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Introduction
Immersive technologies, such as 360° images and virtual reality (VR), are transforming the world of training. Their integration into training platforms offers unprecedented opportunities for skill acquisition and development. These technologies make training more immersive and interactive, thereby enhancing employee engagement and optimizing training processes. Let's explore in detail how 360° images and VR are sustainably transforming corporate learning in this article.
Types of VR Training
There are two main types of VR training: those that take place in a fully virtual 3D environment and those that use real footage with 360 cameras.
3D Environment:These trainings immerse users in a completely virtual world, where every element is modeled and programmed. This type of training is ideal for scenarios requiring maximum flexibility and the creation of fictitious situations.
Real Footage:Using real footage captured by cameras like the RICOH THETA offers a more authentic and tangible experience. This type of training is particularly effective for environments that do not require complex modifications or simulations. Trainings based on real footage allow learners to familiarize themselves with real places and situations, thereby boosting their confidence and comfort when applying these skills in the real world. Additionally, the quality of images captured by 360° cameras like the RICOH THETA ensures total immersion and impressive visual rendering.
In conclusion, trainings using real footage are particularly suited to the corporate sector as they provide an authentic representation of work environments. This realistic approach allows employees to more easily transfer the skills acquired during training to their daily professional activities, making learning more relevant and effective. In this article, we will explore in detail why and how to integrate VR training with real images in companies.
Advantages of VR in Business
Immersion and Engagement:360° images and VR create immersive environments, allowing participants to feel truly present in the training setting. By immersing users in realistic scenarios, these technologies capture their attention, enable interaction with the virtual environment, and allow self-paced learning. All this increases participants' engagement, making them more likely to follow through with the training.
Experiential Learning:Virtual reality offers a practical understanding of concepts by allowing participants to interact with objects in a virtual environment. Here’s how this technology revolutionizes learning:
Interactive Practice:
- Users can practice specific skills in a simulated and guided (safe) environment.
- Interactive tests dynamically assess knowledge with immediate and relevant feedback, enhancing understanding.
Knowledge Retention:Experiential learning is a powerful training tool, and virtual reality exemplifies this perfectly. If you’ve ever worn a VR headset, you know how total the immersion is, cutting you off from all external distractions. VR creates realistic and easily memorable learning environments, engaging hearing, sight, and touch. This sensory stimulation enhances memory retention, especially for practical skills like fire intervention techniques. Additionally, the emotions felt during these trainings reinforce the memory of procedures. Through VR, learners are exposed to varied and complex situations, developing their ability to solve problems, make quick decisions, and work in teams. This immersive approach boosts confidence in their skills, making them more adaptable to new situations. Scientific studies confirm that sensory immersion and active practice are key factors in the effectiveness of experiential learning.
Additional Skills:
- Reduces the risk of having under-prepared staff, as more people will be sufficiently trained to perform most tasks in case of illness or work peaks.
- Change Factor:
- Helps individuals develop new skills and gain confidence.
- Equal Opportunities:
- Provides all learners with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and position themselves for rewarding careers.
- Ensures equitable access to exploring diverse career paths, allowing learners to make informed decisions about their professional growth through practical experiences and real-world applications.
Practical Simulations:Practical simulations in secure virtual environments allow participants to practice before applying their skills in the real world, thereby reducing the risks of costly mistakes. VR can recreate complex situations, such as surgical interventions or machinery breakdowns, offering a realistic training framework. Participants can receive instant feedback, allowing them to quickly improve their skills.
Pedagogical Strategies
To maximize the educational impact of 360° images and VR, it is essential to integrate these technologies into well-thought-out pedagogical strategies. Here are some tips:
- Illustration of Complex Concepts: Use 360° images and VR to visualize concepts difficult to understand through traditional texts or images. For example, in an engineering training, show the internal workings of a complex machine.
- Practical Simulations: Create realistic simulations where participants can practice skills in a safe and controlled environment. This is particularly useful for health or aviation training, where errors can be costly.
- Interactive Learning Environments: Encourage exploration and interaction by designing immersive activities. For instance, a crisis management training program can include crisis simulation scenarios where participants must make real-time decisions.
- Evaluation: Integrate quizzes and assessments into VR environments to allow participants to test their knowledge and receive immediate feedback. This reinforces learning and helps identify areas needing improvement.
How to Integrate 360° Images and VR into a Training Program
Choice of Tools and Platforms:
To integrate 360° images and VR into training programs, it is crucial to choose the right tools and platforms. Two approaches are possible: creating modules internally or outsourcing to specialized companies. When creating modules internally, it is essential to equip yourself with a 360° camera such as the RICOH THETA, known for its image quality and ease of use. Then, choose a creation platform that manages the entire process, from editing to hosting modules. These platforms offer complete autonomy to create and integrate VR content into course modules.
Alternatively, outsourcing to specialized companies can significantly simplify the process. Companies like Uptale or Exploration360 offer comprehensive solutions including all necessary equipment, including RICOH THETA cameras. They provide ready-to-use, interactive, and immersive VR training modules, facilitating their implementation. By choosing the right approach and tools, it is possible to create immersive learning environments that enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
We will now explore in detail the process of creating 360° content for virtual reality.
Content Creation:
Integrating 360° and VR technologies begins with capturing 360° images using a camera like the RICOH THETA. Here are the detailed steps for content creation:
- Capture Images: Use the camera to take 360° photos or videos of the desired environment.
- Process Images: Transfer the images to a computer or tablet to edit and optimize them. This may include brightness and contrast adjustments, or adding specific details.
- Develop Immersive Environments: Use a specialized and easy-to-use VR content creation platform to develop interactive scenarios. These tools enable the creation of immersive environments where participants can interact with course elements. This facilitates employee training by offering a practical and engaging experience while being easy to use.
Challenges and Strategies
Flexibility and Accessibility:
Integrating immersive technologies is suitable for a wide variety of needs, whether recurring or occasional. Several flexible solutions allow these technologies to be adapted to different requirements without compromising quality or effectiveness.
For companies with occasional needs or limited budgets, options such as equipment rental and affordable software are available. These solutions allow reaping the benefits of immersive technologies without requiring significant initial investment. Renting equipment for creating 360° images and videos offers an economical and flexible alternative for short-term projects.
For more recurring needs and larger budgets, platforms offering flexible pricing models and suitable subscriptions are available. This allows starting on a small scale and gradually increasing usage based on needs and available resources. Additionally, some companies offer 360° image capture services performed by professionals, eliminating the need to invest in expensive equipment.
Thus, whether for occasional projects or regular needs, there are numerous options for effectively integrating immersive technologies into your training projects.
Technology and Support:
Integrating VR and 360° images is made simple and accessible through intuitive tools and dedicated support. Many companies offer comprehensive support to ensure optimal use of these technologies. Trainings and online resources are available, facilitating familiarity with tools and their integration into training programs.
Platforms are designed to be intuitive, even for novice users, ensuring quick and effective adoption.
Conclusion
Immersive technologies like 360° images and VR have the potential to transform learning by making training more interactive, engaging, and accessible. With tools such as RICOH THETA cameras and specialized platforms, educational institutions can offer immersive learning experiences that meet the needs of 21st-century learners. Explore these solutions to discover how they can enrich your e-learning program and prepare your learners to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
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