The Workforce Shift
Millennials have become the largest labor force in the United States. As the Baby Boomers begin to filter out of the workforce, a large generational transfer of training and experience must take place. Growing up in a globalized world has shortened the attention span of our new generation and poses a problem for workplace education and training. One answer to this problem lies at the intersection of VR Training and Micro-Learning.
Millennial Workforce Graph
Micro-Learning
Micro-Learning is an education strategy which focuses on individual objectives and short bursts of teaching. For example, a ten minute lecture on computers could be broken down into minute-length explanations on each piece of hardware. Microsoft found that since the year 2000 the average attention span dropped from 12 seconds to eight seconds. They also found that when asked “When nothing is occupying my attention, the first thing I do is reach for my phone,” 77% of people aged 18 to 24 responded “yes.”
Micro-Learning is designed to educate a workforce which has exhibited an unprecedented low attention span and a radical preference for technology. This strategy is so efficient because it makes information digestible, allows for data tracking, and grants a level of flexibility to the trainee.
Online education often utilizes Micro-Learning
Innovations In Training
Despite the advantages of Micro-Learning, there are still problems with its implementation as a solution to workplace training. While online training may benefit those whose jobs involve interpersonal communication and technological utilization, it’s less efficient for skill-based, manual labor positions. One solution is a synthesis of Micro-Learning and Virtual Reality Training.
There are various industries which require technical training and on-site experience. So, training workers online won’t cut it, but in-class training may prove to be too costly to be practical. VR Training is a great solution. It enables on-site, experiential learning, procedural training, and Micro-Learning implementation. Prospective employees can train in any environment necessary, be it a sterile lab or a rustic workshop. Procedural tasks can be executed in VR while data is collected to deliver immediate performance feedback. More importantly, large chunks of information can be broken down into individual modules to gain all the benefits of Micro-Learning.
VR Training and Micro-Learning allow for quick procedural training in any environment
Overall, companies are changing the way they teach as a new wave of employees advances in the workforce. A generation known for a restless attention span and a serious preference for technology requires a progressive approach to employee training. The hybridization of VR training and Micro-Learning fits the bill. It is a powerful way of learning that is revolutionizing the way companies educate employees.
