Virtual reality supports mechatronics training at the German vocational college in Kronach. The training of dangerous situations in particular should be an advantage.
Practical experience is important in the trades. If a mistake is made in the real world, for example when replacing an electricity meter or pulling an NH fuse, the worst-case scenario could result in personal injury or damage to property. VR enables precise and risk-free training of dangerous scenarios from everyday working life.
In collaboration with the Institute for Information Systems at Hof University of Applied Sciences (iisys), the vocational school in Kronach has therefore launched a VR project for training in hazardous scenarios.
In a virtual technology room, students practise basic work steps, such as changing meters or pulling fuses: Switch off the system, prevent it from being switched on again, check the voltage, use an insulating mat and insulated gloves. If an error occurs when carrying out technical work steps in VR, the learning environment reacts and the work step starts again from the beginning.
Learning with safety
"In reality, we would never let our students pull such fuses while energised. The project gives us the chance to make it possible for them to experience the real danger," says vocational school teacher Thomas Böhm with conviction.
"The VR application allows students to experience things that are either too expensive or too dangerous in the real world - like an electric shock," says Prof. Dr René Peinl from Hof University of Applied Sciences, explaining the benefits of the programme.
VR training has been an integral part of the curriculum at the vocational college in Kronach since May 2022.
Learning in VR: only advantages?
VR training also increases the students' attentiveness. According to those responsible, the new, immersive training even triggers enthusiasm in some cases. However, the focus is of course on the practical benefits. "The project was interesting for me because I had previously tried out working in an unpowered environment - here I was able to experience a specific emergency," says student spokesperson Niklas Diller.
However, it remains to be seen what effects the constant, risk-free VR training has on risk awareness during actual execution in reality. The hand movements are perfectly trained - but does this possibly blunt the awareness of the actual risk? Further basic research needs to be carried out here.
Source: Mixed
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