Training in Virtual Reality

In the past weeks, we looked at the possibilities of using VR (Virtual Reality) as a means for eLearning and training. Today I would like to share an excellent example of this use in practice.

Sentient Computing has published a video about using the HTC Vive for training of high voltage switching. The video can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ni5L6R6uq8

This training exercise simulates the process of high voltage switching in the safety of virtual reality, before performing the operation on live systems. An experienced high voltage engineer talks a developer through the process of performing the switch using VR goggles and controllers. Thanks to simulations like these, inexperienced persons can become familiar with dangerous procedures without being put in harms way.

MANY APPLICATIONS

There are many applications and situations which may benefit from training in virtual reality. Scuba diving, rock climbing or other high-risk activities, handling dangerous equipment or materials, and other situations that require the learner to familiarize themselves with a process can be trained in VR. It is understood that virtual reality will not replace the real experience, but it can serve as a useful preparation for the actual event.

NEW FRONTIER

Virtual Reality is the new frontier for training and eLearning, and it gives me satisfaction that it’s being utilized for constructive, useful purposes and not just gaming and entertainment. Our company, as well, is preparing to create some VR demos for training and eLearning, and I will be happy to share them with you when they are ready.

If you are interested in learning more about our company, Pathways Training and eLearning, please visit us at our website: http://www.pathwaystrainingandelearning.ca/

Online Learning Portal

So what is an online learning portal? Technically speaking, it’s basically a website that acts as a repository for your learning materials. You can store training documents, videos, animations, elearning, mlearning, etc. They can also include customized applications such as discussion forums, event calendars, social media or other ways for learners to interact with each other. Learning portals can become quite complex but the idea is to keep it simple to use and provide easy routes for learners to navigate. There are many aspects to consider when building you portal but here are a few key ones that you should keep in mind.

1. Accessibility – the whole idea of the learning portal is convenience and being able to learn on the go. The portal must be accessible and responsive across a range of devices, allowing the learner to start at their desk then pick up where they left off on their smart devices if necessary.
2. Content Curating – the portal must be flexible enough to allow learners to customize their learning journey by giving them access to small chunks of information that is relevant to them and their roles.
3. Discoverable Content – there should be more than one way to find relevant content, as well as a system that will recommend content that the learner might be interested in. All content should be tagged with keywords for “Google-like” searches and a “like/dislike” feature will allow learners to recommend content to their co-workers.

 

Here is an example of Pathways learning portal below.

 

 

Transforming Classroom training Into eLearning

As more and more companies migrate towards online learning, there is a temptation to simply digitize the training materials and put them into an elearning module. In classroom settings there are usually Power Point presentations and hard copy training manuals. Although they may work well in the traditional classroom, they won’t translate well into an elearning module unless you “transform” the content, rather than just “transfer” the content.

For example, when a facilitator is running an in-class session, they will most likely have a Power Point slideshow. They can stop and discuss each slide more deeply, and answer questions as well as encourage discussion within the class. In the elearning environment, these slides become a boring slideshow that learners will simply click through as quickly as possible.

A qualified Instructional Designer will be able to “transform” the content to make it interactive and engaging in an elearning environment. The content should be organized specifically for elearning purposes and broken into sections that will make sense to the flow of the module. eLearning works very well when broken into small chunks so keep this in mind when converting your content as well.

Another key aspect is to design some new activities that will keep the learner engaged, and think more than just, multiple choice questions. Rather than just quizzing learners at the end of the course, incorporate activities throughout the module so they can really explore the content. You should keep in mind that some people work well in a self-paced environment and take that into account when designing the content as well.

Cloud-Based Learning Management System

 

As internal corporate systems evolve, so too are the modalities and technologies that are used to deliver training content and report on learner activities. Traditionally, a company’s LMS is housed internally. Now we are seeing more and more companies opt for the cloud-based LMS platform for a faster, more flexible approach to managing and monitoring on-demand training online. Learners can log in to the LMS remotely and immediately have access to the learning that is specific to their job function, whenever and wherever they like. This could be pre- or post-learning.

Not only does this solution take less time to deploy, it is easier to maintain. Your vendor can provide you with administrative access to easily upload, modify or remove your training as necessary. With external hosting, you won’t have to worry about maintenance or upgrading the system and you can have all the secure storage space you require. Bottom-line, why not let someone else deal with the back end!

Cloud-based solutions myths:

1. Cloud cannot scale to large organizations – you can easily scale up/down without making expensive changes to your existing It systems, it doesn’t matter if you have 10 employees or 10,000, the cloud is built to scale quickly and efficiently.
2. Cloud is not secure – security in the cloud has increasingly become more sophisticated, most reputable vendors use hardware that resides in highly secure data centres. Security threats are no greater, and in many cases much less common, than those faced be on-site systems. Cloud-based vendors have to diligent in this aspect or they would go out of business!
3. Migrating to the cloud is a hassle – with an experienced vendor, it can happen seamlessly and quickly with minimal downtime. The short-term inconvenience doesn’t outweigh the long-term benefits of great efficiency, cost effectiveness and a solution that is ready for the future.
4. Low cost is the cloud’s main attraction – while low costs are definitely a big advantage of the cloud, for many organizations agility, scalability, quick access and high-quality infrastructure are more compelling benefits.

 

Keeping Learners Engaged

One of the key factors to the success in your elearning is keeping your learners engaged. Making sure you have high quality, meaningful content is one of the easiest ways to keep learners fully engaged and motivated to learn. The idea is to stray away from offering general “nice-to-know” information that doesn’t bring any added value to the course. Stick to “need-to-know” information that will help learners improve a skill-set and overall knowledge. If you’re not sure what this key information is, figure out a way to find out what content your learner will find valuable and develop your learning strategy around that. If your learner feels like the information they are getting will directly help them in their role, you will find a higher level of engagement and commitment.

Injecting creativity from a programmer perspective

When developing eLearning modules, developers often work with Instructional Designers. These experts ensure that the course content enforces the learning objectives in the most effective way. But sometimes the documents and storyboards provided to the programmers may not be the most creative, from a developer perspective. As a developer you have the power to supplement creativity to further enhance user engagement beyond what has been established in the instructional design.

Below are 5 steps that you can use to work collaboratively with Instructional Designers to create true masterpieces of eLearning.

Respect the Instructional Design

As developers its easy to get lost in creating interactions and design, but we need to remember that the learning comes first.  Which means 2 things. One: We need to respect the learning objectives and not add frivolous features that don’t enhance. And two: We need to respect the Instructional designer. In my experience a seasoned instructional designer has a thorough understanding of best practices, and when proposed a viable creative concept embraces it, but also knows when it will take away from the learning objectives.

Establish an effect and positive line of communication

Work collaboratively. While it is not quite possible at all stages of storyboard development, I find working with an instructional designer who keeps the developer in the loop, goes a long way. The same goes for the developer. Being able to have good rapport, bouncing new concepts and clarifying existing ones is the cornerstone of strong eLearning modules.

Work with visuals but also with audio

Once your creative ideas are aligned to the learning objectives and you create strong graphic designs, compositions, and animations you are sure to have an eLearning module that is an effective learning tool, and also keeps learning engaged using exciting graphics, and appealing graphic designs. But don’t forget about audio. The use of background music and sound effect can really set make an eLearning module a stand out piece of interactive media.

Ancillary tech

And lastly if it supports the project scope consider implementing ancillary technologies/talents. eLearning modules are quite flexible and can import various types of media, including video and flash files. In essence, this means that you can incorporate 2D animation, 3D animation, interactive flash games, flash based parallax effects, white board animation, as live action video to enhance your learning. This is easier said than done, as each of these require cutting edge software and talented artists and designers to utilize the tools to create good results. Thankfully we at Pathways have got you covered, as are known for creating cutting edge eLearning modules incorporating all facets of digital media to bolster our eLearning products.

 

If you would like to learn more about developing great eLearning modules please visit www.pathwaystrainingandelearning.ca