Virtual Reality (VR) training simulations are an idea which is being explored in numerous industries and professions. However, evidence purporting to the effectiveness of VR technology in relation to standard real-world exercises is still relatively thin. In this paper, we discuss our approach for validating the effectiveness of a VR training for law enforcement professionals in the context of the AUGGMED project, and present results of the validation study. Our study indicates that realistic VR-based trainings, either by themselves or in combination with the traditional hands-on training, can be as effective as highly resource-intensive practical training sessions.
Funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program, the AUGGMED project was established in May 2015 running for 3 years until May 2018. Throughout the project a serious gaming platform was developed alongside multiple end user agencies and was validated against unique sets of requirements established through end user/developer collaboration workshops (see Chap. 9 for details). The multiplayer serious game training platform AUGGMED was created in a collaboration of 14 organisations and agencies distributed throughout Europe representing industry, academia, first responders and the public
Gamification and simulation methods are two of the most important components of serious games. In order to create an effective training tool, it is imperative to understanding these methods and their relationship to each other. If designed correctly, gamification techniques can build upon simulations to provide an effective training medium, which enhances learning, engagement and motivation in users. This chapter discusses their uses, strengths and weaknesses, whilst identifying how to most effectively utilise them in developing serious games.
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