Immersive teaching and learning
For thousands of years we have been learning using the same traditional methods, but in recent years, technology has introduced new and exciting opportunities for innovative learning and instruction. VR Immersive Learning offers a new frontier in impactful learning, broadening the potential of people to learn and grow in an experiential and more effective way.
What is VR?
Virtual Reality is a technology that enables us to feel and interact as if we are in a different place than our physical location, to be with people who are not physically present, and have the agency to control or influence this virtual environment. In many industries, VR is already used for sales processes, social conferencing, therapeutic purposes, and training and education.
The science behind VR and immersive learning
In recent years, VR has been used in training and education, with supporting research underscoring the significant value it brings to these domains. Thanks to sensorimotor contingency (sensorimotor theory of perceptual consciousness), VR users feel as if they are present in the virtual environment. Studies show that experiential learning is more memorable, self-efficacy is enhanced, and higher levels of empathy are evident. Our brains interpret VR experiences very similarly to real life events. Therefore, learning in VR is much more personal, active, engaging and memorable. These advantages are key to impactful learning.
What are the benefits of immersive learning?
Multisensory & engaging
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Effective – learning by doing
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Strong sense of presence
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Confronts cognitive and social biases – perspective-taking
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Undivided attention
Innovative
Creates new value
Cost effective
Unique user experience
Solution for reduced mobility, travel restrictions and sustainability concerns
Enables data driven learning & personalization
Real-time data feeds
Records implicit measures (gaze, timing, strategy)
Facilitation is tied to user performance and preferences
Effective data collection for research
Scalable
Cascading knowledge throughout the organization
Asynchronous capabilities
Addressing universal dilemmas
Democratization of knowledge and learning
Learning by doing
Effective learning is measured by the change it creates in the learner’s behavior and mindset. Learning opportunities are often lost because we tend to forget things we have just read or heard. It is human to forget, just as it is challenging to change, yet research shows that the more active and engaged learners are, the more they are likely to retain and apply what has been learned.
Undivided attention with a strong sense of presence
Immersive learning is an augmenter of traditional forms of learning, it enables learners to be anywhere and anyone. Learners can conveniently go to places that are otherwise inaccessible or remote. In addition, using VR in class ensures that participants’ attention is completely focused on the presented content, as they are completely immersed in the scene within the headset.
Real time data feeds
Immersive learning empowers learners to be active explorers and influence the scenarios provided, and not witness them only. Using VR in live sessions supports data-driven learning; learners' real-time choices and behaviors are analyzed and used for facilitation and debriefing.
Perspective taking in real life situation
VR allows learners to be face to face with real-life situations. It gives them the opportunity to practice difficult decision making, analyze their behaviors, and to learn from it and make mistakes in a safe and controlled learning environment.
