What are the current and future trends and innovations in VR/AR for training and development?

1 Benefits of VR/AR

VR/AR offers numerous advantages for training and development, such as reducing costs and risks associated with travel, equipment, or instructors. It also increases accessibility and scalability by allowing learners to access content at any time, on any device. Furthermore, VR/AR provides enhanced feedback and assessment through tracking and measuring learners' actions, reactions, and outcomes. Additionally, it supports collaboration and communication by enabling learners to interact with peers, mentors, or experts in virtual or augmented environments. Finally, it encourages creativity and innovation by stimulating learners' imagination, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.

2 Examples of VR/AR

VR/AR can be utilized in various domains and scenarios, from healthcare to military. In healthcare, it can help medical students and professionals practice skills, procedures, and diagnoses in virtual patients, surgeries, or emergencies. In manufacturing, workers can learn how to operate, maintain, or repair machinery, equipment, or systems in simulated or augmented environments. Retail employees can also benefit from VR/AR to learn how to sell, service, or manage products, customers, or stores in immersive or enhanced situations. Additionally, education can be enhanced with VR/AR by helping students and teachers learn and teach subjects, concepts, or languages in engaging and interactive ways. Lastly, the military can use VR/AR to train soldiers and officers for combat, leadership, or strategy in realistic and challenging scenarios.

4 Best practices of VR/AR

In order to make the most of VR/AR for training and development, it is important to consider certain best practices. This includes defining the learning goals and outcomes, choosing the right technology and content, as well as providing guidance and support. VR/AR should be aligned with the needs, expectations, and objectives of learners and the organization. The hardware, software, and connectivity should be suitable, feasible, and available. Furthermore, the content should be engaging, interactive, and personalized. Adequate instruction, orientation, and supervision should also be provided to help learners understand and use the technology. Finally, other learning resources should be used to reinforce or extend the learning.

5 Future trends and innovations of VR/AR

VR/AR is constantly evolving and improving, thanks to the advances in technology, research, and practice. Mixed reality (MR) combines VR and AR to create a seamless blend of the virtual and the real worlds, allowing users to interact with both digital and physical objects. Artificial intelligence (AI) can also enhance VR/AR by enabling more intelligent, adaptive, and personalized content and interactions. Additionally, social VR/AR can enable learners to connect with peers, mentors, or experts in virtual or augmented spaces, creating more collaborative, communicative, and social learning experiences.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?