Virtual and Augmented Reality for Professional Training
By: Itzia Valdez - March 25, 2019
In past posts, we have already explored how virtual reality and augmented reality have been used successfully in diverse ways. Some examples include video games that offer more exciting experiences, and online services that allow you to take a look at how certain objects, like furniture, might fit into your space before you buy them.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality have also been used in business contexts with multiple purposes. One example comes from real estate, a sector which takes advantage of this technology to offer virtual tours from the comfort of your mobile phone or computer. In the automobile industry, this technology helps evaluate design decisions for new vehicles without having to physically build a prototype.
Besides these fascinating functions, this technology also lends itself to decreasing the time and cost associated with onboarding new personnel, training factory employees, and even educating students. It makes it possible to create a computer-generated environment in which the user can to interact with diverse objects, and virtual scenarios. This helps them acquire the competencies necessary for the job by putting their acquired knowledge to use. The virtual experience is a simulacrum for real experience that does not implicate high expenses, or the resources that traditional training programs require.
In fact, you can develop as many environments as you need. The great potential comes from being able to explore any number of potential scenarios without having to physically be in a particular place, and without having to actually live through a specific situation.
Virtual and augmented reality training and capacitation programs are currently being used in industrial and military contexts, where users can gain experience in dealing with high-risk scenarios without being in real danger. This allows them to discover and get to know their psychological and physical reactions, investigate them and learn to control them when they are confronted with a high-risk situation in real life.
In an academic environment, this technology makes it possible for students to comprehend concepts, processes, and even historical events by living them in a “realistic” way. This makes is easier for them to recognize patterns, and gain realistic experiences. Knowledge is acquired by giving students the opportunity to be an active participant in the kinds of scenarios that are important or relevant to their field.
Video: Augmented reality could change traditional education
In the area of biomedical sciences, this technology is being used to train paramedics, nurses, and doctors in emergency situations. These virtual experiences increase their ability to give diagnoses, time their reactions, and make better decisions in real-life situations thanks to simulated experiences. Clearly, it is easier, quicker and safer to acquire this knowledge in virtual scenarios. Surgeons can visualize, and even manipulate, structures and organs in virtual scenarios, giving them surgical experience that strengthens their dexterity and precision when operating in real life.
Video: Virtual reality in the operating room to train a future surgeon
Specifically, for professionals in the area of clinical psychology, it is possible to use this technology for treating patients dealing with various expressions of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Mood Disorders (like Depression), phobias, addictions, and the list goes on. It has also been used to treat pain, as well as social disorders, and communications skills.
In the case of police corps, the use of virtual and augmented reality training makes it possible for training officers to practice their reactions in high-risk situations. This includes training responsible use of fire arms, developing negotiation skills, managing with rescue missions, and dealing with dangerous criminals. In general, they can develop their capacity to react adequately to any given situation, learning to manage stress, fear and impulse-control without compromising their physical integrity like in traditional training methods of the past. Once this kind of training is complete, the officers are much more efficient on the ground.
Video: School of Police Officers Through Virtual Reality
All of these options are only examples of the uses of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the areas of skills training and development. The range of possibilities is rather endless when it comes to other fields, This is why the potential of this technology so exciting.
Besides the advantage of providing safe scenarios for training, and the possibility to learn in different places and situations without moving your geographical position, one of the main attractions of this technology is its ability to offer personalized training. Depending on the participant, different priorities can be established, the speed through which training units are completed can vary, as can criteria for “passing” levels, etc. This leads to significant cost reduction. One system can be used indefinitely to train as many people as possible, as often as necessary.
What about you? What kind of training or education does your team need? Do you have ideas about how your business can benefit from using virtual and augmented reality for training purposes?
In Pixzelle Studio, we are dedicated to continuous training and development, which is why we are very enthusiastic to learn about your idea. We would be glad to assess your needs, and support the development of solutions that will work for you. Follow the link.
