Virtual worlds for Learning
There is plenty of scope for Virtual Worlds to manage the learning needs of organizations; however I feel that it can be leveraged to the maximum extent in the following learning areas:
- Virtual classroom for geographically dispersed mobile work force
- Simulation of new concepts and processes
Let’s start first by defining Virtual Worlds. Virtual Worlds provide a 3D environment where each user has avatar. Virtual Worlds also provide real world objects like buildings, conference rooms etc. Examples include Second Life, Active Worlds etc.
Virtual classroom for geographically dispersed mobile work force:
Global organizations have employees that are dispersed geographically. These employees often have common learning needs. E-Learning certainly is a solution for training the employees that are dispersed geographically. However E-learning doesn’t fulfill the needs when the employees need to learn something by experimenting. Moreover employees often need to interact with peers and trainers in an effective way. For instance an Oil Extraction Engineer working for Oil & Gas Company might want to learn about the oil well extraction operations by getting a live demonstration about drilling. Extraction Engineer can learn effectively by discussing the extraction procedure in a virtual well with a fellow engineer or a trainer in Virtual Worlds.
Users share a lot of things in virtual worlds using avatar. This removes all geographic barriers. Strengths, Weakness and intellectual capabilities of employees can be very easily judged by the trainer and peers using avatar based interaction in virtual worlds. This can help the trainer provide the training material matching the learning needs of an individual.
Simulation of new concepts and processes:
Organizations generally use road shows, E-learning, audios, videos and newsletters etc. to educate employees about new processes, tools and products. However a live simulation where employee can actually experience the new product or tool is required in some circumstances to remove employee inertia and convince users about the capability of a new product. As an example employees of an automobile manufacturing company might need a new component for auto manufacturing process. By simulating the component for automobile manufacturing in a Virtual World, employees can get a complete experience of using the component and understand the component completely.
The above two learning areas clearly demonstrate a learning need of organizations that can only be fulfilled by Virtual Worlds.
This is a view by Abhijit Sontakey, Infosys' Learning Services.
