VR Learning: An Innovative Training Tool
The pandemic forced organizations worldwide to rethink their learning and training strategies. Many adopted online training, but some industries still require hands-on experience that digital materials alone cannot provide.
This is where VR learning bridges the gap. It allows learners to practice hard skills remotely while maintaining the benefits of in-person training.
How VR Learning Works
Virtual reality (VR) uses 3D animation, 360° video, and simulations to create digital environments. These environments let users move, interact with objects, and make decisions that impact their surroundings.
VR’s adaptability makes it ideal for hard skill training. Learners can practice new skills, make mistakes, and refine their techniques—all in a risk-free setting. This approach, known as immersive training, enhances learning through real-world scenarios.
Virtual Reality in the Industry
Post Secondary Education
Immersive training allows students to practice skills safely while learning remotely. It improves proficiency before their first real-world experience.
For example, NorQuest College developed an IV Medication Administration VR program for nursing students. This simulation helped them master the procedure without risking patient safety. Students felt more comfortable than in labs, which improved their performance. Many expressed interest in learning other skills through VR training.
Educational institutions also benefit. VR reduces the need for physical tools, minimizes training space requirements, and allows instructors to oversee more students. As a result, schools lower training costs per student while maintaining high-quality instruction.
Safety Training
VR recreates hazardous environments unique to each industry, making safety training more engaging and effective. Learners experience real-world dangers without physical risk.
For example, a construction safety officer can use VR to inspect a simulated site. They can see the consequences of missing key precautions before real workers arrive. The program highlights site-specific hazards, ensuring workers are prepared for their actual job environments.
This hard skill training method certifies workers’ readiness for high-risk environments. Employers gain confidence in their workers before they step on-site.
Why VR Learning is an Effective Training Method
Like online training, VR learning offers flexibility, but it goes beyond the limitations of a screen. It immerses learners in real-life scenarios, forcing them to think critically, problem-solve, and engage with the material.
The results speak for themselves. Miami’s Children’s Health System found that VR training boosted knowledge retention to 80% one year after training, compared to just 20% one week after traditional training.
VR also tracks learner progress. The software monitors completed actions, missed steps, eye movements, and spoken keywords. Learners receive real-time feedback, helping them improve their performance faster.
The Return on Investment in VR Training
While VR development requires an initial investment, it cuts costs in the long run. Organizations save on training materials, operational expenses, and efficiency gains.
For example, in NorQuest’s IV administration program, students repeat procedures without using up IV bags, tubes, or labels. Honeywell reported 50% savings in operational costs after integrating VR and augmented reality (AR) into onboarding.
A study in the Bone & Joint Journal also found that surgeons trained in VR completed 33% more key steps and worked 18% faster than those using traditional methods. This led to an 83% improvement in surgical performance.
VR Learning is Here to Stay
As industries evolve, VR training continues to prove itself as a viable alternative to traditional learning methods. The results speak for themselves—improved retention, reduced costs, and greater efficiency.
While VR is best known for hard skill training in fields like healthcare and construction, it also accelerates soft skill training. Studies show that VR learners train 4 times faster and remain 4 times more focused compared to online learners.
With endless applications, VR learning is shaping the future of education and workforce training.
Interested in including VR as part of your training strategy?
Let’s connect! We have extensive experience developing award-winning virtual experiences for different industries and would love to discuss how we can help you.