Inmisceo’s journey to bring effective XR (An all encompassing term for the AR-augmented reality/VR- virtual reality spectrum) technology to the training industry began at Learning Technologies London 2022. It was great to see the effort being put in to revolutionise learning.
One thing that stuck out to us was the leaps being made in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). Upon returning from the event, we decided to continue to pursue this topic.
Further research led us to discover that between 2021 and 2028 the compound annual growth rate of the market is expected to be 18 percent (Grand View Research, 2021). Additionally, in households across the world, people are making use of this technology through VR headsets.As it stands, 43.87 million of these devices will be expected to ship in 2025, a more than seven-fold increase from 2020 to 2025. This serves to highlight the growth of the industry and suggests that this technology is well on its way to becoming mainstream.
The best thing about XR is that it can be seamlessly implemented in a blended learning strategy. Because of this, we believe that this technology could be a fantastic opportunity for training providers to capitalise on.
Where could this technology be implemented for training providers?
With the growth of XR in the training industry, we decided to check out where specifically this technology is making the most positive impact.
One of the best uses for this technology is in Health and Safety training – with academic research demonstrating increased retention of critical safety knowledge when learned through VR. Increased knowledge retention in turn has a significant impact on workplace safety. An example of this is a fire safety module which tests the participant’s ability to find the safest evacuation route in the event of a fire. It also includes an optional section where participants are tasked with choosing the correct fire extinguisher for a given fire.
Through research we discovered that financial compliance training would be one of the topics to benefit least from this technology. With the nature of this topic, specific simulated scenarios aren’t required nor would they increase learner retention to a significant extent, thus a VR simulation would be an unnecessary expenditure.
With further advances in XR technologies being made everyday, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes a seamless part of modern day training.
In Laboratory Scientist Wearing Virtual Reality Headset Sitting in a Chair Interacts with Futuristic Holografic Interface, Showing Neurological Data. Modern Brain Study/ Neurological Research Center.
What are the levels to this technology?
When looking at AR and VR technology, it becomes apparent that there are certain levels (much like other forms of technology).
Inmisceo was set on finding what level was perfect for mid-size training companies.
When breaking it down, we discovered that it can be broken up into 3 levels:
- H5P
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual Reality
‘H5P is an abbreviation of HTML5 Package. It enables educators to create content such as interactive videos, quizzes and presentations.’
‘Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli delivered via technology.’
‘Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person.’
As we go down this list, the cost of creating a project that utilises that level of technology increases. H5P being the most affordable, and Virtual Reality being the most costly. Cost is an important factor, and it should be considered when deciding what level is best for your project. Is a full-blown simulation going to necessarily boost leaner experiences or would an interactive video have the same impact, for a fraction of the cost?
In addition to cost, as we go down this list, the average time taken to create a project increases. Inmisceo knows that time is important, especially in the training business. The quicker it takes to create a project, the quicker you are able to deliver high quality training.
When looking at it from the point of view of a mid-size training company, H5P and Augmented Reality appear to be the most suitable options. Both are cost effective and can be implemented in a relatively short period of time. They allow for an immersive experience, allowing learners to grasp difficult topics with ease.
The Good News
Inmisceo now enables training providers to make the full spectrum of XR solutions part of their blend.
We offer it as a full solution, which consists of the software, hardware, onboarding and creating the content for you.
Contact us for more information via hello@inmisceo.co.uk or the contact form on the website.
This is one of the clearest documents I have received for a long time. I like the concept and it is only the potential costs that would frighten us. Since Covid we have been making many of our classroom activities and simulations suitable for Zoom and Teams and have just developed a dedicated on-line activity about talking to staff. Your solution looks like the next step and more interactive than video, but I think we are too small and limited in budget to get involved. But I like your approach!