Taking Advantage of Self-Led Training with VR

One of the benefits to training in virtual reality includes the reduced need for subject matter experts to be taken away from their work and placed in situations where they must train the next generation of employees. These situations cost the company both time and money as trainers are spending their time training rather than using their skills towards work. 

Luckily, the next wave of virtual reality training enables subject matter experts to stay where their expertise is most beneficial to them and the company through self-led training.

Instructor-Led VR Training

Many VR vendors create VR training scenarios where an instructor is needed to guide trainees through training scenarios. The trainer will talk the trainee through the VR session, explaining the steps the trainee needs to go through to complete the session. This can often make the experience feel slightly less immersive, as virtual reality blends with real life through conversation.

Teach and Test Mode with Self-Led Training in VR

Self-led training means employees are guided through their training inside virtual reality – no instructor needed. Prompts are shown to teach employees correct processes and procedures. Prompts can be auditory or visual through text and images. Objects can be highlighted to cue an individual to take action.

VR training with Motive enables trainers to take advantage of both teach and test modes. This scaffolding approach to training allows trainees to be guided through sessions and then see if they are able to complete the training on their own.

If a trainee struggles through a guided session, they are provided with contextual help to complete the session. In an unguided session, trainees who have difficulties completing processes can go back and practice the difficult skills with ease, whether that be in teach or test mode. 

The ability to practice challenging skills ensures trainees are confident to bring what they’ve learned and practiced to work. Multiple sessions of teach mode may be required for employees to achieve completion and success, but this type of repetition helps in making the learning material stick.

Benefits to Self-Led Training in VR

Depending on the facilitation of training, VR headsets can be set up with a training facilitator or sent directly to employees at home or at their workplace. The flexibility of this type of training allows employees to complete training where and when they are available. 

Trainees can practice their skills at their own pace, enabling simple repetition where they feel they need more practice. There is no need to rush or restrict the flow of training and it can be done at a comfortable speed. The repeatability of content makes employees feel job ready as they can practice areas of struggle to the point of confidence.

With self-led VR, there is no need to worry about not being able to read cues from employees who are struggling. The data extracted from VR training can help in knowing where employees are having difficulties and how learners are grasping content.

Training with an instructor means training is not always consistent across trainees. Different subject matter experts may have different ways of facilitating training. This means trainees may have different experiences when training, leading to potential inconsistencies in skills and job readiness. When training is guided inside VR, all employees receive exactly the same training. 

Cost savings can be realized without the need for subject matter experts. Experts can continue working on their own projects and do not need to be paid to guide employees through their scenarios. 

Through evolutions in VR training, it’s easier than ever to train your employees using the modality. There is no longer a need for subject matter experts to supervise and take employees through scenarios. While we do suggest creating a guide to help employees get started and a plan for when issues arise, the elimination of trainers means VR training can be done with greater ease.