Incorporating virtual reality into laboratory trainings: Kevin Clark

Training lab workers in biological safety cabinets (BSC) is often hindered by the lack of physical cabinets to use for training. The Division of Laboratory Systems' Training and Workforce Development Branch created a BSC in a virtual reality (VR) environment to address this need. The branch created a VR supplement for an online Biological Safety Cabinet training module. The virtual reality supplement has training participants put on a VR headset and use controllers to prepare a BSC for use. VR is an innovative technology that shows tremendous promise and staying power in the training marketplace. Though in its infancy, the technology is evolving rapidly toward more affordable and user-friendly options. As the technology scales, the data continues to build with regards to its effectiveness in training. Successful use cases in training exist in many of the industry sectors including clinical medicine. TWDB piloted the VR supplement and collected data on the influence VR had on participants' knowledge and skills and the usability of the VR technology. This presentation will showcase the purpose of the training, how it was developed, findings from the evaluation, and implications for the future of VR in training laboratory staff.