Virtual Reality for RTO Training: The Next Big Thing Leave a comment

In your experience with student training, you must have realised not all students learn the same way. Some learn well through visual aids; some learn by practising and some might be kinesthetic learners. And as the times are changing a new way of learning is becoming the favourite of students – Virtual Reality.

According to a recent study by PwC, it was found that learners learnt 4 times faster than traditional methods and they were 3.75 times more engaged with what was being taught.

But you do not what is virtual reality and how can it help you RTO. We have prepared this blog for that purpose only. This blog will provide all your answers related to virtual reality. So let us begin.

What is Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world. A person using a VR headset is completely immersed in the experience, seeing and hearing the virtual world as if they were really there.

What technology does Virtual Reality use

VR headsets use sensors to track your head and eye movements, as well as your body movements. This information is then used to create a realistic 3D environment that you can explore and interact with.

To create the illusion of depth, VR headsets present slightly different images to each eye. This is based on the principle of stereopsis, which is the ability to see depth by using the images from both of your eyes.

VR headsets also use a variety of other technologies to create a realistic and immersive experience, such as haptic feedback and spatial audio.

In short, VR works by tricking your brain into thinking that you’re in a different place.

Who coined the term Virtual Reality

The term “virtual reality” was coined in the 1980s by Jaron Lanier, an American computer scientist and entrepreneur. Lanier is considered to be one of the pioneers of VR technology, and he founded the company VPL Research, which developed some of the first VR headsets and gloves.

VR technology has come a long way since the 1980s, and it is now used in a wide range of applications, including gaming, entertainment, education, and training. VR is also being used to develop new medical treatments and therapies.

Types of Virtual

Non-immersive VR: This is the most common type of VR, and it’s probably what you think of when you hear the term. It’s the kind of VR you experience when you play a video game on a TV or PC monitor. You’re in control of the character, but you’re not actually part of the simulation.

Semi-immersive VR: This typ of VR bridges the gap between non-immersive and fully-immersive VR. It has more realistic graphics and sounds than non-immersive VR, but it doesn’t fully immerse you in the experience. You can still see the real world around you, and you can easily leave the simulation by looking away from the display. Semi-immersive VR is often used for training and simulations, because it allows others to observe and provide guidance.

Fully immersive VR: This is the type of VR that most people think of when they think of the term. It’s the kind of VR that makes you feel like you’re actually inside the simulation. Fully immersive VR uses specialized headsets or projectors to create a seamless virtual environment that surrounds you. You can move your head and look around just like you would in the real world. Fully immersive VR is often used for gaming, entertainment, and education.

Which type of VR is right for you?

It depends on what you want to use it for. If you’re just looking to have some fun, then non-immersive or semi-immersive VR may be all you need. But if you want to experience the full potential of VR, then you’ll need to invest in a fully immersive VR headset.

Here are some examples of how different types of VR are used:

• Non-immersive VR: Playing video games, watching VR movies, and using VR apps on smartphones and tablets.
• Semi-immersive VR: Flight simulators, medical training simulations, and VR arcades.
• Fully immersive VR: Gaming, entertainment, education, and social networking.

VR is a rapidly developing technology with new applications being discovered all the time. As VR headsets become more affordable and accessible, we can expect to see VR become even more mainstream in the future.

How to Use Virtual Reality for RTO Training

Here are some of the ways you can use VR to improve your training programs:

• Create realistic simulations of real-world environments and tasks: For example, you could use VR to create simulations of a construction site, a manufacturing plant, or a healthcare setting. This allows students to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of injury or damage to equipment.
• Develop interactive training modules: VR training modules can be used to teach students about specific topics or skills. For example, a VR training module could be used to teach students about the different types of welding techniques or how to perform a medical procedure. VR training modules are highly engaging and immersive, which can help students to learn and retain information more effectively.
• Provide students with virtual reality feedback: VR can be used to provide students with feedback on their performance in a safe and controlled environment. For example, VR could be used to give students feedback on their driving skills or their ability to handle difficult customer situations. This feedback can help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve their skills.

VR is a powerful tool that can help you to improve your training programs in a number of ways. If you’re not already using VR in your VET programs, we encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised at how effective it can be.

Here are some real-world examples of how VR is being used in VET:

• Deakin University is partnering with HYDAC to develop VR training solutions for the hydraulics industry. The VR training simulations will allow students to learn about and practice hydraulics tasks in a safe and controlled environment.
• Murdoch University is using VR to train nursing students. The VR training modules allow students to practice skills such as wound care, patient assessment, and medication administration in a realistic simulation of a hospital setting.
• At with their SOC education program. They learn by conversating with an avatar in an immersive two-way conversation.

These are just a few examples of how VR is being used to improve VET programs. As VR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ways to use VR in training.

Benefits of using virtual reality in vocational education for RTOs

• Increased student engagement: VR can provide a highly engaging and immersive learning experience for students, which can lead to improved motivation and academic performance.
• Improved student retention and understanding: Studies have shown that students who learn through VR have better recall of information and a deeper understanding of concepts compared to those who learn through traditional methods.
• Development of 21st century skills: VR can help students develop important 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Reduced training costs: VR simulations can be used to replace expensive and time-consuming traditional training methods, such as on-the-job training.
• Improved safety: VR can be used to train students in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of injury or damage to equipment.
• Greater flexibility: VR training can be delivered anywhere, at any time, making it ideal for remote learners or students with busy schedules.
• Improved assessment: VR can be used to assess students’ skills and knowledge in a more realistic and objective way than traditional assessment methods.

Conclusion

Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly evolving technology that is revolutionising the way we learn and work. VR offers a number of advantages for vocational training, including increased engagement, improved retention and understanding, and the development of 21st century skills.

Overall, VR offers a number of significant vocational training benefits. As VR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see it become even more widely used in educational settings.

Are you an RTO looking for quality RTO training resources? If yes, then VET Resources is your partner. We also have a YouTube Channel with videos on RTO related matters. We also offer free consultation to RTOs. For further information please contact here.

FAQs

Q.1. What could be virtual reality applications?

A.1. Virtual reality (VR) has a wide range of applications, including:

• Gaming and entertainment: VR can be used to create immersive gaming and entertainment experiences that are unlike anything else.
• Education and training: VR can be used to create realistic and engaging learning experiences for students of all ages.
• Healthcare: VR can be used to train medical professionals, treat phobias, and provide pain relief.
• Architecture and engineering: VR can be used to create and visualize architectural and engineering designs.
• Marketing and sales: VR can be used to create immersive marketing and sales experiences that can help businesses connect with customers in a new way.
• Real estate: VR can be used to give potential buyers a virtual tour of properties without having to leave their homes.

Q.2. What are virtual reality tools?

A.2. VR tools are any hardware or software that is used to create or experience VR. Some common VR tools include:

• VR headsets
• VR controllers
• VR tracking systems
• VR software

Q.3. How can a layman have virtual reality experiences?

A.3. The easiest way for a layman to have VR experiences is to use a VR headset. VR headsets are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, and there is a wide range of VR content available, including games, movies, and educational experiences.

Another way to have VR experiences is to visit a VR arcade or experience centre. VR arcades and experience centres offer a variety of VR experiences that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Q.4. How use of VR can bring better learning outcomes in VET?

A.4. VR can bring better learning outcomes in VET in a number of ways, including:

• VR is a highly engaging and immersive learning experience that can help students learn and retain information more effectively.
• Studies have shown that students who learn through VR have better recall of information and a deeper understanding of concepts compared to those who learn through traditional methods.
• VR can help students develop important 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Many VR experiences require students to work together and solve complex problems, which can help prepare them for the challenges they will face in the real world.

Q.5. Using VR in education or for a variety of subjects a good idea for the future of education?

A.5. Using VR in education or for a variety of subjects is a great idea for the future of education. VR has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn by creating immersive and engaging learning experiences that can help students learn and retain information more effectively.

VR is already being used in a variety of educational settings, from elementary schools to universities. VR is also being used to teach a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, and language arts.

As VR technology continues to develop, we can expect to see VR become even more widely used in educational settings. VR has the potential to make learning more fun, engaging, and effective for all students.