Learning and development programs are an ever-evolving component in human resources, as it works to equip employees with the tools and knowledge for success. As the world is in a constant state of change, especially now, it’s no surprise HR leaders should more closely examine their L&D programs to determine if their strategies support employee success. Utilizing technology to execute L&D programs is nothing new to the industry, but there is one technology taking the HR world by storm: augmented reality.
Augmented reality (AR) is a cost-effective approach to training that provides technologically enhanced interactive experiences. Essentially, AR superimposes digital objects onto a live view of the world, allowing users to blur the lines between digital and physical. AR is vastly different from virtual reality, where AR is a mixture of real-world and digital fixtures, virtual reality is fully digital.
AR can be useful in learning and development because it allows users to learn, interact and become immersed in new learning material. In this blog post, we will share how AR can improve your programs through real-world applications.
Improve Knowledge Retention
The most successful learning and development programs are hands-on activities that combine supervision, interaction and engaging tasks. Augmented reality can incorporate all of these components into an at-home training experience that helps employees retain more information. In fact, according to a recent study, digital reality proves to have 75% higher learning retention rates, higher than the retention rates of demonstration, group discussion and audio-visual training.
From the company’s perspective, AR programs can distribute information or training opportunities throughout the organization by enabling users to pull out their smartphone, scan a QR code and instantly experience on-site instruction designated to each area of the workplace. This drastically reduces the onboarding process and gives learners the independence to experience their job from their perspective.
Increased Performance
Augmented reality can support increased performance through practice. Practice is key to success in any job role, but employees often don’t have many opportunities for real-world practice without the threat of real-world consequences.
When incorporating AR, employees can utilize digital functions to practice the tricks of the trade without worrying about making mistakes that could lead to serious situations. Performance support requires instruction throughout the process of learning, and AR can provide that to its users. AR can support performance improvement with the incorporation of AR cards, virtual maps and office signs that relay all of the tools, instruction and information into the viewpoint of the user.
Augmented reality is not a replacement for traditional learning and development programs, but it can be a great addition to your strategy. The responsibility of company leaders is to provide immersive, extensive and useful learning and development programs that will help employees succeed. As the world is changing, augmented reality may be the addition needed to better support training for employees and new hires.
For more information on out-of-the-box learning and development strategies, check out our blog on What is Gamification and how it can improve L&D?
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