Why 3D Learning?

The advantage of learning and collaborating in 3D is that it allows the

learner to be immersed in a learning environment that is as close to the

actual performance environment as the learner can get without actually

being there. The 3D environment is more realistic than page turning

e-learning and even more realistic than a classroom environment which

is typically nothing like the actual environment in which the behavior must

occur.

When immersed in a 3D environment, a person is cognitively encoding

the sounds, sights and spatial relationships of the environment and is

behaviorally engaged. The person becomes emotionally involved and

behaves and acts as they would in the actual situation. When this

happens, it allows the learner to more effectively encode the learning for

future recall and provides the cues needed to apply the experience from

the 3D world to actual on-the-job performance. It is learning by doing.

It also provides the opportunities for learners to be online in the same place at the same time looking and interacting with one another. This is far different then simply being logged into the same screen looking at the same slide. The 3D world provides a sense of “being there” which, again, ties to visual and mental cues which makes the recall and application of the learning that occurred in a 3D world more effective.

Virtual environments model the complexities and uncertainty of interacting with physicians in the physical world with opportunities for practice, repetition and shaping of behavior. Learning in 3D virtual worlds drives performance because it allows authentic practice and rehearsal of skills in a realistic environment with appropriate cues.

Advantages of 3D Immersive Learning

Learner cues on visual, auditory and spatial elements of 3D environment which leads to better recall and application of learning.Learner rehearses on-the-job behavior in an environment as close to job environment as possible. (Realistic learning environment)Allows learners at a distance to be in the same place to practice behaviors (not just online at the same time).Learners become emotionally involved in the learning due to realism. Experienced learners can explore more possibilities of dialogue than in a scripted simulation.Sense of “being there” for the learner.