
How University students have developed 360/Shared VR content to enhance empathy
26th May 2021
Virtual reality (VR) is often referred to as the ‘empathy machine’ since it doesn’t just show you other people’s experiences…
So, we’ve noticed a new study making waves across LinkedIn this past week. It’s been commissioned by PwC to investigate the value of training in virtual reality.
Importantly, PwC’s findings aren’t just assumptions. It crunched the numbers, and what it found was that VR-trained employees:
Impressive, but maybe not surprising. One of the main uses we see of our immersive technology is simulations for training and teaching. To take one of our clients as an example, Lanes Group uses its Igloo cylinder for training engineers in a high-risk environment. Not only did it raise the standard for training, it could:

It goes to show that, when people are fully immersed, there’s no room for distractions. They get more out of the training than they would’ve otherwise. Good immersive content also resonates more strongly than reading off a screen. And that all leads to better outcomes and better teaching.
Of course, the PwC study treats VR as an individual, immersive experience, using VR headsets. As such, it recognises VR headsets can’t replace the classroom any time soon. It suggests that a team of employees could take training and have follow-up discussions. And that’s because learning, whether in enterprises or education, is generally a shared process.
And this is exactly where Shared VR can be used to complement the use of VR headsets. In a shared immersive space, groups of colleagues can connect with a VR experience together - and each other. They can collaborate and discuss during their training. They can see what other people are looking at, they can read body language. The tutor can lead the training, rather than leaving everything to the VR program. Yet they’re still cut off from the distractions of the outside world.

It still might not replace classrooms, but it’s another step along the way to replicating that vital environment while maintaining the benefits of immersive technology.
It really is powerful stuff, so we would strongly encourage you to read the PwC study. And, while you’re at it, you should also read how Lanes Group uses Shared VR to train its people.
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