XR In Learning: Considerations for Adult Educators/L&D practitioners in exploring adoption of AR/VR

XR (Extended Reality) in Learning : Considerations for Adult Educators/L&D practitioners in exploring adoption of Augmented Reality /Virtual Reality/Mixed Reality in Workplace Learning.

As the adoption of XR accelerates across Industries, one of the key focus that has gained traction in the past year is application of XR in Workplace Learning.

One frequently asked question as I engage with the Learning community is "What are the key considerations for Adult Educators/L&D practitioners when exploring XR in Learning "…

While there are many wanted to kick start the sharing in highlighting 3 pointer first

Note: Apart from the first pointer which is specific to XR , I see the other 2 are reinforcement pointers for any Adult Educator/L&D Practitioners looking at driving Digital Learning strategies in organisations.

Considerations for Adult Educators/L&D practitioners in exploring XR in Learning

1. First get some fundamental understanding of XR…

• What is XR (AR/VR/MR)

• The basic building blocks and technical specifications,

• How has the XR ecosystem evolved: Tool and technologies out there.

• Applications and success cases in learning and workspace.

• Benefits and limitations of XR /tools/technologies

• Safety and health considerations

• Future trends

• Workforce/L&D Proficiencies on XR application

• Cost of tools/technologies

In many cases I have come across companies that have gone with the latest and greatest XR solution or deployed the first solution that was presented to them …just to realise they are not fit for purpose due to their hardware, software feature,technical/application limitations or even readiness of their people and infrastructure to support a successful deployment..

Having an understanding allows to not only identify the right solution but ask the right questions. There is no one shoe fits all solution.

Even technology leaders now recognise that and collaborating both on the platform side as well and hardware to build an ecosystem that is interoperable.

2. Be clear on WHY you want to deploy XR in Learning ...3 Whys…

• Strategic Intent: Adoption of XR in Learning is part of the overall digital transformation strategy of the company and it’s a long term plan..(i.e Employee engagement in a hybrid work culture, SMART factory transformation, creating a competitive advantage etc)

• Operational - business need …specifically addressing operational issues /challenges by exploring XR as a learning solution ( i.e workflow guidance , knowledge transfer, remote collaboration, instruct and guide in technical training/OJT , Onboarding employees remotely, building social engagement in a hybrid workplace etc)

• Future of Learning: Introducing new technologies as part of learning engagement in the overall Digital Learning Ecosystem. XR is one of the learning solutions and engagement model. It has a fit and a purpose.

3. Don’t forget the Overall Learning Development Approach..

Regardless of technology which is an enabler as L&D practitioners/AEs you still need to integrate the XR Learning solution to the Learning development and deployment framework. These should include :

• Taking a structured approach in the learning design and XR learning solution development. There is no short cut to ensure a success full learning outcome. There can be simplified approach thou.

• Readiness of the infrastructure and workplace to experience XR

• Readiness and proficiency of learners to use and experience XR.

• Capability of L&D to drive and deploy the XR solution.

The XR solution might look cool and futuristic But if it did not achieve the learning outcome with the right learning experience and engagement then it will falter. Same way E-Learning was perceived in the early days.

Stay tuned for more….

Image Credit: Agilitas Learning, IAL InLab innovBite, Taqtile Manifest, SingTel SGLF 2022, ELITC XR in Industry workshop

Bala Murali