By Abbie O’Dell, Charter Communications
This qualitative study considers the relationship between an immersive Virtual Training Environment (VTE) and the post-training confidence of learners, through examining the perceptions of trainers. Study participants were selected from trainers in a large telecommunications organization who provide instruction on software and systems, including those both with and without a VTE. Six participants responded to an online survey containing closed- and open-ended questions that gathered their perceptions of post-training confidence for learners relative to use of a VTE during their training course, and responses were analyzed to identify key topical patterns. The findings indicate a perception that the presence of a VTE provides significant positive impact to the learner experience, and that the absence of one can be equally detrimental. Concepts from the literature, including exploratory and participatory learning, self-directed learning, learning transfer and others were found throughout the participant responses. The findings indicate a clear preference for VTEs and suggest an opportunity for future inquiry to establish the validity of this instructional method.