Firstly Augmented Reality is a technology that lets us see the real world in front of us with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. We interact with AR on a daily basis, for instance, the 10-yard line which is displayed as a yellow line in the NFL and Pokemon Go. We can also make use of Microsoft’s hololens which recognize objects around us and could assist us with step by step instructions for fixing a bike. Naturally, we are going to look at how AR capability can benefit training and learning. Firstly AR can help with the upskilling process as we can acquire skills on demand depending on the training scenario. This means operational staff doesn’t need a comprehensive knowledge of a machine in order to operate it. Rather with AR, they can now receive step by step instructions as to how to proceed. This means an inexperienced worker can perform unfamiliar tasks and procedures to high standards without previous training. The ability to connect to external support via the device’s camera would allow us to connect with experts who could coach or assess the process at hand.

In our previous video we discussed the pro’s and con’s of online tutorials, in this video we are going to discuss the implementation of virtual reality into our learning process. Virtual reality or VR refers to a simulation in which we can interact with an artificially made world by using a headset. VR was initially used for entertainment purposes and gaming. But recently VR has been used to help train people who would otherwise be exposed to high-risk situations such as emergency surgeries and military training. It also has found its way into technical skills training. Ultimately VR has incredible potential in the educational sector. It will give much more value to learning, as you will be able to apply what you have learned almost immediately. It could also help learners establish at a quicker rate what their interests are, as you will experience the application of your field of study. It will also help us save vast amounts of time to go from novice to expert in fields where the use of VR is applicable.

In this next video, Christo will be discussing his experiences with online tutorials. Online tutorials make use of a tutor or instructor who assists and teaches very specific content to learners. In other words, you can picture online tutorials as virtual classrooms, where specific subjects are taught or specific problems are solved. We look forward to hearing Christo's insights and his remaining videos as he experiences different learning methods.

MOOC's became popular in 2012 with the aim of democratising higher education by offering courses from top universities that can be accessed by anyone for free. This enabled us to find a wide range of courses from all over the world on individual websites. Have a look at Christo,s experience with MOOC's

In this, our second instalment in the quest to offer an even-handed assessment of digital learning methods and mediums, Christo delves a bit deeper into the powerful educational tool that is E-learning. He highlights the overwhelming positives of this process, at the same time being mindful of its underlying limitations. A balanced review deserving of a quick look & listen.

If you want to learn, it is vital that you retain what you have learned – irrespective of the nature thereof - theory or knowledge. To achieve success, you are required to be in the right frame of mind and environment. It stands to reason then that the key to your success is located in subject interest, combined with ample motivation and perseverance. However, this is not always the case. Often, the correct or suitable learning tools and methods achieve the best outcome in the most efficient manner. The following video serves as an introduction to a series featuring Christo, a 30-year-old professional, sharing his career journey with us and the different learning methods he has been exposed to.

Practeria has proven the benefits of employing immersive technology into skills training. As part of work conducted for the Innovation Centre for Industry 4.0 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we blended VR & AR applications with on-the-job training which resulted in a traditional 18-month CNC Operator course being reduced to 12 weeks. The VR scenario of machine coordinates setting has provided risk-free and engaging ways of developing practical, job-specific skills for CNC Machine Operators on how to set up machine coordinates.

To prove that visualisation of objects in 3D can help Engineering students to read and understand complex technical drawings, we have built this AR scenario. Here the learner must match physical drawings with its equivalent in 3D. The 3D models represent parts of an injection mould. The learner must assemble the mould putting together parts in the right sequence. This includes mould components, screws, and other elements. The scenario allows students to visualise each part and practice the assembly process over and over before assembling the actual mould. AR technology has great potential in Engineering and Construction where object design and technical drawings play a vital role in many processes.