With time, industries are facing an uphill task of upskilling their workforce continuously as competition is increasing. This is mainly happening because of newly emerging technologies, and new devices and types of machinery launched due to the same.
In other words, the situation is not as it was before as there is a need for diverse learning culture in any industry. However, traditional physical training methods, even though effective to a certain extent, may fall short of producing a thorough learning experience.
Elaborately put, employees may have to do away with theoretical learning or take the onus of learning from text. This is a big responsibility on their shoulders given the kind of hectic schedule they have to manage.
But fear not, because this is exactly where Extended Reality (XR) technology when fused with e-learning features can do wonders for the learning of the knowledge seekers. This may happen mainly because XR-based e-learning solutions can increase the knowledge of the learners by immersing them in a virtual world.
Also, they will get to learn by working hands on certain equipment and chemicals which may not be possible in the actual world without a lot of experience. The XR applications in e-learning courseware extend beyond these features and address any gaps that may be seen in physical classroom sessions.
Now, The question is what exactly is Extended r\Reality (XR) technology, and how it is implemented in an e-learning platform? The inclusion of XR technology in e-learning platforms and XR applications will be studied in detail in the subsequent sections.
Table of Contents:
a. How Exactly Does AR Tech Work -- A Quick Overview
4. Mixed Reality: A Blend of Real and Virtual Worlds
5. Perks of XR in E-learning for Training and Upskilling
Extended Reality, XR, can be thought of as an umbrella term that has a wide reach. It covers several types of immersive tech (examples: AR services, VR services, MR). Some of these technologies already exist; namely, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) primarily, while others wait in the wings.
Extended Reality creates bridges between virtual and real worlds, adding more life to e-learning (Industries -- education, healthcare, gaming; corporate world -- virtual offices, interactive conferences).
This gets done by bringing real-world objects into virtual settings (like gadgets, books, toys) -- crafting immersive and marveling experiences.
Research studies indicate that over 60% of people (survey respondents, tech users, experts) are of the view that XR will soon become everyday tech -- a digital leap by itself! Pondering: What and how Extended Reality (XR) can enhance your daily life and what aspects make it fascinating -- let's find out.
To start with, Augmented Reality is a part of XR technology that overlays objects (seen in day-to-day lives), text, or animations (images, 3D models, colorful effects) in the virtual world. Thus, yes, in a way, it sprinkles actual world-like elements onto the virtual world.
To experience it, all users have to do is wear VR gadgets -- strap on a VR headset, and viola you are there! With VR, a user can take a stroll on the moon; take a dive in deep oceans or even explore a sci-fi city where everything is futuristic.
The whole idea is to trick the brain into thinking as if everything in the virtual world is all real -- a neat mind game! While, of course, gaming (mainly, fantasy worlds, battle arenas, and adventure quests) led the charge.
However, many industries make use of it -- healthcare (surgical training) and engineering (design simulations). And guess what, even the military (combat practice) makes the best use of VR technology.
In a way, VR helps to explore real-world objects up close, providing an almost tangible experience -- how wonderful and useful! This is the reason why VR training solutions -- to be specific, VR-based e-learning, have been adopted by many companies across various parts of the world.
Virtual Reality training companies such as VK Creative Learning (VKCL) can help companies to create XR technology or VR tech-based e-learning solutions.
Augmented reality (AR) can be thought of as a magical mirror (of course, a digital magic lens). It stands out as it blends (overlaying information) the real world with computer-based pictures.
It is known for already making its mark in mobile games; examples of AR: games with imaginary creatures/objects/glittery items in real-life places.
The virtual objects can be on lawns or even on sidewalks as players stroll in their neighborhoods. With AR, imagination (actual-world resembling) seems to be stepped out into reality -- how marvelous is that?
With AR devices (can be smartphones, tablets, or special glasses), users experience truly interactive objects of the real world. For example, AR can be utilized for finding directions -- imagine a mobile or car windshield that displays arrows (floating) to guide a driver.
Thus, these arrows can help to understand exactly the place where to turn (think of glowing road signs). The best aspect: no need to stare at a flat map (old-school and laborious), simply use AR and follow a glowing pathway -- amazing, right?
Thus, AR adds some of the digital objects to things seen in the everyday world -- be it adding objects or text. One can even think of wild animations -- how amazing is that! To understand it, picture it as wearing smart glasses that can show what a user desires to know and gain knowledge. these animations can be some kind of effects, avatars that talk, or something interactive.
The real gem: people can use it in the real world while experiencing the virtual pizzazz -- awesome, isn't it? Hence, it’s an amalgamation of both reality and digital environments.
These are reasons why e-learning service providers use XR technology and AR in virtual courseware to provide an immersive learning experience to the learners.
Mixed Reality (MR) can bring together real-life surroundings and the digital world (examples: VR headsets, 3D holograms, real-time simulations). This allows people to understand objects around them properly.
In many ways, it is better than augmented reality (AR) -- interactions feel alive and objects are made real! For example, in pharma training, it becomes possible to medicine learning, lab simulations, and molecule models. Thus, employees can work on 3D molecules with the help of immediate pointers -- a game-changer!
MR has taken a long leap over AR in recent times. The best part: real and virtual objects can be overlaid. This is the reason why top e-learning companies prefer MR when it comes to mixed reality vs augmented reality while creating e-learning platforms.
When XR tech is used in e-learning, it can open many doors for better training. Reason: the combination of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality will render a thorough understanding to the learners.
Importantly, it can bring down the cost, and significantly reduce dangers associated with risky tasks. Some of the finest examples can be when using heavy machinery, fire drills, and in construction zones.
Also, XR-based e-learning can make absorbing information easier -- courtesy of interactive elements, hands-on practice, and an immersive environment! In fact, companies that use XR training have been observed to hold onto lessons like sponges absorb water.
This way practical knowledge is rendered to learners, and they can comprehend XR applications like pros do. The areas where XR technology in e-learning comes in handy include real-world applications and in-depth knowledge comprehension of complex topics.
Interestingly, with all three techs (VR, AR, and MR) in the mix, the workforce will not have any kind of hiccups while working on something critical. This, in turn, means less downtime as the workforce capability has increased with knowledge expansion.
Also, XR-based e-learning ensures that workflow turns smoother and stress-free training takes place.
Thus in many ways, XR with mixed reality as a useful element can blend the best of both worlds perfectly [virtual overlay, real-world fusion, hybrid simulations]. This can make learning for learners hit home as they will have a clear understanding.
Also, owing to the immersive nature of XR technology, learners will develop a problem-solving mindset, and hence, they won't find issues when it comes to adaptability in the workplace. By stepping into XR-based e-learning, firms can now mold workers for the future as they will be industry-ready. Also, importantly, they can handle tech-savvy software -- a big game-changer!
Conclusion
XR technology when integrated into an e-learning platform can render a host of benefits and make upskilling of the employees smooth and easy.
VK Creative Learning (VKCL) has been known for developing custom e-learning platforms utilizing the multi-faceted nature of XR technologies. They have expertise in all streams that ensure that diverse industry needs are catered to.
Thus, companies partnering with VKCL can gain access to innovative, efficient, and engaging training methods. Invest in VKCL’s XR-powered e-learning to future-proof your workforce and drive success!