How AR Training Tools Support Fun Informative Learning? 

The adoption of augmented reality (AR) as a corporate training tool is proving to be an effective approach. AR fosters faster learning, helps to improve soft skills, optimises workflow, reduces training material, saves time and enhances engagement.

AR training tools in a corporate environment can be executed via a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Moreover, trainees don’t have to be in the physical workplace to learn. The concept of AR learning is straightforward. You use an AR-enabled app to record a location, then overlay digital information such as animated features on top; objects, artefacts, speech bubbles, characters etc.

Providing you add engaging features, trainees are more willing to use the applications more often – which will enhance their capacity for learning, memory recall and performance. A growing body of evidence shows that people learn more quickly and retain more information when their senses are stimulated by visual information. Animated features are also more engaging so trainees are more focused.

Educators have also found that creating AR experiences encourage trainees to dive into the content and explore without guidance. Done well, the programs can promote the use of critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills. The benefits for the company, therefore, have long-lasting effects. Not only do AR tools help employees learn and understand their current roles quicker, but managers can pinpoint strengths and earmark individuals for a position they can target in their career development path.

Create Familiar Surroundings

Studies have found that several environmental factors can affect a person’s ability to learn. These include seating, lights, noise, and colour. One study found that learning in a familiar environment enhances memory and creativity. It is believed that being in familiar surroundings is less stressful.

Students and trainees fair the worst when learning in environments that are totally unfamiliar to them. The researchers, therefore, concluded that educators should use familiarisation strategies to enhance learning activities. New starters that are not familiar with your offices could benefit from AR. For example, they could use AR to superimpose a location from their home onto the training program like this AR math training game for kids. With all their focus on the screen, trainees will shut out the real-world environment and absorb more information from the screen.

Interactive Learning

The criticism of traditional training methods is probably well-founded. Classroom learning is not engaging and often involves intense reading and listening. Evidence shows that students only retain between 10 of what we read and 20% of what we hear.

Researchers have discovered that trainees learn more when they are engaged. Rich visuals are particularly conducive to learning because they help to immerse users in the material. Thanks to their immersive qualities, companies are enthusiastically adopting AR technology. In addition, speech technology and motion sensors are critical components to make corporate training software fun and informative.

For example, industries that use outdoor machinery that cannot be brought indoors makes training limited and could potentially increase the risk of users; i.e pilots, metal workers etc. Motion sensors that measure linear movement enable you to interact with AR projections including twisting, turning, changing direction, pulling, pushing and zooming. As a result, AR can be used to help create a safe environment with zero risk. It’s not as good as VR training solutions that can replicate a real-world experience but it’s the next best thing.

Gamify AR Corporate Training

Games are not traditional learning tools in a corporate environment. Gamification can be seen as drawing a fine line between making work more fun or making fun of work. In addition, there is a concern that gamified applications will be misused and have a negative impact on productivity. That could be the case – unless you build in gamification features that reward points to use for productivity.

However, studies show that users display a higher rate of engagement together with better levels of performance when training is supported by gamified AR applications. The use of gamification typically takes two approaches; the entire program is based around earning points and rewards for right answers and deducting points for wrong answers. The other uses game mechanics to achieve a business objective. Both approaches have proven to be successful. The approach you take depends on the type of training program you’re providing. You could also adopt both approaches if trainees need to diversify roles.

Conclusion

Visual learning techniques have been trending for several years now, but the effectiveness of the tools depends on how they are used. The more recent introduction of AR, animation and game mechanics is taking e-learning to another level by driving engagement and memory recall. And AR training is still in its infancy. The potential is immense.