Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

This week we’re joined by XR Training Lead, Brian Melven to discuss all things Virtual and Augmented Reality. As an XR training lead, Brian’s job is all about connecting the latest tech with effective learning solutions, corporate training, and employee training. He collaborates with experts, instructional designers, and developers to create immersive training simulations that let learners practice in safe, controlled environments.

Brian’s strength lies in understanding how VR and AR can meet specific training needs. He’s a big believer in experiential learning and is always looking for new ways to make training more engaging, interactive, and memorable.

Understanding Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two amazing technologies changing how we interact with digital content and the world around us.

Virtual Reality (VR) is all about full immersion. VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR create a completely digital environment that makes you feel like you’re actually there. You can explore, interact, and manipulate digital objects just like they’re real.

Augmented Reality (AR), on the other hand, adds digital elements to the real world. AR enhances your view of the physical environment by overlaying things like text, graphics, or 3D models. This is usually done through smartphones, tablets, or special AR headsets like the Microsoft HoloLens.

While VR immerses you in a digital world, AR enhances your real-world view. This makes AR perfect for applications that need real-world interaction, like navigation, product visualization, or on-the-job training.

VR and AR have been around in some form since the 1960s and 1970s, but they only became mainstream and more accessible in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Today, these technologies are used in many industries, including gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. As they continue to evolve and get cheaper, we’ll see even more innovative uses for VR and AR.

Benefits of VR for Training Simulations

Virtual reality (VR) offers many advantages for training simulations. It lets learners dive into realistic, controlled environments. One of the biggest benefits is creating highly immersive training scenarios that mimic real-world situations. This level of immersion boosts learning retention and knowledge transfer, as learners can actively engage with the content and practice skills safely.

VR simulations let trainees experience situations that would be too dangerous, costly, or logistically challenging in real life. For instance, VR can simulate emergency scenarios like fire drills or medical emergencies, allowing learners to practice their responses without any real risk. Similarly, VR can recreate complex industrial environments, like manufacturing plants or construction sites, letting trainees get familiar with equipment and procedures before they’re on the actual worksite.

VR training simulations also provide a consistent and standardized learning experience. Unlike traditional training methods, where variations in instructors or environments can affect learning outcomes, VR ensures that every learner gets the same high-quality training, no matter where they are. This is especially valuable for organizations with teams spread across different locations.

Moreover, VR allows for repetitive practice and different scenario variations. Learners can refine their skills and try out different approaches in a safe environment. Instructors can tweak the difficulty, add unexpected variables, or create branching scenarios to challenge learners and reinforce decision-making skills.

Using VR for training simulations helps organizations improve learning effectiveness, cut training costs, and enhance safety while giving learners a highly engaging and memorable experience.

Getting Started in XR Training Development

Starting your journey into XR training development might seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you think. Thanks to free and user-friendly software, anyone with a passion for creating immersive learning experiences can get started.

One of the most popular tools for XR development is Unity, a cross-platform game engine for creating interactive 3D and 2D content. Unity offers a free version with many features, making it a great choice for beginners and hobbyists. Its intuitive interface and extensive documentation make it easy to learn, and the vibrant community provides plenty of resources and support.

Another powerful option is Unreal Engine, a suite of game development tools from Epic Games. Like Unity, Unreal Engine offers a free version with robust features for creating stunning virtual environments and interactive experiences. While it might have a steeper learning curve, Unreal Engine is renowned for its advanced graphics and is widely used in the gaming industry.

Using these tools, you can rapidly prototype and iterate on your XR training solutions. Rapid prototyping lets you quickly test and refine your ideas, ensuring your final product meets your learners’ needs. By creating low-fidelity prototypes early on, you can gather feedback, identify potential issues, and make necessary adjustments before investing significant resources into development.

In addition to Unity and Unreal Engine, there are many other tools and resources for XR training development. Online courses, tutorials, and forums offer valuable learning opportunities, while asset stores provide pre-made 3D models, environments, and other components to streamline your development process.

Remember, success in XR training development isn’t just about mastering the technical aspects but also understanding effective instructional design principles. Combining your learning theory knowledge with immersive technologies can create engaging and impactful training experiences that transform how people learn.

Best Practices for Effective XR Training

Designing engaging and immersive experiences is key to effective XR training. Use the power of VR and AR to create realistic scenarios that fully immerse learners in the content. Incorporate interactive elements, gamification, and storytelling to boost engagement and knowledge retention.

Prioritize user experience when developing XR training modules. Ensure intuitive navigation, clear instructions, and seamless interactions to minimize cognitive load and frustration. Conduct user testing and iterate based on feedback to optimize the learning experience.
Measuring training outcomes is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of XR training programs.

Set clear learning objectives and use data analytics to track metrics like knowledge retention, skill acquisition, and performance improvements. Continuously refine the training content and delivery methods based on these insights to maximize your return on investment.

The Future of XR in Learning and Development

The future of extended reality (XR) in learning and development is set for significant growth and innovation. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more immersive and interactive training experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Predictions and Trends:

One exciting prediction is the rise of the industrial metaverse, which combines VR and AR technologies to revolutionize work and learning. Imagine virtually collaborating with colleagues worldwide or receiving real-time guidance from an expert while performing a complex task. The metaverse will seamlessly integrate digital and physical environments, creating a more efficient and engaging learning experience.

We can also expect continued advancements in hardware and software, making XR more accessible and affordable for organizations of all sizes. Improvements in haptic feedback, eye-tracking, and spatial computing will further enhance the immersive nature of XR training, allowing learners to interact with virtual objects and environments more naturally and intuitively.