Wearable Educational Technology: 7 Secrets For eLearning Pros
We’re all probably familiar with Hollywood’s portrayal of Virtual Reality. How we’ll all be living in a computer-simulated world in decades to come. Or have chips implanted that track our every move and record our memories. All fiction aside, there are applications for wearable educational technology that have the power to transform the educational landscape. Utilizing these cutting-edge gadgets to enhance immersion and foster experiential knowledge may not be as far off as you think. Here are 7 secrets that wearable educational technology holds for the eLearning industry.
1. Facilitates Collaboration Without Tech Distractions
One of the reasons why organizations are hesitant to welcome wearable educational technology into the workplace is the fear it may become a distraction. For example, employees may be so focused on their smartwatches that they forget all about customer service. Or they use the devices to check their personal email or social media accounts instead of attending online training. However, the truth is that wearable educational technology can facilitate collaboration and actually eliminate distractions. Employees become so immersed in the virtual environment and interactive online training activities that they don’t give in to viral videos and controversial tweets. As a result, they can exchange information with remote peers and help each other overcome training obstacles, courtesy of their wearable gadgets.
2. VR Training Is Happening NOW
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality training is not some far-flung concept that might happen in the future. Organizations are using it right now to train their staff and improve real-world application. You can develop simulations, branching scenarios, and serious games that make the most of modern VR headsets. Then invite your employees to build their experiential knowledge and learn from mistakes without any real risk. VR in online training isn’t the stuff of Sci-Fi blockbusters. It’s a viable option for L&D programs today. Especially those who want to improve employee engagement and facilitate practical know-how among their geographically dispersed workforce.
3. Gathers Contextual eLearning Metrics
Wearable educational technology devices allow you to gather data that is even more relevant to your training objectives. It’s contextualized and measures realistic responses to everyday challenges and tasks. For example, how employees might handle a workplace emergency based on how they deal with a virtually simulated one. There’s even the possibility to track their physiological responses with the help of built-in sensors. Today, you can use your LMS paired with wearable educational technology to gather contextual eLearning metrics. Which allows you to further enhance personalization and identify undisclosed gaps.
4. Augmented Reality And Wearable Gadgets Can Minimize Compliance Risks
Wearable educational technology isn’t just about immersing your corporate learners in virtual worlds. You can also utilize Augmented Reality technology to improve interactivity. Not to mention, reduce compliance risks. For instance, a serious game that features AR allows employees to interact with virtual objects while exploring the physical work environment. They’re able to deal with potential hazards and improve their understanding of company policies and protocols. This can even be done with a tablet or smartphone if VR headsets aren’t an option. Thus, it’s a great way to wade into the waters of EdTech until you’re ready to dive into the Virtual Reality revolution.
5. Provides Inconspicuous Moment Of Need Support
Many corporate learners need help but don’t want to admit it or publicize their lack of understanding by asking a question. Wearable educational technology gives them the power to get the information they need on the spot inconspicuously. As an example, look up product knowledge tutorials or video demos on their device so that they can improve customer satisfaction. The key is to develop microlearning online training resources that are smartwatch-friendly, taking the small screen size into account.
6. Takes Mission-Critical Training To The Next Level
Numerous organizations are using wearable educational technology in their mission-critical training to impart experience and improve response times. For instance, medical professionals can help virtual patients in emergency situations to see how quickly they provide care. Not to mention, how well they react under pressure. Wearable educational technology can even benefit industries that deal with heavy machinery or equipment that poses a risk. VR takes online training to the next level by allowing corporate learners to focus on the task/environment, eliminating external distractions. They’re able to fully immerse in the situation and gauge their reactions, identify pain points, and improve their technique or approach.
7. Wearable EdTech Can Actually Reduce eLearning Costs
Another hurdle that many organizations face in regard to wearable educational technology is the belief that it’s out of their budget. In actuality, wearable educational technology can help reduce online training costs and improve ROI. It’s true, you may have to foot the bill for the software and devices up front. However, just think of all the money you’ll save by eliminating on-site training courses, travel expenses, and printed training materials. In the near future, the entire course might take place in a virtual setting. Corporate learners will interact with each other and online training tools without having to leave the comfort of their cubicle. Wearable educational technology also improves practical application and knowledge retention. Which means that your employees can remember what they’ve learned and use it on the job to enhance workplace productivity.
Wearable educational technology is the future of eLearning. But there are also ways to incorporate it into your online training strategy today to stay one step ahead of the tech tide. For example, develop immersive mobile-friendly simulations that corporate learners can enjoy with VR cardboard kits. Use this article as a guide to prepare your organization for the wearable educational technology innovations of tomorrow and let today’s corporate learners benefit from interactive resources.
Are you looking for ways to make your eLearning course stand out from the crowd? What is AR/VR’s true potential for online training? What are the things to avoid when integrating AR & VR into your eLearning course design? Download our free eBook Step Into The Screen: AR/VR Technology's Role In The Future Of eLearning to find out about the benefits of using Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies in eLearning, their impact on the future of eLearning, how to integrate AR/VR into eLearning courses and some of the best practices to create online training courses with AR technology.
