VR Study Highlights the Need for an Adaptive Learning Environment in Industrial Safety Training

Abstract

This novel qualitative study explores the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in augmenting Computer-Based Training (CBT) for energy industry contractors. By immersing participants in four VR simulations, the study delves into the heart of how learners perceive hazardous work environments and emergency procedures in VR. The findings reveal a paradigm shift in learning engagement and comprehension, with VR emerging as a powerful catalyst for cultivating safer work practices in high-risk settings. Participants’ vivid accounts underscore VR's capacity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, however, the study also uncovers critical areas for refinement, including addressing learner hesitancy, optimizing engagement levels, and calibrating the rigor of exercises to ensure effective knowledge transfer. This research not only illuminates a path forward in the need for enhanced safety training but also highlights the need for a more flexible, adaptive learning environment for this specific learning community.