Navigating the New Reality: The Place of AR/VR/MR in Technical Training

As industries evolve at an unprecedented pace, the methods we use to train professionals must also adapt. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) have emerged as powerful tools in the training arsenal, offering immersive, interactive experiences that traditional methods cannot. However, while AR/VR/MR technologies have the potential to transform training paradigms, their application in hands-on technical training fields, such as for diesel and electrical technicians, presents unique challenges. Through the lens of training theory and principles, let’s explore the pros and cons of integrating these technologies into technical training programs.

The Advantages of AR/VR/MR in Training

Engagement and Learning Retention: AR/VR/MR technologies engage learners in an immersive learning environment, significantly enhancing learning retention. This aligns with Edgar Dale’s Cone of Experience, suggesting that people learn better by doing. By simulating real-life scenarios, these technologies can provide hands-on experience in a safe, controlled environment, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging.

Risk Reduction and Safety: Particularly in fields where mistakes can have serious consequences, AR/VR/MR allows for risk-free practice. Trainees can repeat procedures until they achieve mastery, without the fear of real-world repercussions. This supports Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, emphasizing the importance of active experimentation and concrete experience as critical components of the learning process.

Accessibility and Scalability: AR/VR/MR technologies break down geographical and physical barriers to training. They can simulate environments and scenarios that might be rare, expensive, or dangerous to access in real life, offering a scalable and efficient training solution that traditional methods cannot match.

The Limitations in Hands-On Technical Training

Lack of Tactile Feedback: One of the primary limitations of AR/VR/MR in technical training is the absence of tactile feedback. For trades that rely heavily on manual skills and the tactile sense, such as diesel and electrical technician roles, the lack of physical interaction can limit the effectiveness of training. Skills like the feel of a correctly tightened bolt or the manipulation of delicate wiring require hands-on experience that current AR/VR/MR technologies cannot fully replicate.

Potential for Skill Transfer Gaps: While AR/VR/MR can simulate many scenarios accurately, there’s a concern about the transferability of these skills to real-world applications. The principle of transfer of learning highlights the need for skills learned in one context to be applicable in another. The gap between a simulated environment and the unpredictable nature of real-world scenarios can result in a skills transfer gap, where technicians may be less prepared for the nuances and unforeseen challenges of their work.

Cost and Resource Intensive: Despite becoming more accessible, the initial setup cost for high-quality AR/VR/MR systems can be significant. For educational institutions or businesses with limited resources, this investment can be a barrier to adoption. Additionally, developing or purchasing customized training content for specific technical fields can add to the cost and complexity of implementing these technologies.

Balancing Technology with Tradition: A Hybrid Approach

To maximize the benefits of AR/VR/MR in technical training while mitigating its limitations, a hybrid approach that combines traditional hands-on training with immersive technologies is recommended. This approach leverages the strengths of AR/VR/MR for conceptual understanding and procedural practice while ensuring that critical tactile skills are developed through traditional hands-on methods.

Conclusion

AR/VR/MR technologies offer exciting possibilities for enhancing technical training, making it more engaging, safe, and accessible. However, it’s crucial to recognize their limitations, particularly in the development of tactile skills essential in many technical professions. By adopting a balanced, hybrid approach, trainers can harness the power of these technologies to complement traditional training methods, preparing a new generation of skilled technicians for the challenges of the future. As we navigate this new reality, the goal should not be to replace traditional training methods but to enrich and expand the training toolbox for the betterment of learners and industries alike.