17 May 2022

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How must a VR training vendor be selected?

VR training is getting popular day by day due to its impact on changing the entire education scenario in the corporate world.

This technology is nowadays used to provide the most advanced training to the employees, including taking them to VR-based simulations where they learn the crucial skills from their offices. The initial VR training video should be short, which can then be followed by longer videos. Retention is better when the 1st video is short, leading to better involvement with the second video, which is more complex.

But there should be certain precautions exercised by a company before hiring a VR training vendor because it costs so much money.

The companies should also check the portfolio of the vendors to see that they have the right graphic designers with them because they can create realistic images. The clients can also ask for a sample before proceeding. It can be a VR video of 2-3 minutes only.

Moreover, any VR training vendor must know the compliance laws. He cannot create training modules based on it without knowing about such stuff.

These are the categories in which a vendor should be tested before providing his services to a company:

VR knowledge:

The vendors should be checked for their knowledge of this domain. Virtual reality vendors must have a portfolio through which the interested clients get a complete idea about what the former is capable of. Virtual reality technology is evolving, and the vendors need to ensure that it can produce such effects.

Virtual reality will soon amalgamate artificial intelligence so that the user will be taken to a world he has seen before.

Also, the headset will be more powerful with an 8K processor, allowing it to show better images to the user. These processors will produce better images for the user because they will recreate the current 4K content and then use upscaling algorithms to produce pictures with less burring. This artificial intelligence will be used to assess images stored in the database of the VR hardware.

For example, motion sickness can be caused by people wearing a virtual reality headset because they get introduced to a unique environment. There is also a problem with such technology known as clipping. Some solid objects are also shown properly in the virtual world, and the user thinks he can pass through them. There are also other developments in this field about which a vendor must have thorough information. The VR training vendor must ensure that his output does not have such problems.

Adherence to the deadline:

Virtual reality is a crucial part of any company’s training calendar, but it needs to be delivered on time by the vendor. So, he must be informed in advance about the deadline. When he is not, problems can arise because the company can’t launch the necessary training in time. It can cause losses for the company because the employees will not be informed about the new compliance rules. The VR training vendors must ensure that if any changes happen in preparing such content, which can set the clock behind schedule, they inform the client.

Creativity:

Virtual reality vendors must also have creativity in their team because they can work wonders through it. They must be able to create fictional scenarios and avatars based on real-world situations. Apart from having a flair for storytelling, their storyboards must also serve the purpose of training the users.

The company can also help the VR training vendor in preparing a storyboard. They can give a specific job duty to the vendor and provide him with something specific to concentrate on. Asking the VR training vendor to create a storyboard for a particular job situation is easier than asking them to cover the complete job description in a single VR training video.

For example, we might be required to cover multiple job tasks as part of our role but focusing on one task in one video provides detailed coverage for the learner. Such videos encourage the learner and get better retention because you cannot expect them to learn everything at once.

The managers and employees from your company will narrate their experiences to ensure that the vendors produce relatable storyboards. Sometimes the vendor might not know your niche, but still, he can create something of your domain. So, his portfolio is only an indicator of his technical skills, not his acumen. Hence taking a sample is necessary to evaluate the combined intellect of his team.

Hence, it is important to assess the skills of VR training vendors to ensure whether they can create an entertaining virtual reality experience for your employees.

When a company is outsourcing its work, the vendor is given a huge responsibility. The company’s managers risk a lot because they must be answerable about the budget. Hence, they should look for someone who can implement their ideas within a budget and has ample experience.

The vendor can also answer other crucial questions as to whether a company needs an XRS because it can be integrated with the headset to record the training activities of the user. An XRS (extended reality software) is software that has separate costs from the headset.

It helps the organization track the key indicators of a user’s performance on a virtual reality system, and all the data is delivered to the dashboard. Since it captures individual user data, new XRS software is needed for each user.

Such software is installed in the headset of each user and can send all the data to the PC of the VR training administrator.

The VR training vendor team can help you procure the headsets and the XRS software. He knows which headset is more compatible with your developed courseware. For example, courseware with better resolution graphics needs a headset with wires (tethered headset) and not a non-tethered headset.

Hence keeping these considerations in mind a company should select a VR training vendor.

25 Mar 2022

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How is technology affecting elearning solutions?

The workplace has undergone a tremendous change ever since the pandemic struck. Extended reality(XR) is becoming a commonplace phenomenon, but what does it refer to. Extended reality includes all forms, including mixed reality, augmented, and virtual realities. All these technologies connect humans to PCs and change reality by immersing the learner in a new world(virtual reality), increasing his surroundings with virtual objects(augmented reality), or combining both(mixed reality).

What is mixed reality?

Mixed reality(MR) is the new form of technology in which the real and digital objects coexist.

So, in mixed reality, you can use objects from both the real and the virtual world. You could introduce objects from the real world into the virtual dimension, like hitting a character in a game with an object in your hand. The mixed reality ensures that when you are wearing the MR headset, you can place one of your hands in the real dimension and the other in the virtual world. But the mixed reality is helping organizations to produce innovative e-learning solutions.

It’s true that through the use of this technology, the students can be shown 3D projections. They can touch them and get to feel objects like dinosaurs. This kind of technology is even useful for teaching factory workers how to work on a machine because they can be shown a holographic template of the machine and arrange all its parts.

There can be an extended reality elearning solutions system that allows companies to provide training to employees irrespective of where they are.

So, the learners are shown holograms through an app on their phone, which also monitors their activities. The learners can be reached anywhere without any wired connection. The user can access the app through their smartphone and view the entire course in the form of holographic screens.

This mixed reality is going to be immensely useful in medical e-learning solutions.

The doctors could easily transfer files from their PCs and read them.

The engineers could work with 3D holograms of dams before executing anything. This could save the money spent on applying labor and materials to the actual construction. With an MR headset, the users can close the room’s virtual windows with their hands.

So, it’s unlike augmented reality, where virtual objects are overlaid into the real world like you could read the patient’s vital signs or even get to know his blood pressure. All this is possible through smartphones that have AR-based apps in them that scan real-world objects to add more details. For example, you can add so many accessories like wigs and hats on yourself when using the Snapchat filter. The AR technology can also simulate the empty cash register with loads of cash and gauge the employee’s reaction.

What is virtual reality?

Virtual reality is used to train the medical interns who can be given a headset and controllers to move virtual objects like medical objects on 3D simulated human body models. So, the intern has no cognizance of the real world while he is getting his VR based training.

When the learners are wearing the VR headset, they get transported into a new world like taking a stroll on the moon, so this technology is useful for teaching them about scientific concepts which can’t be recreated all the time, as the underwater life.

Advantages of virtual reality

No contact eLearning solutions: Virtual reality has become an essential part of employee eLearning solutions. The employees cant be indeed arranged together for an onboarding solution. So, recruits can be given practical training with virtual reality-based headsets where they can touch a machine. They can also be given the practice to talk to virtual humans who react similarly to us through such headsets only. The best part is that when such training sessions are recorded, HR can check the human feedback and know the areas where employees need learning. All the vital stats of an employee are measured when he is part of a virtual reality-based assessment.

Contactless interactions: It’s also possible with virtual reality that employees can attend parties whilst sitting at homes. They don’t have to worry about reaching home on time or even contracting an infection because physically, they are present at the house but virtually, at a party. The employees can take part in virtual games and virtual karaoke sessions. Such chats where employees have taken part through their avatars are excellent ways to break the ice and aid in relationship building.

Iron Man has often been seen using augmented reality where he works on a hologram-based diagram of his PC. He just uses his hands and moves the objects in a virtual dimension. Privacy will be a major concern when using XR technology. It’s because, at the end of the day, when MR devices simulate the real environment, they will have to be stored, which is costly. Also, privacy can be a major problem because any details about a user’s surroundings can’t be leaked.

14 Feb 2022

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When must a company implement virtual reality training? 

Companies now increasingly use virtual reality to impart the best possible training to employees. The learners can benefit so much from this training, whether related to soft skills or technical skills. Virtual reality can be used effectively in all kinds of situations. In cases where employees need to use heavy machinery as a part of their work, virtual reality-based simulations can ensure that they are introduced into simulations where handheld controllers allow them to experience the tools.

They can be asked to work on assembly line production through a machine and see how the various buttons work. The learners can be immersed in a world of faulty machines and learn how to repair them. 

The virtual reality-based simulations are effective for nontechnical situations too, where employees have to deal with huge crowds

This can also be tried with HR managers, who can be asked to confront a deviating employee in a VR simulation. The former can see how his body language, voice modulation, etc. affect the latter. It is the best role-play for becoming an expert in handling real-life office situations. 

The same procedures can also be used for training recruits and introducing them to the shop floor procedures. This way, they can also learn how to prevent defects in the product line. 

But organizations need to ask before they decide to use this technology to create training whether it’s the perfect fit given their budget and other considerations. 

Depending on time and budget 

A company can develop the VR training depending on the timeframe. If a company needs immediate training solutions such as for recruits, VR is not the answer because the development time is long and can range between 1-6 months. The cost is also high and can vary between, 20000-1,50,000 dollars. Industries like manufacturing, retail, and transport require VR training compared to others where conventional training methods are sufficient. The 360 VR videos require an omnidirectional camera to be captured because they can take a shot from every angle. Such a VR video can be watched without a VR headset, but it can have an immersive experience. 

Virtual reality-based training is of two types, and it depends on an organization’s needs which it should use. First is the 360 degrees VR in which the learner does not move, and he only can vary his viewpoint, i.e., he can watch the objects in the environment from the left or right angle but can’t change his position. But in the Full VR, he can also move in the simulated environment apart from viewing them from different angles. 

Depending on training needs 

Virtual reality(VR) is a better way to train employees because they get to see a machine from proximity and find out where are all its parts. However, the 360 VR does not have much training scope as the full VR, allowing better learning. The employees can only see a machine from all angles, but they can’t touch the equipment. For example, the employees can learn about different parts of the equipment and which one to use during an emergency in 360 VR, but what happens when they do that can be checked in full VR only. Supposedly, just turning off the machine might not be the best solution in case of a crisis, but employees can only learn that when they are in a full VR simulation wearing a headset and holding controllers. They might need to take another action, like accessing the nearest fire extinguisher. So, when employees are required to take action, a full VR provides a more result-oriented training solution. 

Virtual reality training is not required for tasks such as cybersecurity, which requires employees to sit in front of PCs because they can be taught through screencasts. But in the case of safety training, virtual reality is an inevitable solution because lives are at stake. 

From the safety perspective, a company can’t take any risks, and such situations are more uncontrollable than computer problems, so VR, which emulates reality, is necessary. A VR training vendor can help a company carry out tests to determine whether a certain skill requires VR-based training or not. On the other hand, an organization can’t do without VR when the employee’s response is extremely critical, like pilots, because they have to be monitored for their response. Any delayed response by them can cost a company, but a late response might not have such adverse effects in some situations. In the latter cases, implementing e-learning training is sufficient because employees can be tracked for their right/wrong answers in an assessment. In addition, e-learning can measure employee performance metrics such as their MCQ test results. Unlike VR, e-learning can’t provide metrics like voice recording, body movements, data entry speed, etc., which are necessary for employees dealing with customers. 

So, the introduction of VR-based training depends on what performance metrics a company needs to measure, which are determined by a training needs analysis. 

A company can also use its current training materials like 2D e-learning videos and convert them into 360 VR. The businesses can consult the e-learning vendor about whether they can convert the characters and situations in such videos to virtual reality. Virtual reality allows the maximum retention of e-learning videos because employees are immersed in situations that require them to apply their knowledge.
They also have reinforcement of their training, and hence better retention happens. Since employees have practiced their skills through such simulations, there is decreased attrition due to the inability to face job challenges. On the contrary, employees have already experienced the worst-case scenario through simulation, which boosts their confidence and productivity. 

Companies should also make it a point to ease employees into VR-based training. It can ensure that the employees get the tutorials to handle any troubles while using the headsets and controllers. The employers can also ensure that the employees are given sufficient demo time before they are put into the VR simulators. If employees can’t get the hang of the headsets and controllers during such demos and still have some problems, they must be able to access technology experts for resolving issues. 

09 Feb 2022

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Medical animation videos are enlightening and empowering! Know how  

All over the world, doctors are reliant on modern-day technologies now. For example, doctors now connect with the patient through the IoT devices such as wearables and are alerted once the latter’s vitals are not typical. These devices have made sure that healthcare has now become more patient-centric. There are microscopes enabled with smartphones which ensure that the doctors can examine skin lesions images on the phone itself, avoiding the delay incurred in waiting for the lab results. In the following ways, medical e-learning is helping doctors and patients:

Better surgeon training through virtual reality:

The virtual reality, that transports the learner to a different simulated world, is the future of medical training. The learners are taken to a completely immersive world with no grasp over reality through this technology. So the medical students benefit when trained through this technology because they don’t perform surgical procedures on dead bodies anymore.

Virtual reality uses simulators to train students who don VR headsets while conducting surgery through virtual instruments. The trainees can also get a sensation of touching the human body to experience doing real-life surgery through the haptic feedback enabled in VR controllers in their hands.

The surgeons who have conducted VR-based surgeries have shown significantly better performance than those taught through conventional textbook means.

Medical animation is getting used to teaching patients about their bodies. This kind of education is beneficial for patients with no prior medical background who may find it hard to trust a doctor. The medical practitioners also don’t have time to explain the jargon to patients because they have to attend to many.

Such videos can also help patients use self-care because they better understand the human anatomy.

Whiteboard animation aids patients in getting a grasp on their condition:

Whiteboard explainer diseases are extremely useful for explaining diseases to patients and how they can avoid them once they experience symptoms such as trouble breathing and swelling in the feet. Such videos are also useful for healthcare workers who get a better insight into medical conditions and can spread awareness easily.

Medical animation videos for patients :

When patients watch the human anatomical videos, they find the doctor reliable. They also provide consent to the doctor for his recommended treatment.

Such medical animation-based videos are excellent for visualization of complicated medical processes which happen inside the human body.

The patients don’t need to use their imagination for comprehending such processes.

Moreover, the patients need to see such videos because they have no idea about how the internal organs of the body, such as the heart and kidneys, work. They benefit from storytelling, which is an intrinsic concept in e-learning videos.

These are the benefits of creating such videos and providing their access to patients:

The patient starts trusting the doctor
When a patient knows why he is experiencing specific symptoms, he does not ignore them and consults a doctor. Due to the better display of human anatomy in such videos, he is fully aware of the causes of these symptoms and also gets all the tests prescribed by the doctor on time. So, such animation videos lay the foundation for a better relationship between a medical practitioner and his patient.
Gets a better response from the family
When the family members of the patients watch such videos, they understand the latter’s affliction and provide a positive environment to him, leading to faster recovery. As a result, the patient heals better because his loved ones seek the best possible medical support due to their better understanding of his condition.
Adopts a better lifestyle
Patients don’t retain what the doctors say, but they do remember what the 1-2 minutes long whiteboard animation or any other video contains. There is also no record of a doctor’s conversation with a patient, but with a video, the latter can go over it repeatedly to clear any misconceptions. Hence such videos prevent patients from indulging in unhealthy eating habits and other lifestyle patterns.
Saves the doctor’s time
Many medical conditions have been discovered, like diabetes, and the medical community has recognized their symptoms. So, when the patients get such standard medical animation videos through a hospital’s website, they know why the doctor prescribed the medicine or the tests to them. Hence their anxiety is relieved, and the doctor’s time explaining the disease is also saved. Therefore, the doctor can focus on cases and patients manifesting rare symptoms that have not been studied yet.

E-learning companies prepare videos with basic information 

E-learning companies can help medical practitioners and organizations get the most precisely prepared medical animation videos because they have access to SME’s and graphic designers. They also know the enormous responsibility they have been shouldered because any wrong fact in the video is misleading for the patient. The target audience must also be analyzed before such a video is prepared. It’s because everyone has different health literacy levels, and the same videos might not be understandable for everyone owing to their level of education.

An e-learning company always has the proper resources at its disposal to create such videos. You just need to hand over the medical concept, including the disease(including the human anatomical process) and its symptoms, to them. They will then convert them to the relevant e-learning video.

To wrap it all:

Medical practitioners must understand that they must get the maximum response to their videos. Hence, the videos have to be created for individual patients, and the doctors must know whether the patients have liked the video. Consequently, depending on the feedback, they can get the video rectified. The doctors also have to gauge whether the video led to any improvement in the health knowledge of the concerned patient, which is determined by his actions like changes in post-treatment lifestyle etc.

27 Apr 2021

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How can virtual reality help employees and students?

As the world is adjusting to a Covid, it’s quite clear that people want to work from home. Therefore, training has to be imparted to people from home.

Immersive learning implies the use of learning experiences including virtual reality.

When this technology is used, people are wearing VR headsets to imbibe technology; they don’t allow any distractions to be faced by them. They also have more impact on the learning caused for them. The learners also get the feel of the course.

Availability of virtual reality headsets

The learners become so involved with the course, that after the course finishes, they think about what they have experienced in a course. When their experiences have an effect on their emotion and improve their memory, it can lead to a higher Grasping up of knowledge and also result in a change of behaviour.

2020 has shown that the change to a virtual environment is not impossible. This is all due to the availability of smartphones. Virtual reality headsets are so much more affordable. There has been a consensus among companies that work will continue to happen from home. For example, Twitter declared that it will work from home completely. So, this has encouraged companies to launch virtual reality technologies to train employees.

Virtual learning is reachable everywhere

The impact of emerging technology on learning has been immense. The learners can also choose to learn from any place. For example, there are AI chatbots that can help learners learn what they are looking for. This kind of learning is easier for employees who might not be able to reach anyone in time when the need arises. For example, there might be a sales representative who has to address an important customer on phone. In that case, they can search for information. They can search on phone for the best information if the company issued a worksheet. They can also go through branching scenarios if the customer poses some problems and can comfortably make sales.

Schools opting for remote learning

Not even companies, schools also want to go back to remote learning. This is due to the pandemic. Moreover, the rise in educational technology companies has brought the trend for immersive learning into focus. Even schools are not ready to impart all the learning from schools. They want some learning to be held in an online mode. There has been a rise in virtual learning since the start of the year 2020. There has been a stress on online learning, with adult education also. There has been a revolution in technology.

Use of learning management systems

Companies are using Learning management systems to impart education. These tools make sure that the teachers can connect with students. They can measure student progress and making it easier to connect with parents. The teachers can also check assignments uploaded on learning management systems.

These platforms also reduce the work for teachers because so many courses are uploaded on one portal itself. There is a company named Nearpod that creates field trips for students in virtual reality. The students can get to see new items in such field trips through their virtual reality headsets and increase their knowledge.