The Next Frontier in Learning - XR

The Next Frontier in Learning – XR

The use of immersive technologies including XR, metaverse and digital humans will pave the way for the next evolution in how we learn and how we develop talent. It’s a step akin to moving from classroom training to e-learning in the early 2000’s – essentially moving us from 2D learning to 3D learning. This is going to open a whole new (virtual) world of possibilities!

As with any big step forward in a time of technological disruption, there are several barriers and challenges that must be addressed. Starting with getting the business case right and essentially answering the “why”. Why invest money in new modalities, why prioritize this new way of learning, why is this a more effective learning strategy?

As we stand in early 2024, learning is one of the fastest growing use cases for the use of immersive technologies, and organizations are exploring adopting these for a wide variety of skill-based learning programs

We see a number of opportunities tied to new immersive modalities that can serve as the foundational case for a shift to immersive learning:

Enhanced Learner Experience

Traditional training, even great computer-based training, rarely delivers the “wow” factor. However, XR training provides a more immersive and engaging experience. This is achieved through the combination of immersive user experiences, interactive human-level engagement, and the ability to transport and connect learners across the “virtual” world. Such an approach takes away the sagging feeling of having to do training to a view that training can be fun.

Increased Knowledge Retention and Performance

As learners are immersed in the XR experience, they are more focused due to the formats inherent ability to remove distractions. Combining that with the more realistic and relevant content delivered through XR, knowledge retention is increased, ultimately resulting in faster times to competency, and the better overall performance of employees. We expect the needle on Kirkpatrick’s L5 to move significantly with the help of immersive technology, which will further drive the ROI of training.

Optimized Training Costs

While an upfront investment is needed in hardware and deployment of XR training, within a relatively short time, costs are optimized through several factors. Examples include reduced downtime for plants, manufacturing, facilities and equipment previously used for training. Increased time to proficiency through higher accuracy and realism in the training program, reduction in errors and issues in executing processes and savings in travel cost and overall training time, all thanks to the increased efficiencies of immersive training programs.

Safe Spaces

Use cases for complex hands-on activities, safety training and crisis training are a great focus for using XR technologies. For scenarios like active shooter training and emergencies training (among many others) XR allows a more realistic and true training experience where failing is not negatively impactful. In this regard, healthcare is one of the best use cases addressing complex patient needs in hospitals, emergency response scenarios and in being able to better connect specialists and providers across locations. Think of XR as enabling flight simulator training for many more jobs at a much better price point.

Training Data & Analytics

Immersive training provides the opportunity to capture more real time data about learners as they go through training. For example, analyzing mistakes in practice exercises, using AI features to measure learner responses can now be more accurately captured and analyzed. Additionally, performance testing can be expanded and more realistic, providing more accuracy in true knowledge testing.

We’ve loved creating training experiences through XR but also being taught through the same. If you have not already, take some time to get familiar with the different applications and using a VR headset.