6 workplace benefits of immersive learning with AR and VR

The benefits of using immersive technologies for workplace training

Many studies have investigated the use of immersive technologies for learning and have revealed benefits in a variety of industries such as medicine, military and higher education (Rogers et al., 2020; Ahir, Govani, Gajera & Shah, 2020; Awoke et al. al., 2021). These benefits include examples such as risk reduction, reduced time taken to train staff, increased contextualization, cost savings, emotional responses and memory retention.

1. Risk reduction

Learners can engage in different types of training experiences within VR and AR environments to make mistakes without real consequences. Since risks are minimized or eliminated, they can practice their skills in the virtual environment and increase their confidence in performing the task, so that it can then be performed in the real world. This can be particularly useful when solving problems or implementing new solutions, as workers can test possible processes without the risk of adverse consequences (Gabajova et al. 2019) should the experiment not achieve the desired results.

Workers can experience simulated situations, such as an operating theater in which a training surgeon can perform simulated open-heart surgery without endangering a patient’s life (Newman, 2016). Or they can experience the production of a trial and error machine without the risk of damaging equipment or losing parts (Gabajova et al., 2019). These types of no-risk hands-on experiences can greatly streamline the learning process.

2. Time to train

It has long been known that ‘learning by doing’ increases knowledge retention (Aldrich, 2005), which is proven in studies such as the experiments conducted by Ekstrand et al. (2018) on the use of VR in neuroanatomy training. This study revealed that the integration of interactive reality could significantly help improve knowledge acquisition and retention and reduce time to mastery, while at the same time increasing motivation.

Another example is the Walmart training module called ‘The Pickup Tower’, in which more than a million associates were trained using VR, which reduced the training time from 8 hours to 15 minutes (Bailenson, 2020). This shows that when these types of training plans are implemented effectively, they can result in enormous time savings, and in turn, cost reductions for the company.

3. Cost savings

While there are of course costs associated with setting up and maintaining simulated training environments for the workplace, there are also significant cost savings in terms of hiring instructors, facilities and physical equipment for the hands-on training.

However, the main cost savings come from the reduction in employee time spent on training, practicing and making mistakes. There is also the cost of secondary workers involved in training, such as peer supervision. These employees will no longer need to be removed from their role to shadow the learner while they master a skill, and instead can continue to work on their primary tasks and provide support if required (Gabajova, 2019).

At the same time, however, there can be a significant expense for equipment and applications to get an immersive technology training program up and running (these expenses are discussed below) and further costs for ongoing maintenance, updates, and support (Figure 7.2).

4. Contextualization

According to Surya & Putri (2017), contextual learning emphasizes the whole process of an individual’s engagement with what is being learned and how they relate it to real situations and apply it to their own lives. This type of learning requires an enabling approach, enabling workers to construct knowledge in their own minds rather than simply memorizing instructions or facts (Crawford, 2001). When learning occurs, the mind naturally seeks meaning in the context of the learner’s world and their past experiences. New information is absorbed in a way that makes sense to the individual and their unique perception at the time. With this in mind, it makes sense to use immersive technology for learning, as the simulated experience is closely aligned with the real-world context of how it needs to be applied. Scavarelli et al. (2020) explain that contextual learning makes it easier to transfer new knowledge and skills when memory recall is closely associated with the environment. In VR/AR, the environment can feel realistic and thus create real memories of completing activities rather than relying on theoretical or abstract ideas.

5. Emotional response

At a fundamental level, cognitive activity is motivated by basic emotional needs that firstly evaluate new information, in terms of survival, and secondly to serve the processes of memory and learning (Tyng, Amin, Saad, & Malik. 2017). Emotional responses are central to the formation of memories (McGaugh, 2003). They affect mental processes, including attention, perception, problem solving, memory and reasoning, all of which are linked to the learning process (Tyng et al., 2017).

While emotional theory and research is complex, and in many cases raises more questions than answers, it is safe to say that we know there is evidence of emotional experiences driving attention, motivation, learning and memory (McGaugh, 2003), and that is what drives memory storage. Thus, immersing yourself in real-world training experiences is more likely to evoke emotion than learning through non-involved, passive teaching styles.

6. Memory retention

Of course, most people won’t make significant memory connections when they read or hear about something compared to experiencing it themselves. It is the enhanced immersion in learning that is beneficial and the opportunity to see multiple frames of reference (Scavarelli et al. 2020), giving the learner a deeper understanding of how things work. As the participant touches and moves objects, pulls things apart and explores systems, they gain first-hand experience, enabling them to form meaningful memories second only to the actual activity.

The clarity with which the interaction in a VR environment is communicated, including the visual representations, increases the cognitive responses. Cho (2018) advises VR content creators that this can be further improved by increasing spatial presence and high resolution.