Studying In Digital Environments – eLearning Business
Learning in virtual environments
Education is a big part of human existence. Since the internet changed every aspect of our everyday lives, learning has become extremely accessible. Learning and educational processes have evolved. The use of technology has made learning from books and classrooms a more fun and interactive approach. With the new but accessible technology, it is possible to conduct learning in virtual environments and take eLearning to the next level. But how does this benefit individual learning?
Benefits of virtual learning
Virtual learning is performed in a simulated environment that recreates the actual learning environment. This virtual “workplace” is then accessible on the learner’s mobile device. The main advantage is that the learners get a feel for the “real” environment. At the same time, however, no physically present instructor is required. Navigating content in a virtual environment creates space for more interactivity and increases student engagement.
Cost / time efficiency
In industries where regular mandatory training is required, the logistics associated with the traditional classroom or on-site training can be costly. Learning in virtual environments can complement or even replace some of the traditional training sessions. This makes virtual training a cost-effective solution.
Accessibility
Learners can access virtual training modules anytime, anywhere on their mobile devices and train whenever it suits them. In addition to flexibility in learning, virtual training offers different learning styles. It offers audiovisual stimuli; Learners can interact with the environment, learn at their own pace, and repeat different parts as often as necessary.
Commitment and motivation
Navigating virtual environments gives learners the freedom to learn at their own pace and keeps them busy with interactive presentation of content. This means that learners are no longer passive learners, but rather actively participate in the learning process. Using interactive tools for different learning styles and being able to learn when learners are most comfortable increases learners’ motivation.
Difference between virtual reality (VR) and learning in a virtual environment
The aviation industry uses virtual learning for special procedures for pilots and cabin crew. Typically, in-person aviation training is costly and requires travel abroad to complete the training. If you use learning in a virtual environment, some face-to-face training can be done virtually, resulting in lower training costs.
For many of us, learning in virtual environments can primarily evoke learning in virtual reality. The truth is that there is a specific difference between the two. While learning in virtual reality introduces the environment through specialized equipment, learning in virtual environments is provided through an easily accessible e-course. However, learners still get a realistic feeling of being in a given work environment.
A virtual environment consists of 360 ° panoramic images that can be created much faster than an entire VR environment that has to be designed in a 3D application. Then the interactions have to be programmed. If changes or corrections occur, it is easier to implement them in a virtual environment. This is one of the benefits that ensure that virtual learning is a more agile and cost-effective solution.
The physical work environment covers everything from space to furnishings to work tools and anything that can cause disruption during work. However, the work environment also includes psychological aspects of work organization. This affects behavior and well-being at work.
A realistic experience of the work environment takes learning to the next level. There are many examples of virtual reality being used in different industries for more accessible and effective learning. For example, thanks to VR, NASA has already “sent” its astronauts to Mars for training. Similarly, Australia’s largest bank has created a work environment for applicants applying for a job so they can “try” to work at the bank and get the feeling that they are “there”.
Conclusion
Learning in virtual environments has brought a new approach to traditional eLearning. It’s no longer just about learning by watching. The development of new technologies enables attendees to interact with the virtual environment instead of listening to traditional audio and watching demonstrations. eLearning now offers a new approach to traditional learning through process-based learning, with an emphasis on learning to learn.
