Immersive learning: What is it and how to bring it to life

Imagine being on a busy sales floor or at a construction site — able to practice making real-world decisions without having to be there. That’s the power of immersive learning: it lets you step into lifelike environments to build and refine your skills. This approach is revolutionizing corporate training, making it more realistic and effective than ever with tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Research even shows it can boost knowledge retention by up to 75%. And thanks to AI, creating these experiences is easier and more affordable than you might think.

So, what’s immersive learning, and how can you bring it to life in your corporate training programs? Let’s dive in!

What is immersive learning?

In an immersive learning experience, learners are not just observers, they’re in the driver’s seat. In a nutshell, immersive learning is a pedagogical approach that bridges the gap between learning and doing. It offers learners a safe, typically digital space to practice and perfect skills.

Originally developed with flight simulators, immersive learning now uses various engagement methods to create real-world training experiences.

Different ways of immersive learning

• Interactive scenarios

Created through branching paths, scenario-based training allows learners’ decisions to drive outcomes. Perfect for developing soft skills like leadership and sales.

• Virtual reality (VR)

Fully immersive environments for deep engagement, ideal for complex scenarios like medical training or machinery operation.

• Augmented reality (AR)

Overlays digital information into the real world, enhancing tasks like product assembly and customer interaction.

• 3D simulations

Virtual spaces where learners can safely practice skills, such as navigating a construction site, without real-world risks.

Role of avatars and characters

In immersive learning, creating relatable experiences is key. Characters can play a crucial role in making scenarios feel dynamic and engaging. They add depth and realism, turning training into memorable, lifelike experiences. Our favorite type are 3D animated characters, especially when they’re high-quality and versatile like the ones in We Are. These truly bring content to life, making training as impactful as possible.

Why immersive learning for corporate training

Immersive learning is more than a trend, it’s a game-changer, especially when combined with AI. A study by PwC found that employees trained with VR were up to 4X faster to train and 275% more confident in applying what they learned compared to traditional methods. Here’s why immersive learning is a game-changer for corporate environments:

• Deep engagement

Immersive environments captivate learners, keeping their attention and curiosity alive.

• Lasting retention

Active participation helps learners retain information, making skills easier to recall and apply.

• Practical application

It bridges the gap between theory and practice, leading to better on-the-job performance.

• Efficient creation with AI

AI makes it easier to create immersive learning content, automating tasks such as scriptwriting, making it easy to create adaptive learning experiences. No specialized skills needed!

Scenario-based learning has been a go-to in corporate training, especially for soft skills like sales, customer service, and leadership. Immersive learning takes this further, offering realistic environments where employees can practice in real-world scenarios.

As tech advances and Gen Z enters the workforce, immersive learning meets their tech-savvy expectations. In fact, 94% of Gen Z believes technology is essential to their education, highlighting the need for interactive, VR, and AR-driven training.

Tips for immersive learning content

Ready to jump in? Instructional designer, Stine S. Snekkenes shares 6 tips to help you create immersive learning experiences.

In sum, Stine from We Are Learning recommends that you:

1. Tell a relatable story
2. Let learners make choices
3. Captivate from the start
4. Embrace failure
5. Customize the experience
6. Leverage AI

"I am super excited that I get to create real-life scenario-based training every day. And AI-powered immersive learning is a real game-changer," shares this learning design pro.

Examples of immersive learning in action

Seeing is believing, and immersive learning truly shines when you see it in action! Here are some examples:

Retail training in action

Imagine training your retail team in a virtual store created with We Are. Employees can practice everything from customer service to inventory management, all within a highly interactive 3D animated environment. Here’s a sample We Are Story.

Safety training in action

In the Story below, employees can face a common situation in a controlled virtual environment, learning critical safety procedures without the real-world risks.

Want to create your own interactive, immersive content piece like these? At We Are Learning, we call these Stories. Start your We Are free trial today.

How to get started with immersive learning

Excited to bring immersive learning to your team? Here’s how to get started:

• Define objectives

Identify key training areas like onboarding or skills development where immersive learning can make an impact.

• Start simple

Kick-off with an explainer video or a basic interactive simulation.

• Choose the right tool

Opt for AI-powered, user-friendly content creation tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems. Note: high-quality visuals make a big difference!

• Test and refine

Roll out your first project to a small group, gather feedback, and fine-tune.

• Keep innovating

Continuously experiment with new formats — immersive learning thrives on creativity.

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This approach is more than a new way to train. Immersive learning is about creating experiences that don’t just educate — they inspire and empower your team to achieve greatness. Why wait to jump on the bandwagon? The future of training is here, and it’s immersive.

Think creating immersive content is out of your reach? Think again! With We Are, anyone can create 3D animated videos and interactive simulations like a pro. Get started with We Are for free today.