It is a world within a world – a world to explore new knowledge, ideas and find solutions. Welcome to the new-age world of immersive learning. Here, learners are in command of their learning outcomes. Helping them in the process is a set of tools such as simulations, augmented reality and virtual reality that make learning virtually a real time, engaging experience.
Learning beyond perception
As things stand today the application of immersive learning techniques have gone beyond general perceptions about their usefulness to cover mechanical, medical, architecture, safety training and other fields of training. It is also slowly being adopted by space engineers to decode mysteries of the space in a VR or virtual reality environment from space labs on earth.
Interesting and impactful
Immersive learning today forms the bulwark of organisation learning and training processes. It makes learning interesting and a lively experience as learners examine various facets of learning topics. They see and virtually experience firsthand how impactful their learning can be in a real life situation.
Highly engaging
At the end of it all it boils down to delivering using your skills to maximize company’s return on investment. It also brings into sharp focus the effectiveness of learners in making appropriate selection and application of tools that come with Immersive learning and makes it such a unique and highly engaging learning method with a proven track record of maximum retention.
Learning tools
Immersive learning is driven primarily by four basic tools of simulations, game centric learning, Augmented Reality [AR]/ Virtual Reality [VR] and 360 degree videos. Simulations are a fantastic way of immersing learners in a virtual learning ecosystem.
AR and VR
AR and VR learning architect is a creation of software engineers in tandem with organization Learning and Development head.
· AR and VR work together to provide the ultimate learning experience.
· VR enables learners to pick up things, shift, move or turn objects, dismantle instruments or devices, roam about a room and interact with virtual people.
· All these happen in an artificial atmosphere but give learners a feel of reality.
· Learners come out of such learning sessions satisfied and confident of using skills in real on job situations.
Next level of learning
Augmented Reality as the word itself suggests is meant to enhance the level of real time learning experience in a virtual atmosphere.
· Here virtual objects are placed right in front of learners through the headsets or AR-compatible smart-phone device.
· It can be an image of an equipment or customer.
· Learners can virtually examine mechanical components of equipment, place name tags against each part or learn to interact with customers for a specific learning goal of the organisation.
Learn through video
Video learning with a 360º angle is another unique tool of immersive learning.
· For learners it is a wonderful way of getting immersed in learning scenarios and training environments captured by 360º video also known as Spherical Videos.
· For example, a would-be-pilot learns how to land a costly passenger aircraft with passengers onboard without any risk element involved in it.
· Or, an industrial works trainee is taught how to handle a heavy crane or handle other dangerous equipment or materials.
· And lo and behold, these entire spherical video learning take place with the dragging of a mouse, a smart-phone device or using fingers on a desktop besides VR headsets.
· The learners learn thoroughly immersed without being actually there in the learning scenarios.
Singing paeans
· This ability of immersive learning to sustain learners’ interest and keep them engaged in the learning process are some of the reasons why organizations are never tired of signing paeans to the effectiveness of this learning method.
· It is cost effective learning as against cost intensive 3D virtual learning. Immersive technologies enable creation of exciting activities for learners resulting in their higher retention and maximization of organizations return on investment.
· The technologies being used help organization Learning and Development heads keep track of learners’ training through eye tracking, head and body movements, reaction time, etc.
Conclusion
To sum up, nothing can match the efficiency and effectiveness of the tools of immersive learning. It provides learners adequate time and a safe environment to practice their skills. They virtually learn to tackle hazardous situations or develop interpersonal skills without ever compromising either their safety or the reputation of the organization through involvement in any mishap in a real training scenario.