Immersive learning: definition
Immersive learning consists in placing the learner in a virtual world where they experience realistic situations. This practical training tool supplements theoretical learning. Immersion learning can be implemented either in an all-virtual environment (virtual reality) or in the real world, enriched with virtual elements (augmented reality).
Immersive learning in training
In a training context, immersive learning must be seen for what it is: a teaching tool to be harnessed to achieve a specific goal as part of a broader training program. It should be viewed as a supplement to theoretical training or existing skills. Subject to these caveats, immersive learning may be suitable for initial or continuing education.
In any case, it should always be the training goal that dictates the choice of learning method, never the other way around. This choice will be guided by the target audience, the training content and any technical, financial or other constraints.
Main features of immersive learning in a business context
Effectiveness of immersive learning
Immersive learning boosts memorization by allowing learners to assimilate gestures and instinctively respond appropriately to situations. Once learned, these reflexive behaviors stick with us. We remember 10% of what we read, 30% of what we see, 60% of what we do, and 90% of what we teach. This is why practice trumps theory: the learner is focused, using their visual memory and learning in an entertaining and rewarding environment. When learning a foreign language, for example, immersion learning is more effective than more conventional face-to-face training.
Trial-and-error learning
Trainees learn to spot their mistakes and adjust their behavior. Through regular repetition, they gradually develop the right gestures. Immersive learning is the ideal solution for any business or activity where precise technical gestures are essential.
- Flexibility of immersive learning: immersive learning can be an excellent option for remote training. A multi-site company can use this solution to provide the same training to employees across all locations.
- Integrating immersive learning: this type of training is an effective addition to theoretical training in certain key areas, allowing a company to focus on a particular safety issue or optimizing productivity, for example.
However, modeling a virtual world takes time and comes at a cost. In addition, training software may need to be updated. While these techniques are becoming cheaper and more flexible, it is still essential to measure the ROI of this type of training.
Safe immersive learning for businesses
As virtual environments are by nature controlled, and learning mistakes have no real-world consequences, they can offer significant added value for training that normally involves risks (for medics, pilots or drivers, for example). The absence of negative consequences helps learners to overcome their ambitions and push their boundaries. The trainer can also test situations that might be risky in real life, and allow learners to repeat them multiple times.
This makes the immersive approach particularly suitable for learners operating in situations exposed to significant technological or human risks, as well as for training in emergency management or safety protocols.
Examples of immersive learning in business
Imagine a company that is launching a new project or setting up a manufacturing line and wants to train its employees to use tools that do not exist yet? Waiting for tools to be installed and fine-tuned before training their users is a recipe for lost time and productivity.
Back in 2013, Renault invested more than €3 million in its Technocentre with the aim of developing immersive learning using new interactive 3D hardware. The latest Renault Espace model was designed without ever creating a real-world model, saving an estimated €2 million. The same VR-focused principle saved the Jaguar Land-Rover Group 5 million.
Since 2015, the Orange Group’s Technical Academy has developed immersive and augmented reality training for technicians who maintain costly, sensitive equipment. After providing 200 training sessions for more than 1,200 learners, Orange was approached in April 2019 by France’s High Commission for Skills and Inclusion through Employment, in the context of the Île-de-France Regional Pact for Investment in Skills (PRIC). These examples illustrate the power and effectiveness of these new training techniques.
