Games to boost your “self”.

Today’s skills shape tomorrow’s successes. In an ever-changing professional context, traditional training methods are reaching their limits. This is where serious games make perfect sense: these innovative tools, which combine fun, engagement, and learning, are redefining the way technical (hard skills) and behavioral (soft skills) competencies are developed. Combining immersion and interaction, they offer much more than just entertainment: an active educational experience designed to firmly embed knowledge and stimulate reflection.

Serious games vs gamified training, what are the differences?

Serious games are playful experiences designed for educational or informational purposes. A serious game is a well-structured game, governed by rules, and focused on a specific educational goal: to transmit knowledge, develop skills, or promote behavioral changes.

This is how they are distinguished from other gamified training, such as:

  • Gamified e-learning, modules enriched with storytelling, quizzes, or mini-games, which make learning more engaging.
  • Simulation games that recreate realistic professional situations to allow learners to practice safely.

Active learning: the core of the serious game.

Like video games, serious games immerse players in unconventional universes, sometimes far from their daily reality or professional life. The learner takes on a role and thus becomes an active participant in their learning.

This active role promotes:

  • Attention: Without attention, there can be no understanding or memorization!
  • Involvement: The chosen game mechanisms encourage the learner to make decisions in context. This allows them to more easily grasp certain concepts and develop skills.
  • Motivation: Solving puzzles, earning rewards, surprising, and sparking curiosity help maintain the learner’s motivation and emotional involvement. According to Dale’s Cone of Experience, the more an activity engages the senses and the learner’s involvement, the more effective it is.
  • Memory: Serious Games create immersive scenarios that trigger emotions (positive stress, satisfaction from success, curiosity). These emotions facilitate the encoding of memories and, by extension, the long-term memorization of concepts and skills.

"Introducing play into pedagogy is about wanting to mix pleasure and work."

Chantal Barthélémy-Ruiz

The game is an experimental field where failure is allowed, promoting learning in a safe and engaging environment.

According to several studies*, this learning through action increases knowledge retention by 20 to 30% compared to traditional methods. To go even further, real-time feedback guides the user in their progress and strengthens confidence in their own abilities.

Thus, immersing the learner in a context far from their daily life allows them to stimulate reflections and develop key skills transferable to professional situations. Some examples:

  • Cognitive skills: critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving.
  • Social skills: leadership, teamwork, conflict management.
  • Technical skills: mastery of complex processes.
  • Professional skills: time management, organization, strategy.

Serious games in the service of soft skills.

Learning through play helps develop important social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Immersed in unconventional worlds, players are made aware of concepts (e.g., emotional intelligence, stress or conflict management) that they can put into practice in real-life situations. They can thus experiment with specific behaviors (active listening, decision-making) in safe environments without real consequences.

By repeating scenarios, players gain confidence. Confidence is essential for applying acquired skills in the real world. Serious games provide non-judgmental environments where failure is seen as a learning step. Positive and personalized feedback enhances motivation and personal satisfaction. Scenarios with progressive difficulty help users become aware of their progress, thereby strengthening their sense of competence.

For example, in a serious game on team management, the user can test different approaches to motivate their team members.

Serious games in the service of hard skills.

Integrated into a well-thought-out educational path, serious games are also suitable tools for developing hard skills, these technical skills specific to a job or task. In industries, healthcare, and many other fields, they are highly valued for training or raising awareness about best safety practices. For example, a medical simulation game designed by Audace allows teaching clinical protocols or diagnostic techniques.

Measuring progress: an asset for companies.

With integrated analysis tools, Serious Games provide precise indicators to evaluate learners’ performance and progress. These data help identify strengths, target areas for improvement, and adjust training paths. By making results tangible, they not only strengthen learners’ confidence but also that of organizations in their educational programs.

Serious games at Audace: discover some inspiring creations.

Here are some examples of serious games developed by Audace in various fields:

Montpellier SupAgro
Serious Game Down by the Sea

A multiplayer serious game to apply socio-economic knowledge in a Master's program.

Click here

Skema Business School
Serious Game La Table de Marie

A multiplayer and multi-award-winning serious game for training on the challenges of Knowledge Management.

Click here

Carsat
Serious Game Trajet Gagnant

This serious game, with its original and game-inspired setting, challenges you to balance driving and coactivity!

Click here

Keolis - Business Game
Formation Managers

A multiplayer serious game to validate senior executives' ability to synchronize and optimize their actions.

Click here

Halle aux Sucres
Serious Game Deviens un Exp'Air

An educational serious game to introduce the pillars of sustainable development and the impact of human constructions.

Click here

CHU Rouen - Serious Game
Gestion de l'urgence en EHPAD

Two playful training programs to train healthcare professionals in emergency management in nursing homes and key steps in a care pathway.

Click here

Orano - Serious Game
Risk Prevention

Inspired by a famous TV series, this virtual reality serious game trains operators in safety within the nuclear industry.

Click here

Metrology
Serious Game Metrology

An educational serious game to introduce the pillars of sustainable development and the impact of human constructions.

Click here

As you may have understood, The dynamics of the game is not just a mere gimmick., but a lever to engage the learner in an active process of discovery and learning. Adopting serious games in professional training means choosing a method that combines engagement, effectiveness, and personal development. By transforming the world of training, serious games leverage the emotional and immersive power of games to offer much more than just a fun moment: a true educational experience. Placed at the center of the experience, the learner undergoes a real interactive and stimulating experience, where each victory, each progression contributes to boosting their “self” — and preparing a more assured professional future.

When the Serious Game reinvents repetitive training

Some professional training programs, although essential, suffer from a well-known syndrome: boredom. Workplace safety, cybersecurity, medical protocols, … these vital topics are repeated throughout careers. But how can we captivate employees who feel like they’ve “seen it all”?

This is where the Serious Game makes a difference, transforming these mandatory trainings into interactive and engaging experiences. With unique, sometimes unconventional, and immersive scenarios, it renews learners’ interest while enhancing their skills.

An immersion that challenges certainties.

Rather than recycling the usual theoretical instructions, the Serious Game offers scenarios where the learner becomes an active participant. These simulations can even challenge their certainties by confronting them with dilemmas, unforeseen events, or immersing them in an unfamiliar world. This active approach stimulates reflection and further engages participants.

Concrete examples of applications

  • Fire safety: Instead of a reminder of procedures, the learner experiences an emergency evacuation with unexpected obstacles: power outage, victim to rescue, decisions to be made under pressure. The experience simulates real stress, strengthening reflexes.
  • Terrorist threat: An interactive session immerses the player in a public place. They must detect suspicious behavior and make quick decisions, which directly influence the scenario.
  • Blood transfusion protocol: A realistic simulation introduces medical complications requiring rigorous collaboration and strict adherence to protocols. Each step becomes a critical issue.

These immersive approaches go beyond simple theoretical repetition, renewing interest and firmly embedding skills.

Why it works: science in the service of learning

The success of Serious Games is based on solid neuroscientific foundations. Active learning, which involves challenges and interactions, triggers the release of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter for motivation and memory. This strengthens neural connections and ensures the lasting retention of knowledge.

Moreover, emotional immersion engages the hippocampus, which is essential for memory. By combining emotions and actions, the Serious Game far surpasses traditional methods in terms of knowledge retention.

A major advantage for Generation Z

Accustomed to dynamic digital experiences, Generation Z is particularly receptive to interactive and immersive formats. The Serious Game captures their attention while meeting their need for continuous evaluation through personalized feedback.

These systems, which break away from traditional training, appeal to this generation in search of stimulating and visual content.

Versatile applications

With Audace, the serious game has already adapted to various sectors and challenges, showcasing its versatility. A few examples among many others:

  • Nuclear risk prevention: Orano draws inspiration from the series Lost to create a scenario where the player, a survivor of a crash, must complete complex tasks while adhering to the safety protocols of their professional environment to survive.
  • Cybersecurity: Naval Group offers a game where the player takes on the role of a spy, testing the company’s digital defenses, effectively raising awareness of best practices.
  • Crisis management: Keolis uses interactive simulations to refine the decision-making and interpersonal skills of its managers facing passenger incidents.

These examples show that the Serious Game goes far beyond theoretical learning, offering experiences rich in practical lessons.

The Serious Game redefines professional training by making it more engaging and interactive. With immersive scenarios, solid neuroscientific foundations, and an approach designed for new generations, it transforms routine topics into stimulating and enriching experiences.

Whether it’s to master technical skills, raise awareness of risks, or improve behaviors, the Serious Game has become a key tool to revitalize training that has become ineffective.

With this method, each training becomes a unique learning opportunity, placing motivation and effectiveness at the heart of the experience.

How does Unity 6 facilitate the design and deployment of serious games?

The release of Unity 6 this fall, the latest version of the world’s most widely used game engine, marks a significant advancement in the creation and deployment of serious games. With its advanced features and integration of artificial intelligence, Unity 6 offers more engaging and personalized training experiences, while simplifying their deployment. Here’s how this new version meets the expectations of training professionals.

Artificial intelligences for more realistic interactions

Unity 6 relies on artificial intelligence to transform interactions in virtual environments.

With Sentis, learning becomes more immersive and interactive. This AI enables non-playable characters (NPCs) to adapt their behaviors to the actions of learners. For example, in crisis management training, NPCs react dynamically to the strategic choices of users, enriching the scenarios and making the experiences unique. Sentis also enhances realism by integrating features such as real-time deformation of objects or vegetation movement, strengthening overall immersion.

Additionally, the integration of the Entity Component System (ECS) pipeline facilitates the management of complex environments populated with thousands of objects, while ensuring optimal smoothness, even on devices with limited capabilities.

MUSE, another key innovation, simplifies the creation and customization of visual content. With this AI, developers can automatically generate high-quality textures while optimizing images for high-definition rendering, including on mobile screens or standalone VR headsets.

Thus, the integration of the Sentis and Muse AIs in this sixth version of Unity makes the gaming experiences more immersive, realistic, and engaging.

An integrated multiplayer collaboration

Beyond individual interactions, Unity 6 introduces integrated multiplayer features: a real advantage for collaborative Serious Games.

This advancement allows for simulating environments where learners can interact in real time, collaborate on virtual projects, or solve collective problems. These collaborative dynamics strengthen essential skills such as communication and teamwork, which are highly sought after in the professional environment.

A simplified cross-platform deployment

One of Unity 6’s strengths lies in its ability to simplify the deployment of Serious Games across a wide range of platforms.

Thanks to the integration of WebGPU and an increase in the allocated RAM for the web (from 2 to 4 GB), the training sessions remain smooth and efficient, even on browsers or mobile devices.

Unity 6 thus facilitates the deployment of serious games on a wide range of platforms, including:

  • Desktop computers
  • Game consoles
  • Mobile devices
  • Virtual reality headsets
  • Web

From the developers’ side, Unity 6 offers a major advantage: a single codebase for all platforms. This eliminates the need for rewriting, thus reducing costs and accelerating production. This simplification makes Unity 6 particularly attractive for companies looking to optimize their resources.

Optimized performance for a better user experience.

Unity 6 also improves technical performance, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

First, the optimization of the load between the processor (CPU) and the graphics processor (GPU) ensures smooth rendering, even for the most complex environments. Additionally, new performance analysis tools help developers identify and fix bottlenecks, ensuring continuous optimization. Finally, Unity 6’s advanced occlusion system allows the game engine to automatically ignore non-visible areas, reducing overall load and further enhancing fluidity.

Graphics and Lighting: A Qualitative Leap

The Render Graph system, compatible with the URP, optimizes graphic performance, especially on mobile devices, while providing precise and post-processed renders. Meanwhile, adaptive lighting, thanks to Scenario Blending, ensures smooth transitions between different lighting conditions (day/night) while maintaining impeccable quality. HDR formats further enhance visual depth, bringing a new dimension to virtual environments.

These graphic innovations enhance immersion, making Serious Games even more captivating.

With Unity 6, businesses and training professionals benefit from a powerful tool to go beyond traditional Serious Games. Its advancements in artificial intelligence, multiplatform compatibility, performance optimization, and graphic realism simplify development, reduce costs, and enrich the learner experience. Whether it’s for creating realistic simulations, promoting collaborative work, or deploying content across various platforms, Unity 6 stands as an essential ally in transforming digital training.

When AI enters the kitchens of digital learning.

You may have already noticed it: artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. It helps us choose movies, find improbable pasta recipes, and now… it is also making its way into the world of digital learning. But beyond the buzzwords, what is the real impact of AI on the design and development of online training modules? Is it a valuable tool, or does it risk stealing the work of instructional designers and developers? Or, worse still, could it force us to learn in a monotonous way? While it has the potential to make a significant difference in several areas, AI is not yet ready to take full control. Let’s take a look at the stages where AI shines (and sometimes falters)…

Content Design: AI, your infallible co-screenwriter (almost)

You’re an e-learning designer, it’s late, you have a module to finish by tomorrow, and… you’re still missing a script. Don’t panic, this is where AI can become your best friend. Thanks to natural language processing (or NLP for the insiders), AI can turn boring documents, newsletters, or technical reports into interactive scripts.

Imagine yourself sipping a coffee while AI takes care of creating quizzes or case studies. Magic, right? Well, of course, it’s not quite ready to write a script worthy of an Oscar, but for structured content, it’s quite efficient.

Although AI can automate certain repetitive tasks, humans remain indispensable. AI lacks the ability to inject the pedagogical sensitivity needed to create engaging learning experiences. Instructional designers, freed from the most technical tasks, can now spend more time refining scenarios, tailoring content to the specific needs of learners, and making each module more engaging and relevant. In short, AI enhances efficiency, but the true added value lies in the human touch that makes all the difference.

Personalization on demand: AI, the personal coach for your learners

We all have that friend who wants everything personalized – from their coffee to their Spotify playlist. Why not do the same with learning paths? AI enables this fine personalization by analyzing learner behaviors. Time spent on an activity, difficulty with certain questions, preferred (or disliked) topics: AI monitors it all, like a secret agent of digital learning.

It can then suggest tailored learning paths: more content for those who are struggling, challenges for the experts, and a progression curve suited to each profile. In short, AI becomes a sort of personal coach saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll get there, let’s take it slow!” But if the learner decides to procrastinate on Netflix instead of taking their course? Well, even AI can’t help with that… for now!

Automatic translation: long live multilingual modules!

You just published an e-learning module in French, and two of your subsidiaries ask: “Can we also have it in Chinese and Spanish by tomorrow?” Moment of panic? No, because AI is here to save the day.

Of course, you’ll still need to review the translations to avoid any funny mistakes. But AI saves you valuable time, and the modules can be accessible to a global audience in record time.

Automated voiceovers: the end of endless casting calls.

Imagine: no more chasing voice-over actors, scheduling recording sessions, or waiting for your favorite narrator to finally find a free slot. AI and speech synthesis turn scripts into clear and natural voiceovers with just a few clicks. You can even choose the accent, tone, and maybe add a touch of emotion. Need a warm voice for a module on workplace well-being? Or a serious voice to explain safety procedures? AI adapts to your needs.

Obviously, if you’re dreaming of a Morgan Freeman-level performance, you’ll have to wait a little longer (or shell out a big check). But in the meantime, for quick and effective voiceovers, AI gets the job done.

Creation of Animated Characters:
Avatars that Move (Almost) Like Humans

To enhance the animation of modules, AI can also bring characters to life in 2D or 3D. It’s possible to create avatars that speak, smile, move their lips… Basically, avatars that seem truly alive! These avatars can even interact with your learners in immersive scenarios.

True, sometimes their facial expressions are still a bit stiff (like a forced smile at a family reunion), but they add a real interactive dimension to the modules. And who knows? Maybe in a few years, these avatars will be able to cry with us during tight deadlines!

Analysis and performance tracking: AI, the super detective teacher

AI doesn’t just create and animate content; it can also analyze your learners’ journey. Tools can scrutinize results, identify challenges, and even predict potential future mistakes. AI is a bit like that teacher who always knows when you’re about to fail an exam (but this time, they actually help you improve).

Thanks to this detailed analysis, you can adjust your modules based on learners’ progress and further personalize their experience. No miracles here, AI doesn’t do everything, but it saves you from spending hours dissecting Excel files.

Automated accessibility: making your modules inclusive.

When we talk about digital learning, we also talk about accessibility for everyone. But let’s be honest: designing a module that meets all accessibility standards is a bit like trying to understand the instructions for an IKEA furniture… without the manual. Luckily, AI can guide us with tools that analyze the content and help us comply with accessibility standards (subtitles, image descriptions, contrasts, etc.).

With these solutions, there’s no need to stress about whether a module is inclusive: AI helps us make it accessible to everyone.

Development: AI, a boost for e-learning developers.

Now that we’ve discussed design, let’s talk about development! Yes, AI doesn’t just create content, it is also an ally for developers. It can automate certain technical processes.

AI is capable of generating interactive environments, autonomous avatars, and testing user behaviors to refine learning scenarios. This means it can create environments and simulations, and adjust them accordingly.

Moreover, AI can automatically test e-learning modules to identify bugs, check ergonomics, and even anticipate unexpected learner behaviors. It’s like AI playing the role of a beta tester, but more efficiently (and without coffee breaks!).

AI doesn’t replace developers (thankfully for them), but it can eliminate some of the repetitive tasks. This allows them to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of e-learning development.

AI doesn't replace experts, it frees them!

So, is AI the ultimate solution for the design and development of digital learning tools? Let’s say it’s a great tool for simplifying life and automating tedious tasks. But let’s not forget: AI remains a tool, and it’s the human touch that provides the final spark. Personalizing, adapting, making things lively and empathetic—these are tasks where creativity and pedagogical sensitivity still make all the difference.

In short, AI is like a stand mixer in the kitchen: it helps you bake amazing cakes, but it’s still you who adds the magical touch that makes them unforgettable. So, let’s get ready to cook up some digital learning with a pinch of AI!

VR and LMS/LRS: what compatibilities?

For several years, virtual reality (VR) has been revolutionizing many sectors, and training is no exception. By offering immersive and interactive experiences, VR allows learners to immerse themselves in simulated environments, thus promoting a better understanding of concepts and increased retention.  However, the rise of virtual reality in the field of training raises new questions. How can we track and assess learners’ progress in virtual reality? How can we collect and analyze the data generated by their interactions?  This article aims to identify the current concepts, tools, and best practices to meet the specific needs of tracking training in virtual reality.

LMS, SCORM: Definitions and Limitations

Before diving into the analysis of the state of the art on tools and methods for tracking learning in virtual reality, it is worth recalling a few concepts.

An LMS (Learning Management System) is a platform that allows the creation, management, and tracking of online training programs: e-learning modules, quizzes, video capsules, virtual classes… LMSs notably allow:

  • to create users (learner, administrator, tutor, etc.),
  • to upload training content (learning units) into courses or programs
  • to assign them to learners.

Most LMSs allow the recording and analysis of basic feedback sent by training content using the SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) communication standard. A reference model for shareable learning objects, SCORM encompasses a set of technical standards that enable training content to communicate with the LMS in a standardized manner.

The main existing learning management tools (LMS) are primarily designed for traditional online training: these LMSs do not allow hosting virtual reality content and, therefore, do not collect primary training data (score achieved, time spent, number of attempts, etc.).

SCORM vs. xAPI: What are the differences?

Although it has been a reference standard for many years, SCORM has certain limitations compared to new learning technologies such as virtual reality:

  • Firstly, SCORM is strongly tied to the LMS environment. Its use in other contexts, such as immersive training or VR simulators, is therefore not possible.
  • Moreover, when used for any other type of learning, SCORM primarily focuses on final results (score reporting, pass/fail), without providing a detailed (granular) view of the learner’s journey or their interactions with the content.

In response to the limitations of SCORM and the need for greater precision (or granularity) in data collection, particularly in immersive learning environments, xAPI (Experience API) emerged.

Unlike SCORM, xAPI allows capturing all interactions of a learner with content, whether it is a click, an answer to a question, or an action in a virtual environment.

Then comes the LRS...

The LRS (Learning Record Store) plays a central role in the xAPI ecosystem.

Unlike the LMS, which primarily manages online courses, the LRS is designed to store all data related to learning experiences, in the form of xAPI statements.

A true “logbook” of learners, it collects and analyzes in-depth their interactions with the training content. Whether it’s movements, gestures, facial expressions, or even eye tracking, the LRS records a multitude of data. It can track both formal experiences (such as e-learning modules) and informal ones (such as browsing websites, attending events, reading books, etc.). Few activities escape this tracking capability, allowing for a personalized and detailed analysis of each learner’s journey.

This information is called “learning traces”, “xAPI traces”, or “xAPI statements”.

The challenges of data reporting for immersive VR training

The integration of virtual reality into training programs opens new perspectives for learning but also raises challenges in terms of tracking and assessment. Collecting and analyzing the data generated by learners’ interactions in VR is a major challenge.

By enabling a better understanding of learners’ interactions, this data offers new perspectives for personalizing training paths, improving content effectiveness, and developing new teaching methods tailored to the immersive environment.

  • Engagement measurement: by measuring the time learners spend on each task or module, it is possible to identify the most engaging content.
  • Identification of difficulties: By analyzing learners’ actions, it is possible to identify the areas where they encounter difficulties. Analyzing the mistakes made highlights misunderstood concepts and allows for adjustments in explanations.
  • Personalization of learning: Based on the data collected, it is possible to personalize each learner’s training path by offering activities tailored to their profile and needs.
  • Evaluation of content effectiveness: Data analysis allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of different contents and improvements to be made accordingly.

Current limitations of LMS in the face of VR challenges.

LMS were originally designed to meet the needs of traditional online training (i.e., through a computer interface). Although they are powerful tools, almost all LMS do not allow hosting or creating content that can be played through a virtual reality headset.

A partial solution exists and involves using the LMS platform’s web service. When available and configured, it allows an external application to communicate with the platform to exchange information (user authentication and SCORM data transmission).

The implementation of this web service is rarely included in the installation and configuration services of the platform and generally requires additional services. Moreover, integrating the communication component with the web service into VR content requires web development skills in addition to VR application development expertise, which represents an extra cost for each new VR content.

LMS, LRS: Market trends.

Faced with the limitations of traditional LMS, the market is rapidly evolving to meet the specific needs of virtual reality training. Several trends are emerging:

Emergence of VR-specialized LMS platforms.

New LMS platforms are emerging, specifically designed to manage VR training. These solutions can natively integrate game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine) and offer advanced features for the creation, deployment, and tracking of immersive experiences.

Unfortunately, these commercial platforms are mostly proprietary solutions that inevitably add to the cost of traditional LMS platforms. This results in a doubling of the subscription cost for training platform services. Moreover, these solutions may raise legal issues regarding personal data protection (SaaS mode with cloud storage).

On the side of open-source LMS...

In open-source LMS platforms like Moodle, the lack of native support for xAPI learning traces represents a major limitation, especially for immersive training (VR, AR, and XR). This means that, without the addition of specific features or plugins, these platforms cannot record and analyze in detail the complex interactions of users in immersive environments, such as movements, gestures, or specific actions performed in a virtual space. This gap significantly reduces the ability to track progress in rich and interactive learning experiences, which are crucial for immersive training.

However, with the rapid evolution of technologies and standards like xAPI, opportunities are emerging to overcome these limitations. Recent developments allow for smoother integration of immersive content into LMS platforms like Moodle, particularly through plugins or gateways to external LRS (Learning Record Stores). These LRS, interconnected with Moodle, can collect and store data generated by immersive environments, enabling detailed and comprehensive tracking of learners’ interactions in virtual, augmented, or mixed reality (XR).

Thanks to these advancements, it is now possible to better integrate immersive training within learning paths managed by open-source LMS, thus paving the way for more engaging learning experiences and a more precise assessment of skills developed in immersive contexts.

From LMS to a specialized tool ecosystem: Xlearning (Experience Learning Platform).

The combination of open-source and specialized tools, connected by standard xAPI protocols, allows for the creation of a customized learning environment that is more flexible and tailored to specific needs. The choice of the most suitable solution will often be based on the combined and specific use of specialized tools to create a true “learning experience ecosystem.” This involves the specialization of tools, such as:

  • The LMS, which will be used solely to manage learner authentication, host modules, and assign learning paths.
  • The “launcher”: installed on the immersive device, it will link the connected user to the list of VR modules they can access by communicating with the LMS. This component will automatically download and install the VR module on the headset (if it’s not already installed).
  • The LRS will be solely dedicated to storing xAPI learning traces, including those generated outside the LMS.

The learning trace data from the LRS will be leveraged by a data analysis solution (Data Learning Analytics) to generate customized reports with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant for managing your training programs.

The LMS market for VR is undergoing rapid transformation. As a result, organizations must adopt a pragmatic and tailored approach to selecting the right combination of solutions. Supported by strong technical expertise, you will be able to create immersive and effective learning experiences.

Conclusion

To fully leverage the potential of VR training, it is recommended to adopt a modular and flexible approach:

  • Prioritize open and modular solutions: Open-source solutions offer greater customization and better integration with other tools.
  • Define a data collection and analysis strategy: It is essential to clearly specify the data to be collected and the key indicators to monitor in order to select the appropriate analysis tools.
  • Focus on interoperability: Choose tools compatible with xAPI standards to facilitate data exchange between the different components of the ecosystem.
  • Collaborate with experts: Engage specialists in pedagogy, technology, and data to support you in designing and implementing a solution tailored to the specific needs of your organization.

The market for VR learning tracking tools is constantly evolving. We can therefore expect the emergence of new, increasingly advanced and specialized solutions.  Artificial intelligence is also expected to play an increasingly significant role, particularly in data analysis and the personalization of learning paths. Open standards like xAPI will continue to evolve, promoting interoperability between various tools.

The challenges posed by digital natives to training: adapting digital learning to younger generations

The emergence of digital natives has disrupted traditional educational paradigms. Growing up in a hyperconnected world, these younger generations are proficient with digital tools but also exhibit unique learning characteristics that influence how digital learning should be offered to them. This transformation brings several challenges for trainers and digital learning designers. Let’s explore together the implications of the characteristics of digital natives on digital learning approaches and examine how to adapt these training programs to effectively meet their needs.

A need for short and engaging formats: the rise of micro-learning.

Digital natives are accustomed to consuming content in quick, bite-sized portions, whether it’s short videos, social media posts, or real-time updates. This mode of consumption directly affects their ability to stay focused on longer or more complex content.

Consequences for digital learning

  • Fragmentation of content: Digital training aimed at digital natives should avoid long formats and prioritize micro-learning, which consists of short modules (5 to 10 minutes) that focus on key information. Structuring courses into small units helps maintain attention and reduces cognitive overload.
  • Frequent interactions: To retain the attention of digital natives, it is important to introduce interactive elements throughout the course, such as quick quizzes or practical exercises, to promote knowledge retention.

A fragile concentration: the importance of active engagement.

The hyperconnected digital world has fostered a tendency toward distraction among digital natives. Their attention spans are fragmented by multiple digital stimuli, posing a significant challenge for online training.

Consequences for digital learning

  • Gamification and playful learning: To counteract the rapid loss of attention, it is essential to integrate elements of gamification into e-learning courses. Introducing challenges, points, badges, or progression systems encourages active participation and maintains interest throughout the module.
  • Multisensory engagement: It is recommended to diversify educational formats by integrating videos, podcasts, and interactive infographics. This multimodal approach stimulates multiple learning channels simultaneously and captures attention more effectively.

Memory difficulties: tools to strengthen long-term learning.

Digital natives tend to externalize their memory, frequently using search engines or digital assistants to quickly access information. This habit of delegating memorization to digital tools can weaken their ability to retain information in the long term.

Consequences for digital learning

  • Instant feedback: Adaptive learning systems that provide immediate responses to learners after each activity or assessment help reinforce knowledge retention and more effectively embed learning.
  • Spaced repetition: Learning strategies should incorporate spaced repetition techniques, which strengthen long-term retention by reviewing concepts at regular intervals.

Dependence on digital tools: Encourage autonomy and critical thinking.

Although digital natives are comfortable with technology, they may exhibit excessive dependence on these tools to solve problems, which affects their ability to think critically or plan their tasks independently.

Consequences for digital learning

  • Open-ended issues and case studies: Training programs should include case studies and open projects that require learners to solve complex problems without immediate access to digital tools. This stimulates their critical thinking and enhances their autonomy.
  • Encouraging source evaluation: In a digital environment where information is abundant, digital learning modules should include activities that teach digital natives to analyze and verify the quality of the information they consult. This enables them to develop critical thinking skills and avoid misinformation.

Planning issues: integrating time management skills.

Digital natives have grown up in a world of immediate gratification, where the concept of prolonged effort is sometimes diluted. This tendency can affect their ability to manage their time and plan their learning in the long term.

Consequences for digital learning

  • Clear structuring of courses: Online training should be designed with a clear structure, indicating steps and well-defined objectives at each phase. Integrated planning tools, such as timelines or deadline reminders, help digital natives better organize their learning.
  • Teaching time management: The modules can incorporate tips or tools on time management (for example, time-blocking techniques) that help learners organize their work and structure complex tasks.

To successfully train digital natives effectively, digital learning must adapt to the specificities of this generation. The use of micro-learning, gamification, interactive tools, and the integration of multimodal approaches are all levers to capture their attention and promote their learning. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen skills that are sometimes neglected, such as long-term memorization, planning, and critical thinking, in order to cultivate autonomous learners capable of facing the challenges of the digital world.

By adopting these strategies, digital learning can not only meet the needs of digital natives but also prepare them for the demands of the professional world, where skills in time management, autonomy, and information evaluation are increasingly crucial.

Gamify to better train: edutainment, the winning approach to elearning

Imagine a world where learning is no longer a constraint but an exciting adventure, where every lesson is a discovery and every challenge an opportunity to acquire skills. This is the very heart of edutainment.

This webinar immerses you in the heart of edutainment, with a simple but powerful promise: to captivate, motivate and memorize.

  • How to arouse the immediate interest of your learners;
  • How to ensure constant motivation at every stage of their journey;
  • How to significantly improve your learners’ memorization and assimilate information.

We will explore together the levers of this pedagogy and how to adapt them to your target audience and your educational objectives.

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Be innovative with Scorm®, bold with TinCan®!

Soyez audacieux avec SCORM, novateur avec Tin Can

In the world of professional training, educational innovation is essential to effectively respond to the evolving needs of learners and organizations. . Educational technologies such as SCORM® (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) and TinCan® (also known as Experience API or xAPI) play a key role in this dynamic, providing normative frameworks for creation, distribution and tracking training content

Why did you create SCORM®

Created in the 1980s, SCORM® responded to an urgent need for standardization of professional training processes, from the distribution of content to the feedback of information. Its objective was to enable the transversality of content and the interoperability of distribution tools, in particular learning management systems (LMS). SCORM® has opened the way to more sophisticated training course design strategies, in particular by facilitating the adaptation of courses to the profiles and skills of learners.

SCORM® developments

SCORM® is marked by the educational vision of its time, focusing on unitary educational grains (SCOs) distributed in isolation to the learner with a single score. With the evolution of versions, notably SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 4th, we note a divergence in the adaptation of LMS platforms, going from MonoSCO, limited to a single content and a single score, to MultiSCO, which allows flexible organization of educational content and reporting of scores at several stages, thus offering richness in the design of training courses.

The SCORM Package concept has brought even greater flexibility, allowing deep personalization of learning paths according to the specific needs of learners and the targeted educational objectives. Through an XML manifest file, instructors can now structure SCOs and associated resources to create a learning environment that adapts not only to individual learner progress, but also to innovative teaching strategies. This opens the door to a variety of teaching methods, from strict performance-based sequencing, to free exploration of content, to conditional scenarios that dynamically respond to learner interactions.

However, the inherent limitations of SCORM, mainly its rigid framework and its design oriented towards unidirectional interactions, have become evident in the face of evolving educational paradigms. The emergence of dynamic and multimodal learning formats – such as serious games, webinars, MOOCs, and immersive experiences (VR, AR) – calls for a review of monitoring and educational interaction mechanisms. The introduction of xAPI represents a response to this demand, expanding the spectrum of traceable activities beyond traditional boundaries, embracing a holistic vision of learning where every action becomes an opportunity for enrichment and development. With its ability to integrate diverse learning experiences and its open architecture, xAPI is positioned as a natural evolution towards learner-centered pedagogy, promoting autonomous, interactive, and deeply personalized learning.

xAPI, be bold

The Experience API, better known as xAPI, revolutionizes training by providing each educational resource with a unique communication capability within a centralized training management system, all via an open and flexible programming interface. A successor to SCORM, xAPI stands out for its flexibility and openness, requiring a Learning Record Store (LRS) to store and analyze learning data. This technology allows a global design of learning, where each interaction, whether an exchange with other learners, a consultation of materials, or engagement in multimedia activities, contributes to the educational trajectory of the individual. Even more, xAPI can integrate offline experiences with asynchronous data integration, such as those from virtual reality experiences, thereby enriching the learner’s learning record with a wide variety of experiences.

The path to SMART Learning

The transition to SMART Learning represents a liberation from traditional training constraints, placing the learner at the center of a limitless learning universe. This educational approach redefines the pace of learning, allowing each individual to progress on their own terms, freed from the restrictions imposed by conventional teaching content and methods. In this ecosystem, the learner takes control of their personal and professional development, evolving autonomously through a personalized learning journey. The role of the trainer transforms into that of a mentor, who guides rather than instructs, enriching the formative journey with a diversity of resources and tools adapted to the needs and aspirations of each student. Artificial intelligence (AI) is adding to this landscape as a learning enabler, capable of analyzing and responding to learner behaviors to optimize their educational experience. Thus, education is redefining itself as a pillar of continuous development, anchored in adaptability, interaction and personalization.

Types d'apprentissage

The power of metacognitive reflection in elearning

La puissance de la réflexion métacognitive dans l’e-learning

Metacognitive reflection: definition and issues

Metacognitive reflection is an essential element of pedagogy which significantly enriches the learning process. It awakens in learners a heightened awareness of their study methods and their approach to tasks, allowing them to adjust their strategies to optimize their effectiveness. This introspection not only reveals areas requiring additional reinforcement or support but also initiates a proactive approach to filling gaps, resulting in a significant improvement in long-term knowledge retention. By cultivating a better understanding of their learning process, learners gain autonomy, which stimulates their motivation and strengthens their commitment to their training journey.

Additionally, by encouraging a critical approach to problem solving, metacognition paves the way for the development of more effective and adaptive strategies. It plays a determining role in the ability to apply skills and knowledge acquired in one context to another, thus facilitating the transfer of learning. This ability to adapt and transfer highlights the importance of metacognition not only for academic success but also for practical and flexible application of knowledge in various real-life situations.

Application strategies

With the exponential growth of online learning, metacognition presents real opportunities to maximize its effectiveness. Some strategies can be put in place to apply metacognitive reflection in elearning.

Regular self-assessment via formative quizzes allows learners to test their understanding and zoom in on areas requiring more attention. By using reflection questions, we can go further and encourage critical thinking. It is possible, for example, to regularly integrate a case study applying recent knowledge.

Let’s imagine learners having discovered the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Once the concept is presented, they are asked to advise a fictitious company, “EcoTech”, which develops clean technologies but faces economic and social challenges. Learners are faced with several decisions that EcoTech must make regarding CSR. For each decision, they must choose an option and they discover the immediate consequences of their choice on the pillars of CSR.

After each decision, metacognitive reflection is encouraged. This involves answering a series of questions about why they chose this option and how it is aligned with the principles of CSR: What factors did you consider when making your decision? How does your choice reflect a balance between economic, social and environmental considerations? What are the short and long term implications of your decision for the relevant stakeholders? How could you have improved your decision with more information or resources?

Incorporating dedicated reflection breaks into learning content, inviting learners to stop and reflect on what they have just learned through guided questions, is also particularly educational. So, to help learners organize their thoughts and track their progress, it may be a good idea to encourage them to keep a digital journal to reflect on what they have learned, challenges encountered, and strategies used. It is possible to use self-reflective learning applications that support metacognitive reflection such as Evernote, Reflectly, Notion, Quizlet, MindMeister, Google Keep, or Socrative.

This reflection can also be done via reflective videos or recordings. Learners are then invited to orally express their learning process and the strategies they find effective.

Finally, another powerful strategy is self-generated feedback which involves encouraging learners to ask themselves critical questions about their understanding and actively seeking answers through additional bold resources or by delving deeper into difficult topics. To illustrate this strategy, let’s imagine self-generated feedback in a python programming course. Before beginning the module, learners complete a quick quiz to assess their prior knowledge. They receive results immediately with explanations for each answer, allowing them to understand their gaps before they even begin. The course continues with a series of videos. After each video lesson, learners are asked to write down in a digital journal what they understood, areas of confusion, and how they plan to use this new knowledge Learners then work on programming exercises, then self-evaluate their code based on criteria given by the trainer such as cleanliness of the code, efficiency and correct use of the concepts learned. Self-generated feedback: By comparing their work to the criteria, learners specifically identify where they excel and where they need to improve. After self-assessing themselves, they receive a “research mission” which consists of finding additional information to resolve code problems that they were unable to correct on their own. At the end of the module, learners answer metacognitive thinking questions, such as “How has your information search strategy influenced your learning?”, “What obstacles did you encounter while searching and how did you overcome them?”, “How can you apply information search strategies?” ‘learning that you have developed in this module to new topics or challenges?’.

In conclusion

Metacognitive thinking is an essential skill in the educational armamentarium but also a powerful catalyst for deep and lasting learning. Through strategies such as self-assessment, use of digital journals, implementation of reflective breaks, employment of self-reflective apps, and self-generated feedback, trainers can effectively equip learners with the necessary tools to navigate the complex landscape of information and knowledge.

The incorporation of these practices into elearning shows that technology is not only a means of disseminating information but can also be a partner in the development of critical thinking and self-reflection. By encouraging learners to actively engage with the learning material, reflect on their own understanding, and independently seek avenues for improvement, e-learning transcends its perceived limitations and reveals its full potential by providing a rich and transformative learning experience.

Vision Pro helmet: what impact for training?

Casque vision pro : quel impact pour la formation ?

Apple Vision Pro has just been announced with much fanfare. Not yet available on the French market, its potential impact on professional training is considerable. The Training Departments have every interest in following the matter closely… The opportunity also for a reminder on the VR2024 headsets.

The year 2023 witnessed several key trends in the development of VR headsets, including battery life, improved screen resolution, reduced device weight, and the integration of more motion tracking technologies. precise. Very affordable financially, the popular Quest 3 and Pico 4 thus offered high-quality immersive experiences, without the burden of heavy equipment or complex installation. They have made virtual reality training more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

The evolution of virtual reality (VR) headsets towards mixed reality (MR) is another major trend that has been gaining momentum. Mixed reality combines elements of virtual reality and augmented reality (AR), providing a broader spectrum of immersive, richer and more contextual experiences. This transition marks a significant shift in the way we interact with digital content, merging it seamlessly with the real world.

In training, this means that learners can manipulate virtual objects while remaining aware and interactive with their real-world environment, which enriches learning and improves knowledge retention. For example, in the medical sector, students can practice surgical procedures in a virtual environment superimposed on physical mannequins, providing a very realistic simulation. Similarly, in industrial training, operators can receive virtual instructions and guidance overlaid on real machines, making on-the-job learning and maintenance easier.

At the dawn of its launch on the French market, the Apple Vision Pro is already arousing keen interest for its disruptive potential in the field of professional training. This mixed and virtual reality headset, powered by Apple VisionOS operating system, promises to open new frontiers in learning and skill development.

First of all, the Apple Vision Pro should stand out for its ability to run applications with superior graphics quality, far surpassing the performance of existing VR headsets. In addition, with a resolution of 23 million pixels and a 3D Micro-OLED display, the Apple Vision Pro aims to guarantee exceptional visual clarity and precision. This remarkable image quality, combined with world-class sound immersion, will mark a significant advance in the context of VR training, where hyper-realism proves to be a key factor in engagement.

Another major innovation of Apple Vision Pro is its ability to capture eye movements, hand gestures and voice commands, without requiring the use of controllers. This feature enriches interaction with training content, making learning more intuitive. Additionally, its large storage capacity means that users will be able to access a vast library of training courses, ranging from simple introductory courses to more advanced courses.

The spatial aspect described for the Apple Vision Pro highlights another advance in the management of virtual spaces and augmented reality. This feature allows users to position and interact with virtual interfaces in the physical space around them. The user can thus place virtual elements, such as screens, dashboards, or 3D objects, in a physical space, such as a room in their home or office. For example, positioning a virtual screen on an empty wall and a 3D object on a table. What sets this capability apart is the precise and persistent spatial tracking. Once a virtual item is placed in a physical space, Apple Vision Pro remembers its position. You can leave the room, then come back later, and find the item exactly where you left it.

Trainers will thus be able to create tailor-made virtual workspaces, equipped with screens and tools necessary for their activity without requiring additional physical equipment. This will create a wide variety of interactive and immersive learning environments, where learners can interact with virtual educational materials integrated into their space.

Finally, by allowing learners to navigate and interact together in a fluid and natural way in a virtual space, Apple Vision Pro should facilitate a structured and interactive approach to training, transcending physical barriers and reinventing the way we learn and work in groups.

In conclusion, Apple Vision Pro offers immense potential to revolutionize professional training, by offering immersive, interactive, and collaborative learning experiences. However, the successful integration of this technology into existing training environments and its cost remain significant challenges to overcome.

Casque vision pro : quel impact pour la formation ?
Casque vision pro : quel impact pour la formation ?
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