Can the metaverse and VR be used as tools to train professionals? : unlocking the potential of the metaverse and VR for professional training

Abstract

This study explores the potential applications of both the metaverse and virtual reality (Virtual Reality (VR)) as instrumental tools for training professionals to enhance their skills. To achieve this, a diverse group of 13 participants, hailing from different professions and backgrounds, were enlisted for an in-depth survey. The survey was methodically divided into three distinct sections: ■ In the initial section, participants were queried about their prevailing work methodologies, their degree of acquaintance with the metaverse and VR, and their perceptions regarding the integration of these technologies in their specific professional arenas. ■ The subsequent section granted participants an immersive experience within the confines of the metaverse. Using a VR headset, they engaged with a meticulously predefined scene replete with intricate 3D models, vivid imagery, and a plethora of interactive elements tailored for exploration and engagement. ■ In the concluding section, participants embarked on a reflective journey, delving into their firsthand experiences with the Metaverse and VR. They provided invaluable feedback, shedding light on any transformative shifts in their perceptions. Additionally, they evaluated the potential ramifications of integrating these avant-garde technologies into both their professional and personal realms. The empirical results of the study unveiled that a significant majority of participants, 9 out of the 13, showcased a proclivity for a hybrid work model—a synergy of on-site and remote activities. Following their immersive VR experience, an overwhelming majority resonated with a profound understanding of VR’s nuances. Moreover, they recognized the metaverse’s potential as a conduit for amplifying creativity and articulating complex subjects more lucidly to their peers. Furthermore, many participants extolled the multifaceted features of the Spacial.io platform, emphasizing its immersive interactivity, lifelike realism, and the unparalleled opportunities it presents for skill augmentation. A pivotal discovery was the therapeutic role of the Metaverse and VR in diminishing anxiety, particularly evident when participants engaged in interactions with colleagues, clients, or during high-stakes presentations. To encapsulate, this study posits the metaverse and VR as transformative tools, poised to revolutionize professional training paradigms, particularly in the age of hybrid work ecosystems. However, it’s imperative to underscore the study’s limited sample size, warranting circumspection in extrapolating these findings universally. For a more holistic understanding, subsequent research endeavors should pivot towards dissecting the long-term trajectories of the metaverse and VR across an expansive spectrum of professional domains, ensuring their optimal and efficacious deployment.