With the evolution of e-learning, the use of AR and VR technologies in training approaches has drastically changed. The two mediums enhance the engagement, retention, and application of learning but for different purposes. Whether you need simulations that mirror reality or interactive overlays, knowing what differentiates AR services from VR services will be crucial to designing a successful, custom corporate elearning program.
This blog lists the basic differences between AR and VR in e-learning, its specific benefits, and how to decide which one suits your training needs better.
What is Augmented Reality (AR) in E-Learning?
Definition: Augmented Reality over the physical world overlays digital content – graphics, text, images, or 3D objects – via devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses.
Applications in E-Learning:
- Interactive 3D models that can be used for explaining training manuals
- Overlaying real-time direction guidance while operating equipment
- Enable location-based learning for the retail or construction industry
Benefits of AR
- Reality in Context: It allows trainees to engage with their environment, which is particularly suitable for job-skilled training
- Ease of Accessibility: It needs less equipment than laptops, such as a smartphone or a tablet.
- Cost Efficient: The cost of creating AR content is relatively less compared to developing a comprehensive VR simulation.
Example:
An assembly line production business uses AR glasses to assist assembly workers in executing their job functions. In this regard, the AR glasses print step-by-step instructions directly on the machinery.
Virtual Reality (VR) in E-Learning
Definition: Virtual reality fully immerses the learner in a computer-generated environment. The real world is then occluded or obscured from view. Often, participants engage in these types of simulations by donning a VR headset and utilizing controllers.
Applications in E-Learning:
- Simulation of scenarios involving risky situations, such as fire fighting or other emergency response.
- Virtual labs for the practice of science, technology, engineering and mathematics applications.
- Virtual classrooms for group work.
Benefits of VR
- Immersion: Complete elimination of distractions will make learners keen and attentive.
- Safe Practice: Students can fail without the hazardous and unphysical implications.
- Flexibility: The application is appropriate to all sorts of industries whose lines demand finer simulations, for instance, health and aviation.
Example:
Medical students use VR when performing surgical operations in a context where they can fail without risking real-life patients.
How do you choose between AR and VR corporate training?
1. Purpose of the Training
- Utilize AR if the training mandate requires interaction on location and handling any kind of equipment.
- Use VR if the learners require practice in a simulated environment, such as flight practice or surgical practice.
2. Budget and Resources
- Budgeting is burdensome, but AR should be the way to do this because it utilizes current apparatuses.
- VR tends to be costlier, but it undeniably offers excellent immersion in the richest training.
3. Learner Preferences
- AR is ideal for students who need real-world applications and contextualization.
- Ideal for VR learners who need a distraction-free setting or ambience and immersion.
4. Industry Requirements
- AR would be useful for retail, construction, and manufacturing industries where real-life context applies more.
- AR and VR services are highly useful for health service providers, airlines, and defence agencies where safety and accuracy cannot be compromised.
Use of AR and VR Services in Custom Corporate eLearning
Companies are today adopting AR and VR technology for corporate training content development increased more. Clear learning needs in onboarding and skill developments in businesses ensure that learners get an even more engaging and better, individually designed, interactive experience.
Benefits of Corporate Learning through AR and VR
- Increase learner engagement and retention
- Scalable content and reusability of the content
- Improved Assessment Real-time Analytics and Performance Monitoring
- Can Learn Using Different Styles and Mediums.
Blended Method: Best of Both Worlds
AR can be amalgamated with VR in order to provide an ideal training program. For instance, by using AR, actual environment could be interwoven for the trainees to practice in besides executing the do’s and don’ts in a real context. Then, by using VR, a scenario could be practiced to a much optimum extent. Therefore, it is an effective holistic mode of learning.
Example:
A retail company would utilize AR in training its employees on how to arrange shelves. VR, on the other hand, will be put to practice to live customer interactions as a way of improving their soft skills.
Conclusion
Obviously, both are revolutionary aids in online learning, yet success differs from the objectives of learning as well as budget along with specific needs of the industry. AR overlays digital elements onto the real world learning, whereas VR is a totally immersive means of hands-on experience.
Through aligning the goals of your organization with the capabilities of these technologies, you will be in a position to bring customized corporate learning experiences that make impact.
Whether it is AR, VR, or even a combination of both, solutions through these technologies ensure that learners do indeed bridge the theoretical and the practical divide.
Important Takeaways
- AR is inexpensive and therefore accessible, while VR is something exclusive and hence has to be high in budget.
- Manufacturing and retail would benefit the most from AR, whereas healthcare and aviation tend to flourish with VR.
- A hybrid approach of AR-VR would better cater to a well-rounded training experience that is suited to various learning needs.
