Virtual Hands-On Learning: Bringing A New Paradigm To Higher Education

Even a decade ago, the training preference of students went with classroom-based lectures.

At that time, the interactive dimension of the training or virtual hands-on learning process was unimaginable. Hence, the entire training process of higher education like engineering and medical pivoted around classroom settings.

Such training methods did not appear faulty and broken until VR for medical training emerged into the picture.

Since Virtual Reality came into the picture, the world has experienced new things, turning the unimaginable possible. Excessive internet penetration in education paved the way for VR in teaching and training.

Similar to the other industries, the broken teaching and learning methods have vehemently allured technological disruption.

And one such disruption is virtual hands-on learning.

It is changing the entire process of knowledge sharing and skill practicing.

The global Virtual Reality in the education market will grow to $13,098.2 million by 2026. (Fortune Business Insights)

The immersive and interactive hands-on learning approach has brought a new knowledge-sharing and consumption era. 

By and large, the hands-on training approach pivots around students' performance and future productivity. Hence, the effectiveness of this learning method is substantial.

Here, we will focus on the benefits VR hands-on training and learning method has brought to higher studies.

What Is Virtual Hands-On Learning?

The training industry is titanic.

According to the reports from Forbes, almost $300 billion people spend on corporate and educational training every year.

From embarking on new skill development to honing practical knowledge, students are leaning towards virtual practical training these days.

As a result, the virtual practical training space is snowballing.

 

●      Hands-on training refers to a specific learning process that incorporates the practical elements within and beyond the textbook.

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●      In mechanical engineering or medical training, students can enhance their theoretical knowledge by practicing with practical elements.

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●      For instance, software engineering students will learn how to use, implement, or deploy specific software tools within a safe environment.

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●      A virtual hands-on learning environment offers students a more immersive, interactive, and controlled training environment.

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●      In the case of chemical engineering also, students can experiment with chemicals in a safer environment. Safe experimentation with chemicals is almost impossible in conventional practical training.

Virtual Hands-On Learning Advantages for Higher Education

Researchers have found that people learn the most and retain it for long when learning is real-time hands-on.

Knowledge acquisition often implies storing all the titbits of topics within the syllabus in your head. Can there be anything more effective than hands-on training to toss all the learning details in your brain? 

Let's unveil the answer while discussing the benefits of virtual hands-on learning for higher education.

Attentiveness gets improved

Every student, from class 8 to graduation, has been there.

The long lectures seem monotonous. Your head is fighting with the eyes, telling them to stay open.

It is not like students can comprehend lectures or study materials.

They are getting bored with the traditional learning system.

The hands-on learning approach breathe life into the conventional learning system. The immersive and interactive practical learning sessions pump interest and enthusiasm into the students' brains regarding the lessons.

For instance, VR-fuelled hands-on training on human anatomy helps medical students to understand each part of the human body with full attention.

When there is interest in lessons, unaltered attention is evident.

Experiments Become a Piece Of Cake

Experiments and research become an inseparable part of the education program in higher studies.

However, the educational institutes must ensure a safer environment for experiments and research, especially with machines, software, chemicals, Etc.

In contrast to conventional laboratories, VR laboratories are safe and sound. There are no longer any fears of chemical explosions or getting injured while handling heavy equipment.

Students can initiate any kind of experiment with machines, tools, or chemical substances by immersing themselves.

Consequently, by nurturing their hands-on experimentation skill, students begin discovering their interests, strength, and vulnerabilities.

Hence, VR hands-on learning suit multiple experimentations perfectly. Moreover, it gives students a real feel for their potential careers.

When Learning Becomes Personalized

Some students' brains are like sponges. They can easily absorb knowledge received through lectures and study materials. At the same time, some students face difficulty in understanding specific topics through conventional classes. They require a repetitive learning approach to grasp the subject matter.

It is possible with hands-on training.

Real-time hands-on learning engages students' senses. Hence, it promotes cognitive learning.

In a virtual practical learning session, students can repeat the actions according to their individual learning requirements.

Suppose a VR in science student finds it difficult to understand how to remove cancerous tissue from a patient's bowel. He can repeat the process, again and again, to master the surgery in a virtual practical learning environment.

For another example, a mechanical engineering student is facing trouble in handling heavy industrial equipment. He can practice the equipment handling in VR practical sessions to sharpen his skill.

Hence, VR practical learning sessions allow students to personalize the learning content according to their requirements.

Enhanced Critical Thinking

No doubt, looking at a picture of machines or the human brain doesn't have as much impact as real-time practicing. 

However, there is another thing hands-on practice evokes in students' minds.

It is the critical thinking ability.

In VR-driven practical sessions, students' critical thinking ability gets heightened.

The interactive, hands-on training boosts the problem-solving corner of the students' minds.

Consequently, they are no longer required to rely on the words of a textbook or memorize the lectures to solve a problem.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, a virtual practical learning environment facilitates students' learning abilities, fostering their critical thinking expertise. In a virtual training session, students can make mistakes, incorporate infinite experiments, and practice their doubts. Even if the errors are countless, it never matters.

VR hands-on learning undoubtedly holds many benefits compared to the traditional classroom or practical classes.

As a whole, it is not possible to break students' connection with textbooks and lectures entirely. However, experiential learning holds a better impact on students' brains.

Hence, the effect of simulated hands-on practical classes is peerless, whether VR medical training or AR civil engineering training sessions.