The Six Advantages of Immersive Learning in the Workplace using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) possess the capability to enrich workplace learning initiatives. Discover how both workers and companies can reap the advantages of immersive learning through AR and VR technologies.

In the ever-evolving digital landscape of the workplace, it is imperative for businesses and their employees to stay abreast of the changes. Continuous professional development and learning play a crucial role in fostering a supportive company culture, enhancing employee engagement, and gaining a competitive edge in the modern work environment. With digital technologies increasingly becoming an integral component of learning initiatives, organizations are exploring advanced training tools and identifying essential skills that employees need to acquire.

Author Ria O'Donnell delves into the future of workplace learning and the significance of incorporating digital technology in the book "Transformation Digital Technology for Effective Workplace Learning," published by Taylor & Francis. In Chapter 7 of the book, O'Donnell highlights the potential of augmented reality and virtual reality to revolutionize workplace learning programs. She also outlines six advantages of immersive learning with AR and VR, shedding light on the benefits of leveraging these cutting-edge technologies.

The Benefits of Using Immersive Technologies for Workplace Training

Numerous research papers have delved into the utilization of immersive technologies in education, unveiling advantageous outcomes across various sectors like healthcare, defense, and academia (Rogers et al., 2020; Ahir, Govani, Gajera & Shah, 2020; Awoke et al., 2021). These advantages encompass a wide range of benefits including lowering risks, decreasing training time, enhancing contextual understanding, saving costs, triggering emotional responses, and improving memory retention.

Risk Reduction

Learners have the opportunity to interact with various types of training scenarios using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) environments, enabling them to make mistakes without facing real-world consequences. By minimizing or even eliminating risks, individuals can hone their skills in a virtual setting, boosting their confidence in completing tasks which can then be applied in real-life situations. This approach proves particularly beneficial when tackling challenges or introducing new solutions, as it allows workers to experiment with different processes without the fear of negative outcomes if the desired results are not achieved (Gabajoj et al., 2019).

For instance, workers can immerse themselves in simulated scenarios like a medical operating theater, where aspiring surgeons can practice complex procedures such as open-heart surgery without endangering actual patients (Newman, 2016). Additionally, individuals may engage in simulations involving the development of machinery, enabling them to engage in trial and error exercises without the risk of damaging equipment or losing essential components (Gabajova et al., 2019). These hands-on experiences with no real-world risks can greatly enhance the efficiency of the learning process.

Time to Train

It has been known that 'learning by doing' increases knowledge retention(Aldrich, 2005), which is proven in studies such as the experiments performed by Ekstrand et al. (2018) on the use of VR in neuroanatomy training. This study revealed that the integration of interactive reality might have significantly helped improve knowledge attainment 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 over a million associated were trained using VR, which reduced the training time from 8 hours to 15 mins(Bailenson. 2020). they can result in enormous time savings, and in turn, cost reductions for the company. 

Cost Savings

While there are, of course, costs involved in setting up and maintaining simulated training environment for the workplace, there are also significant cost cuts in terms of hiring instructors, facilities, and physical equipment for the hands-on training. However, the most crucial cost-saving comes from the reduction in employee time spent training, practicing, and making errors.

there are also the cost of secondary workers involved in training, such as supervising peers. These employees would no longer need to be removed from their role to shadow the learner while they master a skill, and instead, they can continue work on their primary tasks and provide support should it be required( GABAJOVA,2019).

However, and simultaneously, there can be a critical cost for gears and applications to get an immersive technology training program begun( these costs are examined underneath) an further expenses for progressing upkeep, updates, and backing(figure 7.2).

Contextualization

Contextual learning, according to the definition provided by Surya & Putri (2017), emphasizes the holistic process of how an individual engages with the information being learned. It also focuses on how this information is applied in real-life situations and connected to personal experiences. Instead of simply requiring individuals to memorize facts or follow instructions, this type of learning demands an approach that empowers them to actively construct knowledge within their own minds (Crawford, 2001).

The human mind naturally seeks to make sense of new information in the context of one's surroundings and past experiences. The way in which new knowledge is absorbed and integrated depends on the individual and their interpretation of it at that moment. Therefore, utilizing immersive technology for educational purposes can be beneficial, as the virtual environment closely mirrors real-world scenarios. By creating an environment that mimics actual settings, contextual learning can facilitate the easier transfer of new skills and knowledge, as memory recall becomes closely tied to the surroundings (Scavarelli et al., 2020).

Rather than relying solely on abstract or theoretical ideas, virtual reality and augmented reality environments can feel authentic and evoke genuine memories of completing tasks. This engaging and immersive approach to learning can enhance retention and application of knowledge, ultimately leading to a more effective and meaningful educational experience.

Emotional Reaction

Fundamentally, basic emotional requirement drive cognitive activity. These demands assess incoming information primarily for survival purposes, the secondary for the sake of memory and learning (Tyng, Amin, Saad, & Malik, 2017). Memory formation is largely dependent on emotional reactions   (McGaugh, 2013). The have an impact on mental functions related to learning, such as memory, reasoning, problem solving, attention, and perception(Tyng et al., 2017)

It is acceptable to conclude that we know there's  evidence of emotional experience driving attention, motivation, learning and memory(McGaugh. 2003), and this is what  drives memory preservation, even though emotional theory and research are complex and frequently generate more problems than answers. Consequently, through engaging in real-world training opportunities, it is more likely to garner emotion than learning through non- immersive, passive style  of instruction.

Memory Retention

Essentially, the majority of individuals are less likely to form lasting memories simply by hearing or reading about something, compared to physically experiencing it themselves. Engaging in hands-on learning enhances comprehension and offers multiple perspectives, leading to a more profound understanding of the subject matter. When learners interact with objects, dismantle them, and analyze systems first-hand, they create meaningful memories that come close to actual real-life experiences. In a virtual reality (VR) setting, the collaboration is uniquely conveyed through visual representations, enhancing cognitive responses. Cho (2018) suggests that VR creators can further enhance this by increasing the resolution and spatial presence in their content.