Traditional training methods have been the basic element of professional development for many years. But still, despite their common use, these methods are known for their ineffectiveness and constraints. There are many challenges associated with traditional training that affect knowledge retention and its application in the workplace.
Training is considered successful when employees use the knowledge they gain at work. But surprisingly, 73% of the knowledge gained through conventional training methods is not used during work by employees. This shows us the inefficacy of traditional training methods and the need to reevaluate the way we approach learning, particularly in professional settings. In this digital age, the furtherance of technology allows educators to create an environment where learners can participate in immersive learning and enhance their practical skills and knowledge.
Immersive learning:
This hands-on training method uses VR to mirror real-world scenarios and train employees in an immersive training environment. It is safe and engaging as it integrates the sense of advanced learning theory with the presence of VR. This approach is based on years of neuroscience studies, which indicate that the brain perceives VR experiences the same as real-life experiences.
Thus, performance in a virtual work environment is a hint of performance in real-work conditions. Immersive learning takes full advantage of VR to engage employees in real-life scenarios. This behavioral learning helps enhance the knowledge retention and confidence of learners. Richard Branson has famously said that nobody can learn to walk by following rules; people learn by doing and falling over. And this is what simulation training is all about.
Simulation-based training:
The simulation training is designed to simulate real-life situations. This allows employees to apply their knowledge to the situations they may face during their jobs. The best part is that this trial takes place in the safe zone of simulation, allowing learners to grow, learn, and experiment without fear of making mistakes.
This training is not only cost-effective for employers but also helps them measure their employees’ decision-making ability by assessing their performance in pressure situations. Simulation-based training has become a game changer in employee learning. Worldwide studies have shown that this kind of training enhances the effectiveness of the training with its immersive approach.
Organizations can take full advantage of minimized risk factors during training by building online simulations to provide real-life learning experiences for their learners. Let's look at a few industries where simulation training has become a pioneer when it comes to training employees.
Examples of Simulation Training:
Healthcare: The medical profession is a field where people expect you to be infallible all the time. Patients can lose their lives if a medical professional makes a mistake. To avoid such situations, medical practitioners train in simulated experiences before they deal with real patients. This helps them gain confidence and obtain crucial skills without any fear of harming anyone. This way, healthcare professionals perform better and take good care of patients on the first day of their job.
Aviation: The benefits of simulation training are immense for the aviation industry. Flight crews, traffic controllers, and pilots get trained through simulation-based training before going on a plane. These professionals learn to manage different situations like cabin safety, weather conditions, and flight simulations through this training. This makes sure that aviation industry professionals are equipped to make better decisions when the situation demands it.
Business and management: Simulation-based training is also beneficial for managers and other business professionals in different industries. Business leaders can effectively motivate and engage their teams with management simulations. And customer service simulations can help hospitality and retail professionals enhance communication with customers and boost brand loyalty.
Types of simulation-based training:
Virtual Reality (VR) Simulations: Virtual reality (VR) improves the practical skills and situational awareness of participants by using computer- generated environments and providing lifelike scenarios for learners.
Augmented Reality (AR) Simulations: This one incorporates digital data into real-world conditions. AR simulations lay out visuals that enrich training experiences.
Mixed Reality (MR): Elements of augmented and virtual reality are combined in mixed reality. Like augmented reality, MR also clouds digital content with the real world. It uses the immersive nature of virtual reality and incorporates the real-world settings of augmented reality.
Computer-based Simulations: These simulations usually include interactive scenarios and run on computers. This is beneficial for various industries as it is a cost-effective and accessible alternative for them.
Benefits of Simulation-Based Training:
Enhanced engagement and motivation: In a world where the attention span of humans is shrinking at a rapid pace. Simulation training with its interactive nature helps capture employees’ attention and grips them through immersive experiences. Gamified elements and instant feedback trigger enthusiasm in employees and keep them motivated. This leads to better engagement levels and learning outcomes.
Real-world scenarios and problem solving: Training simulations allow employees to execute their skills and knowledge by providing them with real-world scenarios. This helps them make crucial decisions under pressure and improve their problem-solving abilities in a safe environment. This way, the participants get prepared for the challenges they may face on the job.
Safe learning environment: Employees can make mistakes and learn from them as simulation training provides a safe environment for them. It also allows them to experiment and try different strategies in a controlled environment without bothering about the resulting consequences.
Improved Knowledge Retention: When employees attain skills and information through practical application, they are more likely to retain that information in contrast to passive learning methods. Simulation training improves knowledge retention with its hands-on and experiential nature.
Cost-effectiveness: Simulation training usually cuts down the time and costs related to employee training because of its hands-on approach. On-site simulation training helps companies save the costs of travel related to remote training. Moreover, employees trained through simulation master the new tools much faster.
Scalability and adaptability: The essence of training simulators is to adapt to frequently changing business requirements and industry regulations. They allow businesses to amend training modules and integrate new procedures in no time. Simulation training also accords with the training requirements of an evolving workforce that too without any extra cost because of its scalability.
Immediate feedback: Participants get immediate feedback in simulations which help them learn from their mistakes in real-time. Because of the prompt feedback learners easily comprehend the consequences of their actions. This facilitates a more quicker and effective learning process.
On-demand learning and accessibility: The demands of modern learners have changed completely. They are looking for convenience, and simulation-based training provides them with flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. It can deliver training across various devices, including mobile platforms. This allows learners to access content anywhere, anytime, according to their convenience.
Bridging the gap between theory and practice:
By providing an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, simulation bridges the gap between theory and practice. This way, learners understand the importance of their studies. Through simulations, learners get to know how theories work in distinct situations in their area of interest.
Continuous improvement: Simulation training is an ongoing process. It allows you to constantly polish your skills by going through varied situations and getting input from your friends and instructors. This process of gaining knowledge continuously polishes and boosts your abilities.
Future trends in simulation-based training:
Artificial-Intelligence-backed simulations: AI algorithms can provide personalized feedback and align the simulation according to the student’s proficiency level by analyzing student performance. This personalization helps enhance learning outcomes and maximize student engagement. AI-powered simulations are also adaptable to the requirements of students and provide customized learning experiences.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR):
Simulation-based training will progress further with the advancements in VR and AR technologies. These gripping technologies offer matchless practicality and allow learners to interact with virtual objects in real-like conditions. Simulation-based training will become more universal across industries as access to VR and AR devices becomes more affordable and easier.
Versatile simulations: Future simulations will be all about various disciplines that will allow learners to explore versatile topics and thoroughly understand the intricate issues. This way, students will collect knowledge from varied subjects and enhance their problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
Blended learning approach: As the formats and approaches of simulation training and traditional training are different, integrating them is not easy. Although you can go for a blended learning approach that blends simulation training with traditional classroom modules, this method makes sure that learners get a complete training experience by merging theoretical knowledge with practical application. By including simulations as an addition to the traditional approach, you can improve learning outcomes and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Summing Up:
Simulation-based training has changed the way individuals are trained across different industries. It has become a game changer with its ability to provide realistic and immersive learning experiences. This approach is effective for employee development as it improves employee knowledge retention and decision-making skills. With evolving technology and the blending of AI, AR, and VR, simulation-based training is all set to continue its growth and revolutionize the training industry. If you want your organization to stay ahead in this digital age, adopt simulation-based training. It will unlock the full potential of your workforce, leading to the growth of your organization.
