VR in the Workplace: Where Training Meets Innovation
Imagine stepping onto the surface of Mars as a robot avatar, surrounded by colleagues also navigating this otherworldly landscape. Your mission: work together to overcome challenges and escape the planet in a space pod. But this isn't a video game; it's a training session, and you're all wearing VR headsets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped work, making remote collaboration common. Similarly, training is evolving. With the advancement of VR technology, more companies are incorporating VR into training and skill development.
VR-based training at Bank of America & Ernst & Young
Mike Wynn, responsible for VR-based training at Bank of America, highlights VR's appeal to younger employees, who are accustomed to technology from playing immersive video games. Traditional training methods no longer cater to these changing learning habits.
But is VR training more effective? A PricewaterhouseCoopers study found that learners using VR acquired knowledge four times faster than those in traditional classrooms. VR learners were also 1.5 times more focused. ??
Edwina Fitzmaurice, in charge of VR technology at Ernst & Young, notes another advantage: users can practice repeatedly. VR training is often cost-effective and safer than real-world training, especially for high-risk jobs. VR systems also provide feedback, sometimes more effectively than human bosses.
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Feedback and Challenges
Sophie Thompson, CEO of VirtualSpeech, a London-based VR training provider for public speaking and leadership skills, highlights the value of objective feedback from computers. Machines can provide honest assessments without worrying about feelings.
However, VR training faces criticisms. Some find VR headsets uncomfortable, nauseating, or headache-inducing. Regulation and balance between innovation and governance are necessary, according to Ms. Fitzmaurice.
As technology advances, VR is poised to revolutionize training, providing immersive, effective, and safe learning experiences.
source: BBC