Immersive practice: the assets of immersive learning

Benefit #2 of Immersive Learning: Putting it into Practice

Immersive learning is more and more popular for its multiple assets:

• Attention and commitment
• Rehearsal
• Gamification
• Limitation of costs and risks
• Putting it into practice

This last point makes immersive learning a particularly unique approach. Indeed, virtual reality confers to immersive practice specificities that make it not only fun, but also very effective and perfectly safe.

The immersive practice in question

What form does immersive practice take?

360° 3D virtual reality technology immerses users in an environment entirely dedicated to learning. In the training context, the virtual space thus created relies heavily on reality to offer a simulation that can be identical in all respects. However, the learner can access it from wherever he or she is and no longer needs to move around to benefit from training or practice new skills in the field.

Immersive practice frees users from any material constraint other than adapted RV equipment. Training can therefore take place from anywhere and at any time, alone or in groups, without the existence of any particular physical space.

Learning by doing can also be risky, especially when training involves the use of expensive machines or repetition of dangerous actions. In a sheltered simulation, everyone can assimilate the information and practice under optimal conditions.

The effectiveness of immersive practice

Between the simplicity of execution and the peace of mind that immersive learning provides, the immersive practice is done serenely, in circumstances conducive to concentration and memorization. Active pedagogy establishes a link between knowledge and its true usefulness. Learners respond particularly well to it because they can measure the interest of new skills in real time as they progress through the module.

Teaching by doing has not waited for the advent of virtual reality to prove itself. The wise Confucius wrote, "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. "What immersive learning brings again are the ideal conditions for "doing".

Immersive practice improves memorization by leading the user to set up automatisms that will quickly become reflexes, i.e. definitive knowledge. Theory, however skillfully transmitted, can never replace an active mobilization of visual memory reinforced by gamification. 

Indeed, this format contributes to valorizing the participant's efforts and reinforcing his commitment. Directly involved in the pedagogical process, the participant is personally invested in the scenario. Each validated step takes the form of a challenge taken up and a difficulty successfully overcome, for a profoundly positive experience.

Learning by doing... and by error

Having sufficient latitude to become aware of your mistakes without running the slightest risk also contributes to a harmonious and effective learning experience.

In an immersive learning simulation, when the user makes a mistake, he or she "lives" the situation as it would occur in real life. This type of feedback, which is only possible with immersive practice, offers companies an exceptional way to verify that the gestures related to an important or risky procedure are perfectly mastered. The precision of the technical gesture can thus be acquired remotely and multi-site companies can ensure the uniformity of their staff training.

The modules are developed to focus on concrete skills while integrating the key theoretical elements that naturally emerge. In addition, the immense flexibility of the format invites the introduction of very complex specificities.

Many use cases can be condensed into a single environment, reproducing conditions that employees may not encounter for years. Without the fear of endangering people or risking damage to expensive equipment, learning is stress-free and the scenario can be repeated over and over again until it is perfect. The participants thus have a different approach to their workspace and acquire a perfect awareness of all its features.

When the time comes, they will never be caught off guard and will be able to react without panic, safely and efficiently. The modules are developed in collaboration with HSE specialists and industry experts. This means that all scenarios can be considered in order to be prepared for all eventualities.

Immersive practice offers exceptional training possibilities. 

By consulting our pages dedicated to the fundamentals of immersive learning, you will understand how this alternative training method works, in what form it is offered and what are its fields of application.