Introduction: Understanding the need for an Immersive Learning Process through XR (eXtended Reality)

The present-day world is powered with technology and filled with more distractions than ever! These distractions often lead to negative impacts on the process of learning. In the quest to minimize distractions and make the learning experience effective, Immersive Learning becomes necessary. Immersive learning is the use of an artificial or simulated environment to teach, train, and achieve learning goals. It not only eradicates distractions but also kills monotony in the process of Learning and Development, by providing stimulating visualizations. Here’s how immersive learning has revolutionized modern learning experiences.

In this age of distractions, it might be easy to catch the attention of learners, but to keep them engaged throughout the learning session is the biggest challenge. 

Immersive learning provides an environment that is highly interactive and mentally stimulating. It facilitates a realistic replication of possible scenarios and provides focussed learning opportunities to users. Immersive learning is not a learning format where learners download the learning material on their devices.

There are profound applications to immersive learning in hi-tech work and training environments such as heavy engineering and automation facilities. In this case, a Virtual Lab, or vLab for short, will resemble the real-time setting where the skills being learned are applied. Training in a simulated environment adds recall value when the skills are applied in real-world scenarios and can lead to an improvement in productivity while reducing overall compliance issues.

Immersive learning is delivered through XR — an umbrella term encompassing virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies.

The Advantages of Using an LXP for Immersive Learning

Cost-saving through better compliance and productivity:

Adopting immersive learning remotely can cut costs on employee travel and transporting equipment to training locations. Companies can also reduce faculty costs.

Realistic Learning Environment:

Leverages the latest technology to remove distractions. This can lead to long term Retention of Knowledge.

Real-time personalized recommendations:

Immersive Learning is based on a learner-centric approach and facilitates personalized learning through recommendations based on competency, interest, and desired learning outcomes.

Safe Learning Environment:

Perhaps the most compelling advantage of this modality is to provide experiential learning without the risks of critical errors. It facilitates learning through mistakes, which can otherwise be costly in real-life scenarios —  both in terms of the machinery and personnel safety. Training in simulated hazardous environments allows individuals to reduce behaviors that do not support desirable outcomes.

Scalability through Simultaneous Training

Several employees can be training simultaneously in simulated environments using multiple devices reducing the overall time spent on training.

Improves Learner Engagement:

Granting complete control of the learning process and achieving objectives garner emotional engagement and increased motivation. Building in gamification can also make immersive learning fun. Emotionally engagement and interest usually mean better knowledge retention.

Cater to a global and multilingual workforce

Modules can be adapted to a global workforce easily. As procedures in manufacturing and other compliance-related requirements are usually standard, the simulated environment, training goals, and content can be adapted to a multilingual workforce.

How can Immersive Learning be implemented on an LXP?

Virtual Labs (vLabs)

Virtual Reality (VR)

This technology uses a digital simulation of lifelike scenarios for training purposes. By wearing a headset and using a controller, the user becomes immersed in the virtual world, enhanced by 3D design, interacting with simulated tools, machinery, and instructors.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality is a technology that enhances traditional learning by augmenting real environments into a digital interface. AR, superimposes digital information upon the real world, offering additional information for better comprehension.

Mixed reality (MR)

Mixed Reality is a combination of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. The objective is to make virtual interactions realistic. The workplace presents a great opportunity to benefit from digital interactivity enabled by Mixed Reality. It produces motion-tracked elements that react to real-world features and gestures and can serve as a powerful tool where learners constantly process and exchange information.

How can the Origin Fractal Team help with your next project?

Strategy

Identifying relevant learning areas and objectives that can be solved using immersive learning.

Solutions Development

Origin Fractal’s technology and Instructional Design team can design and develop a completely immersive learning experience including 3D content creation/conversion, animation, and game-engine development.

Deployment

Execute, monitor, and maintain immersive training solutions that fit the needs of your company and improve employee job performance. Fractal LXP was developed to provide our clients with a cloud-based remotely deployable learning platform.

Learning Experience Platforms are the future of corporate L&D. Here is a checklist of steps to deploy LXP for your organization. To find out more about how Origin Fractal can positively impact your learning and development goals, write to us at info@originlearning.com