What is virtual reality training?

Virtual reality is used in many training scenarios as it confers a wide range of benefits for academia and industry alike. This section looks at its utilisation within a range of training scenarios and discusses the benefits in detail.

Advantages of virtual reality training

What are the advantages of virtual reality training? These include the following:

• Able to simulate dangerous or risky situations within a controlled environment.
• Accurate and realistic simulations
• Cater for large numbers of students over various locations
• Highly visual approach which aids with learning
• Peer review, feedback and ongoing assessment
• Deconstruct complex data into manageable chunks
• Visualisation of complex concepts and theories
• Exploration of virtual scenarios as experience for real world scenarios.
• Interaction
• Ensures that learning is fun and enjoyable where appropriate
• Cost effective

Basically what virtual reality enables teachers, lecturers or anyone in an educational setting to do is to deliver large amounts of often complex information in a visually attractive way. Many students find it easier to learn when presented with a visual explanation which they also find easier to retain and recall.

Most people find it easer to learn, understand and retain information if the learning experience is a pleasant one.

Another benefit of virtual reality is the fact that you can train large numbers of people within a virtual setting, i.e. remotely, without spending vast amounts of money. Training can be expensive especially if you have to transport groups of people from various parts of the UK (or abroad) to a designated location within the UK.

Alternately, you may have to train one person at a time on a particular piece of equipment which again, is costly and time consuming.

But with virtual reality you can create accurate 3D models which provide a realistic representation of what you are trying to achieve or trying to instruct people to use. This means an accurate representation of a machine or equipment which people can learn to use and in a safe environment. But elements of risk can be added if necessary.

Types of virtual reality training

Examples of virtual reality training include:

• Medical training/surgery simulation
• Architectural walkthroughs
• Historical re-enactments
• Reconstructions
• Emergency services, e.g. paramedic training
• Combat training (see our article on virtual reality and combat training)

These are just some of the many applications for virtual reality training which are increasing over time.