Our educational landscape is constantly evolving, and new ways of training are emerging every day. Among them, immersive learning (or “immersive learning”).
This anglicism may be scary, but it actually hides numerous benefits for the development of businesses and their learners. Can we explain it to you?
What is immersive learning?
The principle of immersive learning is very simple: it consists in “plunge” the learner into a virtual universe in three dimensions (3D), to make him live realistic and immersive experiences. This immersion is done using a helmet, glasses or virtual reality screens. We can also talk about Gamification.
Immersive learning can be presented in two ways:
- in a 100% virtual environment, we then speak of “virtual reality”
- via virtual elements in a real universe, we are talking here about “augmented reality”
This type of apprenticeship can complement physical, distance or blended professional training. Businesses rarely choose this format for their initial training, even if it could be quite relevant!
However, keep in mind that immersive learning is a teaching tool for the trainer and the learner. It is used to transmit key concepts and skills. Its implementation in your company must therefore be done withina defined training program To respond to your educational goals.
What are the different characteristics of immersive learning?
Immersive learning is effective, adaptable, and practice-based
Immersive learning is mostly chosen for its effectiveness. Indeed, human memory retains 10% of a formal apprenticeship (reading, lectures, etc.), 20% from informal learning (discussions, networking, peers, etc.) and 70% through practice. Immersive learning, which encourages practice in a fun and stimulating environment, therefore allows better memorization of key concepts.
The second main characteristic of immersive learning is its learning by error. In a virtual world, the learner can fail and start over and over again. This aspect is very interesting for jobs that require technical and precise actions, or for high-risk areas (health, transport, etc.).
Finally, immersive learning focuses training on the learner and adapts to its evolution (we then talk about adaptive learning). Your employee will be able to take the time they need to learn and progress. With immersive learning: everyone has their own pace!
The benefits of immersive learning
The benefits of immersive learning are numerous:
- Learning by doing: for manual jobs (cooking, crafts, construction, construction, transport...), immersive learning is a very good way to practice certain gestures to master them perfectly.
- Employee commitment: traditional courses do not always allow the learner to be active. With immersive learning, the employee is at the heart of their training, which reinforces their motivation.
- Fast and entrenched memorization: Practice is the best way to memorize a lesson or a gesture! Immersive learning is therefore ideal for anchor long-term knowledge in memory of your collaborators.
- A fun and stimulating universe: Learning by playing is a great way to remember important things. The learner is at the heart of his training, and he has fun thanks to the fun universe of immersive learning.
- A safe place to test and learn from mistakes: there is no real risk with immersive learning, the learner can try endlessly without being afraid of failing.
3 concrete cases of immersive learning in business
Several companies have already adopted immersive learning for their professional training.
For example, this is the case of Schneider Electric who implemented an immersive learning solution in 2020. The objective was to support employees in restarting factories post-lockdown, and to transmit all safety information.
Monoprix has also chosen immersive learning for the launch of its new lingerie universe in stores. A (virtual) expert introduces the learner to the different collections and the four areas of the space. The employee must then find the merchandising errors and meet the needs of consumers.
Finally, L'Oréal has developed an immersive learning solution related to production processes. The aim was to create a scenario to explain the operation of factories and the creation of products to new collaborators.
Immersive learning is an excellent solution for transmitting new knowledge to your teams. This method promotes memorization and learning by doing. Of course, this model must meet your training goals and adapt to your business environment!
