Training transfer, a dated issue, takes new perspective when considering designing a virtual environment (VE) best suited for application to the real-world. A review of three key design theories is provided. An outline follows of the basic components, limitations, and future directions for Identical Elements Theory, Principles Theory, and Near and Far Transfer Theory. Discussion surrounding theory applicability to a variety of fields including route mapping, medical, and pilot training encourages serious evaluation of the evidence supporting any one theory capable of accounting for all training transfer from VE systems and the probability of training capable of transferring for all fields.
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