Transform Flight Training with Immersive Learning
Aviation students must master a vast amount of knowledge to become skilled pilots, but keeping students engaged throughout a course can be tough. With attention spans shrinking and distractions everywhere, learning becomes less effective.
On top of it all, many flight schools today still use outdated training methods. This problem stems from not understanding students' needs and failing to embrace modern learning methods.
So, what's the secret to solving these challenges?
To maximize student success, every flight school should embrace immersive learning.
What is immersive learning and how should we use it?
Learning is essential for everyone. But in today's tech-driven world, constant distractions make it harder to focus and learn effectively.
Larry Rosen, professor emeritus of psychology at California State University, studied productivity among 260 students. He found they could only study for an average of 6 minutes before switching tasks. This shows how difficult it is to stay focused, especially when studying long paper manuals.
Moreover, students often find it monotonous to sit in a classroom for hours. To address this, instructors are looking for ways to combat the boredom and make learning more engaging and effective.
According to the eLearning Industry portal, immersive learning involves using a simulated or artificial environment to fully engage students in the learning process which helps them with their confidence.
Although immersive learning is often linked to virtual reality (VR) for complete digital immersion, it can also be achieved without VR equipment.
By applying immersive learning, you can bring abstract scenarios to life and provide students with access to virtual environments. This method not only reduces distractions but also reduces monotony, making it a secure and effective way to learn.
Immersive vs Experiential learning
Although immersive learning and experiential learning are closely related, they have key differences. Here are some distinctions to note:
Recently, flight schools have begun using immersive technologies in aviation training to provide students with modern learning techniques, improving training quality and boosting pass rates.
Instructors should also receive thorough training to fully understand how to implement immersive learning in their teaching methods.
Simulation training
Simulation-based training uses technology to create realistic scenarios. Instructors can recreate real-world situations with basic computer software and editing skills. Students learn specific procedures in various scenarios, preparing them for actual flight conditions. This method is highly effective for immersive pilot training.
Pro Tip: Add playful and exploratory real-life scenarios to your e-learning courses. This simulates a real environment, engaging your students in the training. Experiencing procedures in a digital simulation helps students apply their knowledge in real-life situations, especially in emergencies or unusual conditions.
Role play
Role-playing helps students learn, improve, and develop the skills needed for a specific position. It allows them to practice and simulate actual working conditions and tasks required for their role.
Pro Tip: Integrate role-playing into your courses. Design e-learning courses where students can experience their role's responsibilities. Place them in a virtual aircraft to understand airline crew organization and procedures. This method encourages full engagement and enhances their understanding and performance.
Virtual learning environment
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a distance learning platform that holds diverse course materials, exams, assessments, and other tools to enhance the classroom experience. VLEs are often combined with Learning Management Systems (LMS), enabling remote learning.
Pro Tip: Provide your students with virtual trainers accessible anytime, anywhere. This is especially beneficial for those who need to travel for physical classes. Accessing virtual aircraft on their mobile devices improves pre-flight preparation and boosts their confidence.
Why is immersive learning effective?
If you're still wondering why immersive pilot training is crucial, here are its key benefits:
Distraction-free environment
Immersive learning creates a focused space helping students concentrate better and process more information.
Increased motivation
Immersive learning can boost your students' motivation. Greater engagement leads to higher motivation levels.
Interactive environment
Immersive learning offers a highly interactive and playful virtual environment, enhancing knowledge retention through exploratory content.
Suitable for everyone
Immersive learning benefits learners, from experienced pilots to young aspiring students.
Safe learning space
Practicing new procedures in real life can be risky. Immersive learning provides a safe, risk-free environment by recreating real-life scenarios within e-learning courses and virtual trainers.
Immersive training is the way to go!
Implementing immersive learning maximizes effectiveness, prepares students for real-life situations, and leads to better results. Provide your students with updated information through digital real-life training.
