Want to make your XR training program exceptional? Take a page from our book and learn the rookie mistakes to avoid including in your training solutions. Maximizing the impact of Extended Reality training can be accomplished with an effective strategy. We’ll give you a hint: XR programs are all about enhancing a strong foundation of learning.
What Doesn’t Belong In Your XR Training Content
In order to get your XR training right, it’s important to know what doesn’t belong in your custom content. Unfortunately, your eLearning program is not a unicorn that can shapeshift into an XR program. More often than not, cramming information into an XR program can defeat the purpose of implementing an experiential learning solution. Think essential. Certain topics are simply not compatible; nor will it benefit learners if you try to force content into the wrong modality. Selecting which content makes the final cut for your XR program requires trimming the excess and discerning which material isn’t suitable for augmented or virtual reality experiences. Let’s review what doesn’t belong in your XR training content.
Excessive Voice-overs
Don’t sabotage the learning process with too many distracting voiceovers. We all have that friend who likes to talk during movies. Their constant commentary is well intended, but at the end of what could have been an enjoyable cinematic experience, you might struggle to remember basic plot points because of the chatterbox sitting next to you. Similarly, walking learners through an immersive learning experience with excessive voiceovers can derail them from their learning objectives.
Virtual reality is intended to be an active learning experience. The same voiceovers that help eLearning programs thrive may deter VR from its real potential. The purpose of VR is for learners to experiment, learn independently, and test their knowledge. It’s important to allow learners to engage and perform actions intuitively within an XR training program. Remember, too much of anything is no good. Avoid overly detailed instructions before each interaction or cramming legal information that leaves learners stagnant. Voice-overs can make or break a learning experience. Consult with instructional designers to determine when voiceovers and narration can be utilized strategically.
Heavy Text
Heavy text induces passive learning, which is the exact opposite of what XR training is designed for. In order to guide learners through a VR experience, heavy text and bullet points that are reminiscent of a PowerPoint need to be thrown out the window. People learn 4x faster in VR, but heavy text can setback skill acquisition.
Cognitive overload is very real, and including massive blocks of text in an AR or VR program can stifle the learning process and overwhelm learners with too much information all at once. Worst of all – heavy text can actually impact how well learners complete tasks during training. One great alternative is to incorporate an avatar/CGI character to accompany learners and give them essential information during the training session. Another is to use animations and other visual methods to show, not tell. By pairing animations with sound effects or narration, XR programs are more effective in illustrating concepts to learners.
Point-Click
While point click works well in eLearning, it’s less meaningful in VR. As XR programs grow in sophistication, essential training topics like personal protective equipment (PPE) selection benefit from more interactive steps rather than simply selecting them with a click. It’s far more interesting to grab PPE and put it on yourself!
Because interacting with objects is what makes XR training so unique, there will gradually be less and less point-click and more experiential learning with the implementation of hand-tracking and VR accessories. Another exciting control is the implementation of a physical steering wheel during driving simulation training.
Easy Pass/Going Through The Motions
Learning is not linear – and your XR program interactions shouldn’t be either! When VR programs limit users to making only the right actions, learners find themselves unengaged and going through the motions. The hand-holding method takes users from one action to the next without making mistakes, which is ultimately a disservice to your learners.
Learning the hard way has its perks. If you’ve ever touched a hot stovetop, we’ll bet your brain remembered not to make the same mistake. Learners who train in VR are in a safe environment, so why not illustrate worst-case scenarios? This type of exposure to the consequences of the wrong actions makes a lasting impression, helping your employees retain the information that will help them navigate their real work environments. Giving learners more than one option that prompts them to repeat and correct their actions. Don’t be a helicopter parent. Trust us – your employees will benefit from a little adversity during their training!
What To Include In XR Training
In XR – learning is tied to experience. There is an array of beneficial features to include in your XR training program to keep learners engaged – from gamification to immersive visual and audio effects. One of the best ways to tailor your training to your organization is to replicate the exact equipment learners will use on the job. The more realistic your interactions are, the better. From POS systems to scanners, showcasing what your systems look like as opposed to a generic representation adds a personal touch to the learning experience. Intuitive learning designs are giving learners more agency within their training program, and innovative haptic feedback devices are accelerating skill acquisition by improving hands-on processes.
By applying the best learning strategies to the top interactions in VR training programs, a successful revitalization of your workforce is within reach! Want to learn how they improve learning outcomes? Stay tuned for more on what to include in your XR training program!
