According to the World Economic Forum, 58% of organizations will embrace immersive technology by way of extended reality (XR) by 2022. With this growth comes the importance of managing and scaling training programs effectively.

XR is a term for immersive technology such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which “extend” reality through headsets, smartphones and tablets. When used in learning and development (L&D) initiatives, they can push the boundaries of training by transporting employees to new places, simulating real-world scenarios and creating safe environments for practicing new concepts.

When used strategically, XR can have a profound impact on learning programs. In particular, XR training has the potential to:

• • Shorten the time participants need to learn.
  • Reduce the number of learner mistakes.
  • Boost knowledge retention.

How an XRS Adds Value

While XR training is widely accepted as a viable learning modality, organizations are still trying to scale their VR content across locations while keeping their training program consistent and effective — which is where an extended reality system (XRS) can add value.

Although organizations can manage VR training content manually, an XRS provides a more efficient and effective management option. An XRS helps to expertly host, assign and track VR training across an organization — all from one platform. Typically provided through a VR training partner, users install an XRS by downloading the software onto headsets and integrating it with an existing learning management system (LMS) to keep training initiatives on track.

4 Ways to Scale VR Training Using an XRS

1. Start With a Pilot Program

Don’t be overwhelmed by massive, complex VR training programs. Start with one VR activity. Then, expand by adding branched learning options, follow-up activities or new training activities.

2. Focus on One or Two Virtual Environments

A significant cost of VR content development is creating the environments, whether they are 360-degree recordings or full simulations. When filming 360-degree VR on location, try to plan ahead and film multiple activities in one trip. To easily create a fully simulated VR environment, build a neutral location that can work for many activities. By limiting your virtual environments, you’ll optimize costs and development time.

3. Create Personalized Learning Tracks

VR training allows for the creation of personal learning tracks with specific goals and objectives tailored to each user’s needs. With an XRS, you can assign content to users depending on their role, their goals and the specific skills they need to perform their job. Depending on how comprehensive your reporting is, you can even assign follow-up VR activities to employees based on their performance in previous activities, which creates a more personal, targeted learning track.

4. Update and Add New VR Content to Your Library

VR content is no different than traditional learning content in that you’ll need to update it, whether to replace a logo, teach compliance updates or introduce a new product. Luckily, once you have prepared your updates, you can deploy them through a content delivery network (CDN) and access the new content with your XRS. You don’t need to manually update physical headsets or travel to locations to roll out new content.

An XRS is a powerful tool that can manage and deploy content and track critical metrics from devices or users regardless of their location. With users scattered across different locations, scaling VR training with an XRS has never been more valuable.

If your organization wants to effectively scale and manage its XR program, there has never been a better time to start using an XRS.

Editor’s note: Don’t miss our infographic on experiential learning, which shares insights from learning leaders like this one.