VR Training Pros & Cons

Summary

In this video, Nick Day, VP of Sales at Roundtable, discusses the advantages and challenges of implementing virtual reality (VR) training in companies. He highlights VR's ability to create safe training environments that can simulate real-life scenarios, enhancing employee focus and engagement. However, he also addresses concerns such as motion sickness and implementation costs, recommending solutions and emphasizing the importance of content quality and measurable outcomes. As VR technology evolves, investing in the latest equipment can yield a positive return on investment, especially for larger audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Virtual reality (VR) training creates a safe environment for employees to learn from realistic scenarios without real-world consequences.
• 😀 VR training enhances focus, eliminating distractions commonly found in traditional learning modalities.
• 😀 It's important to design VR content to minimize motion sickness by avoiding movements not initiated by the learner.
• 😀 Providing alternative training methods is essential for inclusivity, accommodating those who are uncomfortable with VR headsets.
• 😀 The technology behind VR is rapidly advancing, making it worthwhile to invest in the latest equipment for long-term use.
• 😀 Implementation costs for VR are decreasing, making it more accessible for organizations.
• 😀 Establishing clear training goals and metrics is crucial for measuring the effectiveness of VR training.
• 😀 Using a supportive platform, like an XR system, can help manage and report on VR training content and its outcomes.
• 😀 Deploying VR training to larger audiences can lead to quicker and more positive returns on investment compared to traditional training methods.
• 😀 Ongoing evaluation and adaptation of VR training programs are necessary to ensure they meet evolving organizational needs.

Q & A

What is a primary advantage of virtual reality training?

One of the main advantages is that VR creates a safe training environment, allowing employees to experience and react to simulated scenarios without real-world consequences.

How does VR enhance employee focus during training?

VR requires full engagement, as users are immersed in the experience and less likely to be distracted by their surroundings.

Why is the novelty of VR training considered beneficial?

The newness of VR technology can make training more exciting and appealing, encouraging participation and retention of information.

What type of scenarios can VR be used to replicate in training?

VR can replicate common safety incidents, such as a shelf collapsing in a retail environment, allowing employees to practice their responses safely.

What is a common concern regarding the use of VR headsets?

A common concern is motion sickness, which can occur when users experience a disconnect between physical movement and virtual movement.

How can motion sickness be mitigated during VR training?

Motion sickness can be reduced by designing content that ensures users only move when they are physically moving, maintaining a connection between real and virtual movements.

What factors influence the cost of implementing VR training?

The costs include hardware, content development, and the need for a robust platform to manage and deliver training materials.

What should companies consider regarding VR technology updates?

Companies should be aware that VR technology is rapidly evolving, which means headsets and content may require updates to stay current.

What platform does Roundtable provide to support VR training?

Roundtable offers a platform called an XRS, which helps companies manage, deliver, and report on VR training content.

What should organizations do to ensure a positive return on investment (ROI) with VR training?

To achieve a positive ROI, organizations should deploy VR training to larger audiences, track key performance indicators, and work with providers who can help validate their investment.