The Next Evolution of eLearning
360 videos are the next step in the evolution of training and eLearning. When 360 video is added into an eLearning course, it allows the learner to interact with the video and to scroll around and to see a complete 360 view of everything around (beyond just what the camera was pointed at, at the time of the video shoot, like with traditional video).
At Pathways Training and eLearning, we believe that by adding HTML5 interactivities into the 360 video (like “hot spot” and click and reveal activities in traditional eLearning courses), you can now create a completely interactive and engaging video that is a truly revolutionary experience. To take it a step further, if you wear google cardboard googles while watching that 360 video embedded in an eLearning course, you now have an eLearning experience with virtual reality – that allows you to feel like you are truly there.
Why is this evolution to 360 video and virtual reality, so important for the future of corporate training and eLearning? This is because studies have shown that learners recall 90% of information when simulations are used. Virtual reality can simulate a real life environment, causing a higher transfer of learning to occur when an employee returns to their workplace. Adding virtual reality to training and eLearning is anticipated to result in a huge increase in retention over traditional classroom training or eLearning methods.
* Source – elearningindustry.com
Pathways has embarked in creating on our first 360 video and virtual reality eLearning module with St. John’s Ambulance using the topic of how to prioritize causalities when a major emergency occurs. This 360 video was filmed at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and it is anticipated to save the lives of Canadians, when a large-scale emergency happens.
As aforementioned, the closer you can get to the real-life experience where the learner is to apply their knowledge, the more likely they are to apply it when the situation actually arises. Filming the mass trauma event, reminded me of a story I was told, when I was in university and was recertifying to be a lifeguard. At that time, in first aid classes you would taught artificial respiration (AR) by explaining how to do it and then you would practice what you learned on a partner. The only thing is, none of us wanted someone else, who we didn’t know that well, putting their mouth on ours and blowing into it, to simulate AR. Instead, you would practice, by not sealing your partners mouth and simply pretending to breath over them. The only problem is, the learning didn’t simulate real-life. Our instructor told us about a tragic situation, where a lifeguard pulled out a victim, who was not breathing. The lifeguard did exactly what they learned…… they blew air on top of the victim without sealing their mouth – with a very tragic outcome. This is why, learning must simulate the real-life environment is which the knowledge is to be applied.
Our 360 video/virtual reality eLearning is anticipated to be the first of its kind developed in Canada. We all believe this virtual reality eLearning experience will save the lives of Canadians. We are excited to jump into this medium to share what we learn. Get ready future of learning – here we come!
