VirtualRealityTraining

Virtual Reality Training (VRT) refers to the use of immersive virtual reality technology to teach and assess skills by simulating realistic tasks and environments. VRT employs head-mounted displays, motion tracking, haptic devices, and interactive software to create controlled, repeatable practice scenarios that may replicate real work settings or hypothetical situations.

Core components include hardware platforms such as VR headsets and motion controllers, software platforms for scenario authoring and analytics, and standardized performance metrics to track progress and transfer to real tasks.

Applications include aviation, military and first responders, healthcare and surgical training, industrial maintenance and construction, emergency preparedness, and corporate training such as onboarding and soft skills development.

Advantages include safer training for hazardous tasks, cost savings over time, the ability to simulate rare events, scalable access, and objective measurement of skill acquisition.

Limitations include the potential for cybersickness, variable realism, high initial development costs and maintenance, technology compatibility issues, and the need for qualified instructional design to ensure alignment with learning objectives.

Implementation considerations include defining clear learning objectives, assessing the appropriate level of fidelity, designing standardized assessment methods, integrating the VR program with existing curricula, ensuring user comfort and accessibility, and safeguarding trainee data.

Evidence and transfer of training remain mixed across domains; some studies report improved procedural performance and reduced errors, while others show limited transfer unless scenarios closely reflect real tasks and include structured debriefing and feedback.