Study Shows Virtual Reality-Based Training Effective and Efficient

November 14, 1997

Contact:
Karen Lauterbach
Phone: (919) 541-5960; Fax: (919) 541-6515; E-mail: [email protected]

Study Shows Virtual Reality-Based Training Effective and Efficient

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- Virtual Reality (VR)-based training for learning equipment maintenance skills improves traineesí ability to acquire and perform critical skills, increases the number of students who can be trained, and reduces the overall cost of gaining and maintaining critical skills, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) investigators found in a recent study. The RTI team also found that VR-based training reduces total training time by up to 50%.

In addition, the RTI study showed that VR-based training: ∑ Reduces reliance on expensive and hard-to-get equipment ∑ Teaches skills on one type of equipment that can be transferred to other, similar equipment ∑ Works for both initial training of novices and refresher training of experienced workers ∑ Is engaging and easy-to-use for individual students as well as for small working groups ∑ Is perceived as improving the learnerís ability to retain knowledge ∑ Integrates efficiently with other training methods

RTI conducted the study of VR-based training at the US Army National Guard Regional Training Sites for Maintenance at Ft. Dix, NJ, and Ft. Stewart, GA, in August 1997. RTI researchers tested and observed soldiers, both experienced and inexperienced, in different training environments, including instruction on the actual equipment and on a VR, multimedia, computer-based training program. The RTI study was funded by the US Army National Guard.

"VR-based training can make the learning process more effective and promote efficient use of resources," says Dr. Robert Helms, one of the studyís authors. "These capabilities make VR-based training a valuable tool for industrial and military organizations. They are both facing requirements to cut training costs and reduce training time, and they are also trying to meet the needs of a changing workforce." He also indicates that more studies of the effectiveness and efficiency of VR-based training are needed.

For more information on this study, on conducting effectiveness evaluations for other applications, or on how training applications can be re-engineered to take advantage of the benefits of Virtual Reality, contact one of the study authors:

∑ Robert F. Helms, PhD - (919) 541-7166; E-mail: [email protected] ∑ Robert Hubal, PhD - (919) 541-6045; E-mail: [email protected] ∑ Suzanne Triplett, PhD - (919) 541-6542; E-mail: [email protected]

Additional information can be found on RTIís website at www.rti.org/vr/.

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