In May we hosted our first Immersive Learning Masterclass which – if we do say so ourselves – was a fabulous day of sharing insights and learning from L&D leaders at different points on their immersive learning journeys.
If you couldn’t make it this time, hopefully this blog gives you a little flavour of what you can expect at the next one. And if you want to stay updated on when we’ll next be hosting an event, sign up to our newsletter!
We were honoured to be joined by several of our partners and exceptional leaders in L&D for a panel session. They shared their real-world experiences and insights around the challenges and impact of deploying immersive learning. They were:
For the full experience (and for the amazing pastries and breakfast pots we happily supplied from Astrid Bakery), you definitely had to be there.
But that said, here are some of the key points that sparked discussion, and might spark some ideas for your next project too.
One clear insight from our panel and several attendees was the importance of having a clear use-case before progressing with technology. Going the other way around can end up with trying to shove a square peg into a round hole – and can make point three much more difficult than it needs to be.
Technology in learning works best when it enables learners to have experiences that they can’t otherwise, whether due to cost, availability of resources, safety concerns, and more. As we always preach, don’t use technology for its own sake. Start with the outcomes you want to see and then explore how tech can help you get there.
We’re always happy to chat with you about this, so drop us a line if you’ve got something in mind.
One of the huge benefits that immersive technology offers learning is the way you can replicate context and situations that a PowerPoint or video simply never can. It can spark an emotional response. And that emotional response is often the closest a learner will get to carrying out the required skill before doing it in real life.
So, whether the context is a first networking meeting with a high-powered executive, or carrying out blood testing to ensure a patient receives the right blood type, immersion makes the stakes feel real. At the same time, immersive technology creates a safe space for learners. They can fail without causing harm, without fear of judgment. And they can go back and try again, find out what went wrong, and what to do better next time.
The emotional connection leads to deeper engagement, better retention, and better application of skills.
We won’t sugar coat it, and our panellists didn’t either – innovating, whether with immersive technology or something else, isn’t always easy. It can be tough to get others on board.
The best way to tackle this is bring collaborators along early on, whether it’s your IT teams, learning facilitators, or learners themselves. Think about the impact and outcomes you’re aiming for. From the beginning, make sure to document this impact so that when it’s time to roll out more widely, you’ll get more buy-in.
As much as possible, think about what potential naysayers’ questions or fears might be, and answer those as early and honestly as you can.
Each of our panellists had started from different points, with different projects, and different technologies. And our attendees hailed from a variety of industries with different levels of experience on their innovation journey.
And yet, across everyone’s stories, it was clear that many of us have come across similar problems and blockers even across industries. Everyone could find something to relate to in the panellists’ journeys.
If we have one takeaway we strongly recommend for you, it’s to remember that you’re not alone – and there’s someone who’s been there. A whole community is ready to share what works, and what to avoid.
Be sure to stay up to date on our next event. Follow us on LinkedIn or sign up to our newsletter. And we hope to see you in the near future!
We’re always happy to talk to you about how immersive technologies can engage your employees and customers. If you have a learning objective in mind, or simply want to know more about emerging technologies like VR, AR, or AI, send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.