When it comes to “immersive learning,” are you a believer—or are you a skeptic? Too often, users encounter eLearning modules that are repetitive, disengaging, or tedious. How might you bridge the gap and create learning content that is truly immersive?
At TiER1 I’ve seen how we can create the right experiences when we know where we’re going, the behavior changes we’re supporting, and the desired business results. We build immersive learning experiences by first identifying where we want to take our training. Then, we tailor experiences to the user so that they feel transported to an environment or situation where they can engage at a level that was previously unattainable.
True immersion is achieved by leveraging several technologies and practices that enable the training to make that leap. Let’s dive into some examples of how deeply immersive learning is possible.
Matt Ciocca was joined by Matt Kroeger for a podcast on this topic, which aired at the 2021 eXLearn Virtual Conference, to discuss how to design human-centered experiences for skills practice using simulations and AR/VR. To listen to their conversation, watch the YouTube video.
Creating awareness and empathy
Whether it’s live-action video, motion graphics, or stunning photography, creative assets can be deployed across a range of modalities to create greater awareness and empathy.
For example, we partnered with a healthcare association to design a 3-day certification program built on an innovative Train-the-Trainer model. The solution included print-ready simulation game materials and posters for a variety of settings, as well as video and photo elements from their actual environments, which we used to make the simulations even more immersive.
Designed to elevate the profession, outcomes of the program included lowered infection rates and a cumulative satisfaction score of 99% from participants; the program also was awarded Gold for “Best Results of a Learning Program” and “Best Certification Program” (2018 Brandon Hall Excellence Awards).
Connecting participants with key stories and moments that matter
Another example of immersive learning, we partnered with Lundbeck to improve sales engagement. In their business, large portfolios mean decision points when selling, and if reps don’t feel connected to products, those products can be minimized in the pitch. Instead of training on product knowledge, we connected reps to the people seeking treatment through environmental augmented reality (AR) “triggers” to provide just-in-time support. This both reduced the amount of training information and optimized the learning experience for empathy-building.
For live events, QR codes enabled participants to launch materials as they explored exhibits. To guide their experience, we developed an AR web app; four unique audio-driven patient persona journeys, a post-event chatbot, and follow-up communications. In addition to the live event, we developed a reusable experience for an offline mode to be used for classroom settings or independent learning.
Our goal in highlighting people and their stories, instead of the product, was to help reps better see the humanity and needs being impacted beyond the sales conversation, thus immersing them into a deeper purpose that drove behaviors and results.
Training in choice-driven situations, scenarios, or simulations
Simulation and scenario elements give learners the experience of being a participant in the narrative (instead of a consumer of content). Simulations are ideal for practicing skills higher on Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning as well as any skills that are difficult or risky to try in the real world. (Think, handling an emergency in a hospital; making business decisions in a time of crisis; managing an in-flight emergency; or high-stakes sales conversations.)
They also don’t have to be complex. As part of a broader curriculum, we developed an interactive eLearning module with live-action video for NxStage to support patient learning on how best to troubleshoot device alarms. Live-action video adds realism to the situation by putting you in the shoes of someone else. Paired with knowledge check questions that add the element of choice plus reinforcement, and the live-action video simulation is a simple yet powerful option.
Onboarding, orienting to, or immersing in a specific context
Fully immersive experiences through virtual reality (VR) take immersion to the next level by providing participants with an interactive environment to try out their skills. These skills can be accomplished through a simulation, branching video, or other design techniques embedded within the VR experience. VR, when done right, is powerful for increasing learner engagement, increasing retention, and reducing speed to proficiency.
The investment into technology is lower than it’s ever been. Google Cardboard headsets are among the most affordable while not sacrificing too much interactivity. If mobility is needed, Oculus and others have released all-in-one VR headsets and input devices without the need for other accessories. Using CenarioVR, we developed an interactive and immersive 360-degree tour of each TiER1 office within a VR setting. This high-fidelity, user-driven experience created meaningful engagement moments for visitors and new team members at TiER1.
The future of learning
Immersive training has been talked about as the future of learning. With innovations in driving story and build skills (ranging from simulations and scenarios to gamified nudges), immersive learning experiences aren’t only relegated to science fiction. We can recreate real-life settings, simulate work challenges, and give our users the chance to take on-the-job training, without risk, without fear. We invite you to explore ways that you might leverage the unique conditions of your situation to weave in elements that will fully immerse users in the learning experience.
To learn more and connect with someone on the TiER1 team about immersive learning, please reach out using the form at the bottom of the page.
