Efficacy Study

NCCER Efficacy Pilot Shows Improved Outcomes with Transfr VR

Table of Contents

In 2022, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), in association with Associated Builders and Contractors of Illinois (ABC Illinois), conducted an efficacy pilot to evaluate improvements in training outcomes and classroom engagement when incorporating VR simulations. Two classes, a control group and a VR test group, each performed two assigned NCCER tasks (circular saw and electric drill training) in two different training settings, one in a traditional lab and the other incorporating VR learning.

 

Training sessions included instruction, instructor demonstration, guided practice in a lab (with one class incorporating VR learning), and an opportunity to demonstrate mastery.

 

An expert evaluator assessed each learner’s performance on the use of these tools using the same rubric. Both groups’ NCCER assessment scores were also analyzed.

The Results

The VR group did better than the traditional group on both evaluations: The average test score from the Traditional group was lower (Mean =13.46; Standard Error = 1.96) than the VR group (M = 17.67; SE = 1.45). The average NCCER assessment score from the Traditional group was lower (M = 53.46, SE = 10.88) than the VR group (M = 75, SE = 5.16). 100% of students who chose the VR option completed the NCCER evaluation and succeeded in securing jobs post-training, vs a completion and job-placement rate of 69% for the non-VR control group.

The results of the study were impressive, to say the least! Students participating in the test had increased engagement, improved performance and precision utilizing tools as well as increased assessment scores.

Training with Transfr Deepens Student Understanding

The ABC Illinois and NCCER study drives home the added level of task understanding that students can achieve when training with hands-on VR simulations like Transfr’s, accompanied by real-world instruction from a trainer. For many of the skilled trades (construction, welding, electrical), VR gives students a safer initial exposure to the skills they need to learn. They can also practice unlimited times in a consequence-free environment, without the need to use up costly consumables like wire, wood, and metal.

Learners Love VR Training

Improved outcomes are an important factor when considering adding VR training to a conventional program, but students in the ABC Illinois-NCCER study also reported increased interest in the content and engagement with subject matter. Intangibles like this contribute to a more robust student experience and can help drive increased participation in the trades in a variety of settings!

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