Do Virtual worlds offer more advantages over traditional learning environments?

Do virtual worlds offer more advantages over more traditional learning environments?

The healthcare sector, as well as many other sectors, to include education, is a major user of virtual reality technology for training purposes. So what are the advantages of virtual reality training in these sectors?

The benefits are:

• Little/no risk
• Safe, controlled area
• Realistic scenarios
• Can be done remotely saving time and money
• Improves retention and recall
• Simplifies complex problems/situations
• Suitable for different learning styles
• Innovative and enjoyable

The learning and training process is easier if the experience is pleasant or enjoyable which means higher level of engagement and understanding for students.

Time and money are also important factors. Training is necessary to ensure that students are able to perform tasks or learn a subject in order to be fully productive. But the costs can be prohibitive, for example, developing a series of prototypes. Virtual reality removes the need for repeated prototyping and/or implementation which we know can be expensive. Virtual reality replaces this with a single model which can be used time and time again. Plus it can be accessed from different locations; Both of these save time and money (http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality-education/advantages.html).

Virtual reality is more personal than electronic mail or instant messaging, providing real-time interaction by users. It can be a great social leveler, finding common ground across differences in age, and culture. People are provided the opportunity to be drawn together by similar interests instead of purely by geographic location.  Virtual reality makes communication more effective and productive, and therefore, more enjoyable        (http://www.bilawchuk.com/mark/prosandcons.html).

Virtual reality provides endless opportunities for students, including field trips almost anywhere, including Mars!