Immersive Learning

 

BEST PRACTICES IN 

IMMERSIVE LEARNING

Virtual and Augmented reality simulations was mainly something I associated gaming with. I have put on a VR set and beat many rounds of Beat Saber and have rode many rollercoasters in Epic Rollercoasters, but have rarely thought of VR as an opportunity for an immersive learning experience. When researching the different ways immersive learning can be used within education or a workplace, they can really offer valuable opportunities for one to gain authentic experiences, real-world situations, and practice applying skills.

I created a 4 minute video sharing what immersive learning is, reviewing three ways immersive learning can be used within educational or workplace settings, and give greater detail of an immersive learning of a Customer Service training as an example.

When putting together an immersive learning training, I assembled a checklist of best practices that can aid in the design and development. Following these details can assist in creating a successful and impactful immersive learning for trainees.

BEST PRACTICES CHECKLIST

1. Define clear learning objectives that align with performance goals or standards.
2. Identify the technology needed for successful implementation.
3. Design for accessibility for all learners to participate in training.
4. Provide instructions or demonstrations that are clear on how to navigate and interact with the immersive learning content..
5. Prioritize active learning to allow for learners to interact with the simulation (Pappas, 2023).
6. Incorporate real world scenarios for learners to make strong connections with background knowledge.
7. Foster collaboration for learners to work together and share ideas (Gonzalez-Argote & Gonzalez-Argote, 2023).
8. Include gamification for motivational elements within the simulation.
9. Build an evaluation capable of evaluating training effectiveness and skills.
10. Make any necessary adjustments to improve the immersive learning experience.

See how this checklist was used in the creation of a Customer Service training in my video below

Immersive Learning and Customer Service Training

References (Blog and Video)

Burns, M. (2021, January 26). [Teacher showing students a virtual field trip of the Louvre Museum]. In 6 free resources for virtual field trips. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-free-resources-virtual-field-trips/

Dick, E. (2021). The promise of immersive learning. Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, Washington, DC.

Jones, L. (2022, December 15). [Interactive scene from immersive customer service training]. ThingLink. https://www.thinglink.com/blog/

exemplary-examples-of-online-customer-service-training-for-employees/

Gonzalez-Argote, J., & Gonzalez-Argote, D. (2023). 10 best practices in immersive learning design and 10 points of connection with the metaverse: a point of view. Metaverse Basic and Applied Research, 2, 1-7.

NASA. (n.d.). Virtual Reality Lab (DOUG) [Photograph]. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/virtual-reality-lab-doug/

Pappas, C. (2023, September 30). Immersive instructional design: Best practices. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/immersive-learning-design-today-best-practices

The Learning Guild. (2023, August 14). [Worker using virtual reality headset and laptop during immersive training]. In Virtual and augmented training: Immersive learning advances. https://www.learningguild.com/articles/virtual-and-augmented-training-immersive-learning-advances