Virtual Reality and Simulations
Virtual simulations are an effective way to train people on a variety of skills. Simulation training can be used to teach people how to work with new technologies on the job, or how to make the best use of the technology they have. Simulation training is especially effective when teaching skills that are demonstrated within the context of a particular environment. Some examples may include simulation training for operation of heavy equipment such as forklifts or construction equipment, or virtual medical simulations that teach clinicians how to perform medical procedures using new medical devices and interventional suites. Virtual simulations combine a wide variety of media, including live action video, 2D and/or 3D animation, voice-over narration, digital art, 3D interactive immersive environments, and text, images, and documents and integrate into richly interactive training programs that simulate in-person instruction and monitored skills acquisition and practice in realistic environments. As such, they provide a gamified take on instruction and training that is at once compelling, enveloping, and accurate to the real world dynamics of the skills being taught through the virtual simulation.
Virtual Simulations for Businesses
Simulation training has a wide variety of potential applications for businesses. Employee training in particular can benefit from the unique advantages that virtual simulations offer. For businesses that rely upon heavy equipment, virtual simulations can be used to train employees on vehicles and other machinery in a realistic yet risk-free environment. Construction equipment like bulldozers, backhoe loaders, and excavators can all be taught using simulation training. Fork lifts or manufacturing line controls are other potential examples where simulation training can get employees comfortable with how to control dedicated equipment before they approach the real thing. Virtual simulations can also train employees on the maintenance and repair of equipment, providing real time feedback to the decisions made to address problems with vehicles and machines. Training simulations can also be used to help employees develop soft business skills such as time management, new business acquisition, customer service, and more. The immersive and interactive nature of virtual simulations makes this eLearning solution both engaging and highly effective for a wide variety of employee training needs.
Virtual Medical Simulations
Virtual medical simulations are a potent example of what can be combined when eLearning vendors use everything at their disposal to design and develop enveloping, interactive training programs. Virtual medical simulations are useful in instructing clinicians on the use of new medical devices and interventional suites, providing a realistic yet risk-free environment to hone skills. Virtual medical simulations can also be used to train clinicians on how to improve their diagnostic processes, or how to perform new medical procedures. Virtual medical simulations are useful wherever there is a need to train clinicians on skills that require care to develop, and where there is a desire to sharply limit risk in actual clinical practice. Virtual medical simulations also offer the advantage of providing a standardized training program that can be distributed to a mass audience and verified through testing and certification, helping to lower liability burdens. As more and more organizations move towards lean operational standards, virtual medical simulations present a great opportunity to offer serious learning that doesn’t require human direction and assessment.
Example: Philips XperGuide Virtual Medical Simulation
DDA has lead the industry in development virtual medical simulations, creating its first one for Philips Healthcare in 2010, the XperGuide virtual medical simulation. The XperGuide virtual medical simulation design features an interactive immersive environment that reproduces the look and feel of an actual operating room. The XperGuide virtual medical simulation begins with live action video of a spokesperson in the simulated OR introducing the XperGuide interventional suite, what it does, how it works, and how its used. Next, a passive simulation takes the trainee step by step on how to use the XperGuide to perform the cardiovascular procedure. Finally, trainees are tasked to reproduce the procedure themselves, being handed the controls and required to perform the operation according to the steps as laid out in the passive simulation. Users are provided feedback in real time, and can receive hints for any mistakes they make. Once they successfully complete the program, they receive a personalized certificate of completion. The XperGuide was named Philips Best in Class iPad App, and later brought DDA its first Tabby Award for Best Medical iPad App of 2012, the first year it was issued. The application was so successful that Philips Healthcare even found doctors working on the program during their lunch break.
Virtual Simulation Development by DDA
DDA offers robust custom eLearning design and development to businesses and organizations of all kinds. Founded in 1994, DDA has a long history of pioneering new digital and interactive multimedia technologies that help push the envelope of what’s possible while remaining accessible to a broader range of clientele. From becoming the first digital photography studio in Pennsylvania and one of the first all digital video studios in the country, to evolving one of the first SEO programs, creating custom eCommerce platforms, to designing and developing corporate and medical eLearning platforms, including virtual simulations, DDA has what it takes to find creative eLearning solutions to challenges that leverage the latest technologies for the creation of the most effective learning and training platforms available today. DDA performs all its services in house, with no outsourcing, ensuring full control of the design and development process, and allowing for a dynamic client relationship that allows DDA to maximize potential value as new opportunities are found. This unique virtually integrated structure is key to how DDA offers such exceptional service, making it among the top eLearning companies in the USA.
You can learn more about the wide variety of eLearning technologies DDA deploys in its platforms by exploring this website further. If you have any specific ideas for an eLearning development project you would like to discuss in greater detail, be sure to contact DDA today.
