The average person has a shorter attention span than a goldfish. So, how can you expect your employees to sit through hours of training without losing focus? The answer is simple: immersion. When people are fully immersed in an experience, they’re more likely to remember what they’ve learned. That’s where technology enters the picture.
In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. It’s no wonder, then, that businesses are increasingly looking to incorporate technology into employee training programs to make the learning process more engaging. And it seems to be working-according to recent studies, employees who receive their training through technological mediums are more likely to retain the information they learn. Here are some tips on creating a training program that’s both interesting and interactive through technology.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is one of the most immersive technologies available today. And while it’s often used for gaming and entertainment, it can also be used to create realistic training simulations. For example, if you own a construction company, you could use VR with haptic feedback to train your employees on how to operate heavy machinery. Or, if you own a restaurant, you could use VR to teach your staff proper food-handling techniques.
VR creates an immersive environment that allows employees to experience scenarios they might not otherwise have the opportunity to see. This can be especially beneficial in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, where employees need to be trained on how to respond to hazardous situations. It’s also realistic, which allows employees to interact with real-world scenarios and learn new skills more quickly than traditional methods. Lastly, it’s fun, making the learning process less daunting for employees.
The possibilities for the use of VR are endless. Just make sure that the VR system you choose is easy to use and set up so you won’t overwhelm your employees before they even start the training program.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is similar to VR because it allows you to create immersive experiences. However, AR works by overlaying digital information on top of the real world—think Pokemon Go or Snapchat filters. This makes AR ideal for training programs that require hands-on learning. For example, if you’re teaching a group of employees how to assemble a piece of equipment, AR could be used to superimpose assembly instructions onto the physical components. This would allow your employees to see exactly what needs to be done without having to flip back and forth between a manual and the equipment itself.
AR can also make training more efficient by providing just-in-time information. For example, if technicians are repairing a complex piece of equipment, they can use AR to pull up manuals and instructions on their mobile devices without having to stop what they are doing and search for the information. This can help to reduce downtime and increase productivity.
Overall, AR has the potential to revolutionize employee training by making it more immersive, efficient, and effective.
Simulations
Simulations are another great way to make employee training more immersive. Unlike VR and AR experiences, which rely on computer-generated graphics, simulations use real-world objects and environments to recreate realistic scenarios. For example, if you want to train your employees on handling customer complaints, you could set up a simulated call center in which they would have to deal with irate customers regularly. Studies propose that simulations are incredibly effective at helping people learn new skills because they force them to think on their feet and apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Simulations can also provide employees with a safe space to make mistakes and learn from their mistakes without fear of repercussions. They can also be customized to specific job roles or tasks, allowing employees to gain targeted experience that is directly relevant to their work and can be easily repeated and varied to give them the opportunity to gain multiple rounds of experience.
Ultimately, simulations offer a versatile and effective tool for employee training. When used correctly, they can help employees gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their jobs.
The key to creating an effective employee training program is immersion, and with the help of technology, you can immerse your employees in their learning like never before. From virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to simulations and beyond, there are plenty of ways to use tech to make employee training more interesting and interactive. So give some of these methods a try. Your employees will thank you for it.
