News / October 2023

Revolutionise Human Skills Training Using Immersive VR Technology

In recent years, VR (Virtual Reality) technology has revolutionised the way we learn and develop our soft skills, or as we prefer to call them "human" skills. VR offers an immersive and interactive experience to training that can't be matched by traditional methods. With the help of VR, we can take training, especially diversity, equity, inclusion and leadership skills, to the next level and make it more accessible, enjoyable, and effective for everyone. People Tech Revolution is leading the charge with our Immersive VR Library, making human skills training more accessible and engaging than ever before.

The benefits of VR technology for DEI training

VR training offers a highly engaging and immersive learning experience. By placing learners in realistic virtual environments, VR simulates real-world scenarios, allowing them to practise and refine their communication skills in a safe and controlled setting. Research conducted by PwC in 2020 found that participants in VR training were: 4 times faster to train, 275% more confident to apply their skills, 3.75 times more emotionally connected to the content, and 4 times more focused than their e-learning peers. These are PwC's own published findings about VR-based training generally, not a measurement of PTR's own programs.

VR technology also allows learners to develop empathy and emotional intelligence. By placing them in situations where they must interact with people of different backgrounds, cultures, or abilities, learners can gain a better understanding of DEI and develop skills to build inclusive environments. VR technology offers the opportunity to practise and learn human skills in a cost-effective and scalable way, regardless of learners' physical locations or the complexity of the task at hand. As a result, VR technology is becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of industries, from healthcare to retail and hospitality. However, not all VR solutions are created equal, and that's where PTR comes in.

Why PTR is leading the way

Our VR integrates people's lived experience to create VR that's grounded in real life. The scenarios range from short, easy-to-use experiences to replayable practice conversations and longer empathy and perspective-taking experiences. At People Tech Revolution, we also place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in our VR training. Our modules address a variety of topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and LGBTQ+ awareness. We believe that by exposing individuals to different perspectives, they will be better equipped to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Our library of VR modules provides an engaging and safe space for learners to practise their soft skills without the fear of real-world consequences.

How our VR library enhances skills development

By using our VR technology, organisations can save time and resources while providing high-quality human skills training that is proven to be effective. Our VR solutions provide a scalable and flexible option that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Employees can practise challenging situations in a safe and controlled environment, increasing their confidence and reducing their anxiety levels. Our library of VR modules covers a wide range of human skills, from communication and leadership to teamwork and problem-solving. Each module is designed to provide a realistic and engaging experience, immersing users in scenarios that reflect real-life situations, with instant feedback that helps them learn from their mistakes.

Our VR technology can also be customised to fit the needs of any organisation. Our team works closely with clients to create customised training modules that align with their specific needs and goals, or to create new modules from scratch.

Success story: Mater Education

People Tech Revolution worked with Mater, a leading Australian private hospital group, on a pilot study to enhance its "Speaking with Good Judgement" (SWGJ) program using virtual reality. The objective was to create a safe and immersive learning environment for employees to practise challenging conversations and feedback skills. The use of branched scenarios in VR allowed learners to explore multiple outcomes and consequences, leading to a deeper understanding of SWGJ concepts.

The VR scenarios were co-designed by experts from Mater Education, People Tech Revolution, SWGJ team leads, and the Centre for Medical Simulation. The VR program was delivered to over 60 participants face-to-face across different Mater campuses, and a workshop was held to train SWGJ facilitators on the technology.

Feedback from the pilot study indicated that VR technology significantly enhanced the learning experience, concentration levels, engagement and enjoyment of participants, with the majority of participants experiencing increased concentration and finding the scenarios more engaging than traditional face-to-face delivery. Read the full breakdown of these results on our Mater case study.

The future of human skills training

At People Tech Revolution, we are committed to transforming the human skills training landscape by providing immersive, engaging and effective VR solutions. Our VR library of modules is designed to cater to various industries and business needs, providing a tailored approach to human skills development, from conflict resolution to customer service.