Combining group discussions with immersive VR practice: An occupational safety training model

A training model was developed in design-based research to improve occupational safety training effectiveness by incorporating immersive virtual reality scenarios into training. The main research question was, ‘How should facilitated group learning situations and individual immersive virtual reality training scenarios be designed and combined in a training model to support the trainers and learners in achieving safety training objectives in the sociocultural setting of their workplace?’ Findings from thematic trainer interviews were used to contextualize the model. A mixed-methods approach was applied to study the pedagogical viability of the model and the effects of learner-IVR interactivity on the learners’ IVR experiences and the learning outcomes. Data were collected during training interventions that were carried out in two work organizations. The results indicate that high learner-IVR interactivity supports safety learning outcomes and training transfer; however, awareness of the sociocultural factors in the training context is recommended throughout safety training design, implementation and outcome evaluation. The results were applied in the iteration of the IVR safety training model. They will also advance the study of IVR learning for mature learners and professional development purposes. The model can be adapted to suit other training topics.