Integrate virtual reality into a training program in 5 steps

It’s easy to think that all you need is a Virtual Reality simulator to revolutionize the way you teach and transmit skills. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple! Virtual reality is not a magic formula that can be used for everything.

This does not mean that it is not useful! On the contrary: to get all the benefits it has to offer, you have to use it correctly.

And if you are still reading these lines, you are probably asking yourself: how can I integrate Virtual Reality into my training courses?

So we have prepared a little tutorial for you:I Integrate Virtual Reality in a training in 5 steps:

1.Identify in which part of the training it will have the most added value

In the context of training for a profession, it is not necessary to train on all the skills in VR. Some of these skills will be easier to assimilate than others and do not necessarily require the use of Virtual Reality.

On the other hand, for each profession, there are skills that can only be acquired through a lot of practice: the acquisition of a gesture, a process, reflexes or a technique. This is where immersive technologies must come in.

By their very nature, these technologies allow the user to be put in a situation, to interact with his environment but above all to practice as much as necessary.

It is therefore essential to identify precisely on which aspects of the job you wish to focus the virtual part of the training.

2.Compare existing simulators

Today there are many different simulators for the same job and there are more and more jobs covered by simulators. When you are considering integrating Virtual Reality into your training, it is not always easy to find your way around.

Some companies develop their own training modules, or call on other companies to develop them with them.

But before you start developing your own solution, we advise you to take a look at the market to see what simulators exist. Compare prices and test as many solutions as possible.

2.1.Call on experts to develop a solution

If you cannot find a solution that meets your expectations and you do not have the resources to develop your own, call on experts to create one that will suit you.

Integrating virtual reality into training is a rare expertise that requires more than computer skills. It also requires a real understanding of the training, the pedagogy and the expectations of the trainers and trainees.

Take the time to discuss with the different actors and exchange with their customers to get as much feedback as possible.

Every feedback is good to take!

3.Involve your trainers

Too often neglected, they are the ones who will use these simulators, it is important that they are the driving force in this project so that the chosen solution corresponds to their expectations and needs.

They will be the first users of these simulators. They must believe in the project, otherwise the simulator will end up in a closet and the investment it represents will not bring the expected benefits.

A bit of pedagogy is needed!

It is necessary to show the trainer that integrating virtual reality into a training program will be beneficial. These simulators are not there to replace them but to assist them. There are many advantages to immersive training that you must explain to them in order to make them a true ambassador within your organization.

4.Train them to use it

Immersive technologies are still new in the training field. Using these technologies is not instinctive and even less so when it comes to integrating them into your training program.

Accompanying the trainer in his handling is a key point to make his integration a success. This can be done in several ways:

– Showing the trainer existing use cases

– Projecting the trainer in a pedagogical use of the simulator

– Showing the trainer how to adapt the simulation as close as possible to his reality

– Allow the teacher to increase his technical skills on the tool

If these 4 objectives are achieved, integrating virtual reality into a training program will become child’s play for the trainer who will be able to fully exploit the potential of this technology.

5.Using the simulator

Now that your trainer has all the keys to using the simulator, there is only one thing left to do: use it as much as possible.

The best indicator of whether you have successfully integrated your new tool is the overall usage time of the simulator.

The more it is used, the more results you can get to measure its impact.

The more it is used, the more the trainer will be able to identify different use cases and decide which ones are the most relevant and effective in his context and training.

The virtual reality simulator is an infinite resource of information for him. The more it is used, the more the trainer will be able to gather information on the skills and progress of his learners. This information will allow him to individualize the learning process and make it more effective and engaging.

To summarize, virtual reality is a tool with infinite potential. In the field of training, it offers a very wide range of possibilities and allows for situations that would not be possible without it.

However, like all innovative tools, it takes time for it to be fully adopted and for it to become part of everyday life. Support is often necessary for proper use and for the benefits to be felt.

You now have all the keys to integrating virtual reality into a training program!

Integrate virtual reality into a training program in 5 steps - Mimbus