Since its advent, eLearning technology has witnessed a number of technological innovations in the field. The combination of these developments has truly changed the way we learn.
One such development was the ability to add a video to an eLearning course. Later, instructional designers started using videos to bridge the gap between online training and classroom-style instructor-led sessions.
Today, the web is filled with completely video-based courses and the learners love them! Online training software allow learners to consume course content anywhere and anytime, in a format that they are accustomed to.
At the same time, the eLearning industry is witnessing another revolution- the rise of 360-degree video in training.
The immersive video format is not just contributing to building VR based courses, it can be used to make your existing courses more immersive. The best part is, with 360 video authoring tools, incorporating 360-degree videos to your courses is easy as pie.
Let’s look at a few ways 360-degree video can improve your online training initiatives:
1) On-The-Job Training, Without Being On The Job
Trainers and learners both agree that experience is the best teacher. While training on the job is ideal in many scenarios, there are also cases when the consequences of every error are extremely serious.
360-degree video is perfect for such cases. With 360-degree video, trainees can immerse themselves in learning how a task is performed. They will be able to examine the task being performed from different angles and examine the tools that are involved.
The best part is that with 360-degree video, they will be able to do all this without running the risk of making a critical mistake. This benefit will especially be visible in compliance training scenarios.
Traditionally lecture-heavy compliance training sessions filled with spillage warnings and company policies can be turned into interactive sessions that reinforce the importance of compliance training.
Also Read: 5 ways to create a learning culture within your software team
2) Immersive Case Studies
Similar to compliance training modules, case studies have traditionally been reading the material. While they represent real-life situations, reading about them on a computer screen is hardly relatable or immersive.
This notion about case studies can be changed completely by combining 360-degree video with Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
This combination will allow instructional designers to provide learners with an (almost) first-hand experience of the case study. They can step inside the shoes of the protagonist of the story (case study) and learn firsthand, about the problem, and its solution.
3) Virtual Walkthroughs and Product Demos
Virtual walkthroughs are perhaps the most obvious application of 360-degree video technology. From letting students visit historical sites to letting new joiners explore their office during the onboarding process, 360-degree can create an immersive learning experience that will stay with the learners.
Similarly, virtual product demos can be made better by allowing users (and learners) to view your products from different angles.
This functionality doesn’t just allow your employees to understand your product better, it can be used to boost sales by allowing potential customers to get a feel of your product.
Not to forget, virtual product demos in 360-degree videos can also be used for customer training, to help them make the most of your products.
Conclusion
360-degree videos take the benefits of using videos in online training to the next level. 360-degree videos add an extremely immersive dimension to your training initiatives, allowing learners to interact with real-life situations and as a result, improving retention numbers for your eLearning courses.
