Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality: What’s The Difference For Learning?

Read Time: 4 minutes

How do you train for high-risk situations without putting your employees at risk?

Introducing your employees to real-world situations in a safe, controlled environment is one of the best use-cases for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Even low-risk, high-stress situations, like punching in the correct order on a point of sale (POS) system while an impatient line of customers forms can be trained through a new reality.

As more organizations begin to see the uses of AR and VR to create training environments, they still run into barriers. At Roundtable, many organizations we work with aren’t sure what training technology will best suit their needs.

In this article, we’ll explore a few differentiators between the emerging technologies augmented and virtual reality, then provide real-life examples of these technologies in action.

360° VR Passive Video

With 360° VR, we capture scenarios and training environments shot on a 360° camera that lead the learner through a process or location that can otherwise be difficult, expensive, or dangerous to visit.

Learners view the 360° VR experience by dragging their mouse or finger on desktop, tablet, mobile devices, or even by using a cardboard VR headset.

Use Case Of 360° VR Passive Video For Training

By creating a 360° VR experience that’s accessible via desktop or headset, organizations can provide soft skills training in a way that teaches social cues, empathy, body language, and more. For example, a new manager can observe a video of a manager interacting with a subordinate to learn how to give instructions.

360° VR Interactive Video

360° VR interactive video includes all of the benefits of 360° VR passive video with the inclusion of hotspots and interactive info. buttons within the video. With 360° VR, we create scenarios and branched learning with immersive video and knowledge checks within the video.

Use Case Of 360° VR Interactive Video For Training

Organizations can teach customer service representatives how to respond to caller questions and feedback. By watching a 360° VR video layered with questions, the customer service representatives can choose how to respond to the situation. The interactive video can be a branched experience in which learners can choose their own journey through the video.

For example, if the representative responds to a customer with a great response, the video will play a positive scenario. If the representative responds poorly to a customer, the video will take them on a different path until a resolution is reached.

Augmented Reality

AR places virtual objects in real-world space. Using special glasses or AR-capable mobile devices, images appear in front of the user. This can be used to allow the user to explore an object and all its parts or apply virtual labels to a piece of equipment to help them learn how to use each part of the device.

Use Case Of Augmented Reality For Training

Automotive organizations can build a mobile AR application that allows them to teach mechanics, sales associates, and even customers, exactly what car parts need to be maintained. When pointing a mobile device at the car, those parts can glow to indicate it’s time for them to be changed.

Full Virtual Reality

Using a combination of 360° photographs and 3D modeling, we can build a virtual device, room, or building to teach a process or encourage behavioral change through scenarios and simulation.

Truly immersive, this option allows the user to pick up and move objects, turn on or take apart a device, walk around a room, and interact with virtual characters.

Use Case Of Full Virtual Reality For Training

By building a fully immersive virtual “home”, real estate companies can train their agents on how to give a walk-through, interact with prospective buyers, field questions, and make recommendations. Agents can walk through the virtual home and open cabinets and turn on the lights.

Read More: 6 Best Practices To Get Started With A Virtual Reality Training Program

Ready To Provide Future Learning Experiences To Your Workforce?

In this article, we’ve covered the differences between AR and VR technology, as well as provided use cases of these technologies in action.

Ready to start envisioning how AR or VR could fit into your training strategy and budget? Schedule a meeting with one of our experts today or book a demo today!