real-world application without disrupting operations.
3. Providing Learners With Immediate Feedback Enhances Skill Development
Immersive systems track the learner’s movements, decision-making, and timing which allows the system to immediately provide feedback to the learner on his/her performance. This allows learners to quickly identify areas where they need improvement and correct those mistakes prior to progressing further.
Some common examples of tools provided by immersive systems to assist the instructor in providing feedback to learners include:
- Performance scoring dashboards
- Tracking of learner progress toward developing specific skills
- Assessment results based on the learner’s completion of scenario-based exercises
- Review and analysis of data collected by the system
Using data to provide feedback to learners has been shown to improve their ability to develop the skills being taught in the immersive learning environment.
4. Increasing Access to Training and Scaling Training Programs
Immersive learning allows remote learners to participate in shared virtual environments together. This means that all learners have access to quality training, no matter where they are located in the world.
Additionally, organizations can implement scalable training programs without having to establish new physical facilities.
The advantages of scalability include:
- Remote collaboration in virtual spaces
- Standardized training modules for different locations
- On-demand access to simulations
- Reduced costs for travel and facility rentals
When used strategically to meet defined goals, and provide measurable metrics to assess success, Immersive learning becomes a strategic asset to the organization.
Conclusion
Immersive learning using AR and VR technology increases learner engagement, improves long-term knowledge retention, and decreases training risk. Experiential learning environments facilitate learners’ understanding of the subject matter and enhance the learners’ ability to develop practical skills. In addition to enhancing learner experiences, Immersive learning technology provides real-time feedback to learners, which enhances measurable outcomes. Furthermore, the ability to deploy immersive systems at a large scale, expands access to quality training across geographic boundaries. Therefore, when used with clear goals and measurable metrics, immersive systems are transforming education from passive instruction into active mastery.