Virtual Reality Training: 6 Industries That Can Benefit Most
Virtual Reality used to be something that you would only see on the silver screen or read about in utopian novels. Today, it’s become a reality, and organizations around the world are beginning to see its many L&D possibilities. New hires and senior executives alike can get the information and experience they need by immersing themselves in VR worlds. They simply dive into real-world simulations and branching scenarios that broaden their professional knowledge.
Here are 6 industries that can take advantage of Virtual Reality training now and in the near future.
1. Healthcare
Healthcare professionals require a vast amount of professional experience and skill, especially if they are in surgical or trauma-related sectors.
In most cases, acquiring real world experience on-the-job simply isn’t feasible, as every decision could mean the difference between life and death. With virtual reality, medical professionals are able to explore every procedure and learn how to care for patients without any risk involved. They can also participate in realistic tutorials that allow them to interact with the objects.
In essence, Virtual Reality training provides healthcare professionals with the hands-on online training they need to provide the best quality of care for their patients. This also translates into lower liability insurance costs and fewer cases of malpractice and negligence.
2. Manufacturing
Manufacturing is yet another industry where one wrong move can have dire consequences. For example, an employee who isn’t familiar with machine controls might accidentally injure themselves or a co-worker while performing their job duties.
Virtual Reality training offers them the chance to master the system and create an efficient routine for operating the equipment. Instructors can also monitor their performance and remedy any issues promptly, which helps to prevent on-the-job fatalities and avoid compliance violations.
3. Sales
There are a variety of applications for Virtual Reality training in the sales industry. Your distributed workforce can learn about new products by interacting with the item in a VR setting. Instead of simply reading about the features and benefits, they can see them in action.
VR-based scenarios and simulations also give them the power to perfect their sales technique and negotiation skills. For example, employees must interact with a virtual customer to identify their needs and find a suitable product.
Last, but not least, virtual reality allows your sales team to meet periodically and discuss common challenges. A sales manager from Ohio could share their experiences and insights with an employee from your London branch. Best of all, they can conduct their meetings in a virtual environment that is immersive and interactive, instead of looking at a computer screen.
4. Law Enforcement
Law enforcement employees must be ready for anything. When the calls come in, they are the first responders who have to assess the situation and safeguard lives. Virtual reality simulations help them gain real-world experience in a safe setting. They can learn how to read a suspect’s body language during an interrogation or how to securely disarm an assailant. Police officers don’t have to deal with a steep learning curve because virtual reality immerses them in situations they will commonly encounter in the field.
Virtual Reality training can also be used for military training. Defense personnel has the ability to explore foreign landscapes and engage in realistic scenarios that prepare them for battle.
5. Real Estate
Today, VR is commonly used for gaming purposes, which include highly detailed “physical” settings. The player is able to wander around a visually stunning landscape in order to complete a quest. This makes it a natural fit for real estate online training.
Real estate agents have the opportunity to tour properties in an instant to see if they are suitable for their clients, instead of having to attend numerous open houses. More experienced real estate professionals can use VR to mentor new hires and show them the ropes. For example, the real estate agent can show them how to stress the selling points of the property or help them build their negotiation skills.
On a side note: Real estate developers can also take a tour of homes that haven’t even been built to get a feel for the layout. This gives them the ability to adjust the architect’s plans before they break ground, thereby saving a great deal of time and money.
6. Hospitality & Tourism
Many of us already use Google Earth and Maps to explore foreign locales. However, Virtual Reality takes this to the next level by allowing us to walk around in faraway destinations.
Travel agents can take a tour of accommodations to determine if they are recommendation-worthy, or go on an hour-long cruise around the Mediterranean before they book the real thing for their clients. Hotel managers can also utilize Virtual Reality training to teach their staff how to prepare the rooms and the proper way to interact with guests. One of the most significant benefits of Virtual Reality training is that it is soft-skill compatible, and soft skills are essential in the hospitality industry.
Keep in mind that these are just a few industries that can benefit from Virtual Reality training. However, this technology can be used in virtually (I know, right?) every niche, thanks to its versatility. What are some of the ways that you can use VR to enhance your online training initiatives? Can virtual reality help you fill performance gaps, build skills, and impart product knowledge more effectively?
Now that you know the benefits of Virtual Reality training, read the article 6 Tips To Design Interactive Virtual Classroom Training to develop interactive virtual classroom for your corporate eLearning strategy.
