“Immersive learning” is a phrase that’s enjoying its moment in the spotlight. But ask three people what it is, and you’ll probably get three completely different answers.
Here’s a simple definition: Immersive learning is a simulation so convincing that the learner takes it for reality. It can be:
- Virtual reality — CGI used to create a real-world setting where the user is fully immersed.
- Augmented reality — where the learner sees the real world with CGI overlays that enhance it.
- A 2D scenario simulation that engages the learner in decision-making that draws them in.
- A real-world simulated situation with props — e.g., a CPR dummy used in a training class.
An example of real-world immersive learning is a replica of the control room of a submarine. Here, a learner can face various challenges and be tested on their responses without the risk of sinking a multimillion-dollar vessel and its crew. An example is a VR immersive simulation using a headset in which a leader needs to have a high-stakes, high-consequence conversation with one of their employees who is having performance issues.
The benefits of immersive learning are significant. It speeds up the learning process, boosts retention and eliminates stress. Equipment can’t be damaged or destroyed. Companies won’t be ruined. People can’t be hurt or killed.
Deciding if immersive learning is a good choice
Here are questions you can ask to determine if immersive learning is right for you:
- Does the skill that’s being taught have multiple physical variables or in-the-moment situational decisioning?
- Are the required tasks and skills complex?
- Do learners have to practice something in a consistent way before they reach full mastery?
- Does the skill require lots of practice to build competence, confidence and muscle memory?
- Do learners need to practice in a safe environment?
- Is there the potential for injury to others or damage to property or brand reputation if the learner attempts the skill and fails while learning and practicing?
- Is there no other way to learn this skill (because you’re replicating something impossible, or too risky/dangerous to practice in real life)?
Answering yes to three or more of these questions is an indicator that immersive learning is a good choice — especially if learners could hurt themselves/others.
The pros of CGI-enabled immersive learning simulations
Immersive learning is ideal for teams needing to learn complex concepts and skills with many variables (how to operate industrial equipment, complete complex or high-risk systems processes, conduct business conversations that could present legal peril, etc.). It is valuable for building a bridge between learning and real-life experience by having learners make decisions that impact future outcomes. It can also help people understand business and environmental drivers to see how one set of decisions and actions impacts the big picture.
CGI-based immersive learning is an ideal option for giving someone the opportunity for hands-on practice in a low-risk, low-consequence environment. It’s also a powerful way to build someone’s confidence and situational awareness. A learner can try, fail and try again, all in a safe environment.
Since the simulation feels real, when incorporating the correct variables, the learner might feel pressure like that of a real situation. This allows learners to build their skill sets and gain confidence in performing specific tasks, while under realistic pressures that come with those tasks. When we infuse these variables in the immersive learning experience, when the time comes to perform, individuals not only have the skills to perform, but environmentally, they also understand which stressors and pressures to expect or are likely to arise when performance of the tasks is required.
Immersive learning is also attractive because we live in a perfectionist culture that imposes consequences for mistakes made, even while learning. Even though leaders say they celebrate mistakes, we live in a world of after-action reviews. A simulation removes the pressure of employees feeling like they must perform perfectly the first time. When people are in comfortable situations when they are learning, their memory is sharper and they have the confidence to build their competence for a particular skill. Learning while doing in the case of a rare and high-consequence situation (even when things go well) doesn’t set the stage for improved learning retention, recall ability or predicting similar performance.
The cons of CGI-enabled immersive learning simulations
Immersive learning simulations can come with significant upfront costs, especially if you’re considering a fully immersive experience that includes VR or AR. A company must have the appropriate hardware for users, like VR headsets or AR-compatible devices. These considerations require organizations to manage a hardware and device infrastructure to support the learning experience, which can be resource intensive and create barriers.
If you’re thinking about bringing in a CGI-enabled immersive learning solution, consider using standard devices. There are several VR devices that can accomplish your goal. Pick a less expensive one that supports your objectives. You can also decide not to use VR. This removes the need for devices and keeps costs down.
Immersive learning on a budget
Perhaps you have a limited budget, and the need to put your learners into a specific situation where they need to make important decisions or complete a process in a specific order, but you can’t go full virtual or augmented reality. You also think your learners will find immersive learning cool, which will excite and engage them. We often dismiss the importance of novelty or the cool factor in learning. While ultimately we need to achieve our defined outcomes, novelty is an important consideration.
Consider using a 2D branched scenario as a simulation. If you’re training a large audience and want to build a simulation, using branching scenarios can take the place of traditional case studies and role plays. These simulations can be dynamic; they allow for self-paced learning and practice, in-group learning, practice and debrief — and they readily scale to large audiences. Here are a few ways to add rigor to these experiences:
- Consider a neutral, simple aesthetic that can be reskinned for other purposes, allowing you to get more mileage from your initial design investment.
- Scrutinize the need for audio. Suppose you have a global cohort that needs to learn a new skill or task. Don’t use audio, as you’ll have to translate it into numerous languages. That quickly drives up costs. Use onscreen text instead.
- Provide good, better and best options in the feedback so that learners have options to choose from, with feedback at the end that provides key insights.
In a branching scenario, learners make choices and are led down a particular path. The image below is an example.
This branching simulation has no audio, so it can easily be scaled. The translation costs will be nominal, especially compared to video. It’s easy to build and then translate in tools like Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate. A simulation like this is also easy to customize; a graphic artist can turn the office setting into a warehouse, a hospital, etc. Using stock photographs can also reduce costs. A vector library offers professional-looking graphics at an affordable price.
Why does immersive learning matter?
Immersive simulations make the moments that matter count and reduce the potential of leaving things to chance. In January 2023, Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, suffered a cardiac arrest during a football game. Fortunately for him, the NFL had an immersive learning emergency protocol in place for these types of situations.
Before every game, all the medical personnel gather and select a captain to make decisions in case of a life-threatening emergency. Everyone receives a checklist that describes a step-by-step process to follow should one arise. This way, medical professionals don’t have to wonder who is in charge or what they should do. They simulate various situations and practice their roles.
One of the reasons Hamlin survived is that the group was prepared for the situation. They were well-practiced as a unit, another team for the team. When the real thing happened on the field, they had the technical skills and the leadership hierarchy in place to act immediately. There was no confusion or chaos. Had there been, in the case of Damar Hamlin, it would likely have resulted in his death.
All of us in the learning and development industry tend to undervalue immersive learning, but the heroic — and practiced — response to save Hamlin’s life shows this is a serious oversight. You and your people might not act on a stage of that size or with consequences as profound, but the lesson is transcendent and true. Immersive learning is a powerful, transformative and yet underused tool in our collective L&D toolbox.
