I Feel the Need for Speed: Empirical Evidence of the Effectiveness of VR Training Technology on Knowledge and Skill Acquisition

Abstract

The U.S. Air Force (AF) is invested in improving the effectiveness of training. In this pursuit, the AF recently explored the application of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) for aircraft maintenance technical training via a prototype course. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of this prototype aircraft maintenance training curriculum and training environment that leveraged modern AR/VR capabilities, instructional methodologies, and assessment techniques. This paper describes a quasi-experimental study comparing the AR/VR-based course with the traditional aircraft maintenance course taught using conventional instructional methods, such as classroom lectures and hands-on demonstrations at part-task training stations. Results indicate that students in the AR/VR course completed the course in half the time while scoring slightly lower on knowledge and skill assessments. This study offers both exciting insights into the potential of VR utilization in the training environment and a better understanding of the challenges involved in future integration of VR technologies into training.