Designing Immersive Learning Experiences – Adding Value to User Experiences Through XR

Designing Immersive Learning Experiences – Adding Value to User Experiences Through XR

In LTEN’s 2020 Conference, LCI^LX offered a radical new approach to immersive learning experiences through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. This year, LCI^LX returns to LTEN 2021 to explore best practices for utilizing immersive learning opportunities.                                                                                     

LTEN, or The Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network, is a non-profit organization that guides the life sciences training and education community. Each year, they host an international conference, bringing together experts on training this community to better address the job skills that – as the World Economic Forum has identified – are most needed for success: leadership, social influence, analytical thinking and complex problem solving.  Through these new avenues of XR experiences, LCI^LX addresses these needs by exploring how to design best practices and common issues associated with immersive realities.

LCI^LX begins with 3 learning objectives: What is XR immersion and “alternate reality”? How do we create it and what are best practices for doing so? Are there alternate experiences that can offer similar results?  

What is XR?

XR, or “extended reality,” is the umbrella term for all forms of digital immersion experiences, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. First, virtual reality (VR) offers a complete immersion into a digital world, where learners can interact with their environment, sometimes using goggles and handsets. Such an experience is a concrete way to teach new skills. Second, augmented reality (AR) is an option for when headsets are not available, as it blends interactive content with a digital platform and can be accessed through a variety of devices. Mixed reality (MR) is a blend of both VR and AR approaches.

What is “immersion” and “alternate reality”?

In contrast to the auditory and written approach to class design, immersive designs are a “hugely effective way for many learners to develop their knowledge and skills.” Immersion “provides artificial, digitally created content and environments that accurately replicates real life scenarios so that new skills and techniques can be learned and perfected.”  More than what we might think of as traditional immersion – for example, studying abroad in a foreign country to learn a language – new pedagogies use immersion in digital spaces – alternate reality – to maximize learning potential. 

LCI^LX maintains that alternate realities help learners to access materials in a new and accessible way. For example, a traditional computer science class successfully integrated alternate reality into its curriculum and was surprised at the level of engagement with this pedagogical approach in spite of the difficult subject matter. Simply put, alternate realities are inclusive and allow for a level of immersion that responds to the needs of learners beyond more traditional training paradigms.

Some technologies include fully immersive VR in 360^o environments, personalized and adaptive learning, scenario-based exercises, gamified learning modules, visual storytelling, podcasts, and whiteboards – just to name a few!

How do we create learning experiences and what are some best practices?

Immersive pedagogies do best when given in small bites, with different approaches mixed together to prevent burnout or boredom. While YouTube videos can be a source of learning-rich content, a variety of XR methods can also create engaging opportunities to acquire new knowledge. In fact, using both YouTube and another immersive format can further heighten the learning experience!

Designing an approach that is most pedagogically effective is crucial to success. Digital, personalized, social, curated, and created content lends itself to impactful design. What works for one organization or project may not work for another one. LCI^LX emphasizes the importance of working closely with designers to fit the needs of an organization. Collaboration is key in identifying needs.

Are there other options that can offer similar results?

Other considerations must be considered, especially in the realm of technologically driven solutions. Mapping the skills and competencies onto other vehicles of knowledge can be crucial to the success of a project. Hardware versus software; feedback, tracking, and evaluation; knowledge transfer; and emotional commitment are key elements of XR experiences. LCI^LX’s presentation unfolds and articulates each of these points, emphasizing the XR technology in tandem with other “traditional” formats can benefit the user. It is possible to create a blend of multiple responses to an organization’s need that can address concrete learning objectives. Suitable alternate experiences can be achieved through a variety of approaches and technologies. 

Immersive technologies can greatly heighten the value and user commitment to training programs, making learning more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.