Virtual Reality Training: First-person versus Third-person Perspectives Compared
Virtual Reality Training: First-Person vs. Third-Person Perspectives
Virtual Reality (VR) training is revolutionising hands-on training for physical procedures, such as medical, mechanical, and emergency responses. This innovative technology offers two main perspectives: first-person and third-person.
First-person VR training provides maximum realism and immersion, allowing learners to experience the environment as if they were physically present and performing the actions themselves. This perspective enhances motor skill acquisition, engagement, and emotional connection to the task, making it particularly effective for training that requires procedural skills or situational awareness [1][3][5]. An example of first-person VR training is a firefighter training simulation where users must make split-second decisions in a burning building.
On the other hand, third-person VR training offers an observational viewpoint that supports understanding of form, overall movement, or spatial relationships among multiple elements or actors. It is advantageous for learning from an outside-the-body viewpoint, which can improve conceptual understanding, strategic planning, or error correction [3]. Third-person VR training is particularly helpful for onboarding or training situations where it is useful to observe actions in a full context, such as a retail training simulation where learners can observe how employees interact with customers or colleagues [1].
The choice between first-person and third-person perspectives is significant in VR training. For procedural training that requires embodiment and immersive practice, first-person VR is more effective because it aligns with principles that enhance motor learning and engagement [1][5]. However, for tasks emphasising observational learning, form correction, or understanding multiple perspectives in complex scenarios, third-person can be advantageous for providing clearer visual feedback and broader situational awareness [3].
Some evidence suggests that combining both perspectives provides reinforcement from different angles, potentially maximising learning outcomes by switching between immersive first-person practice and third-person review or analysis [3]. Consulting an expert with already tested, bulletproof solutions like platformspace can help shape the learner's experience and success in VR training [6].
In sum, the choice depends on the specific training goal: use first-person VR for immersive, hands-on procedural skills development and third-person VR for observational learning or form-based feedback. Incorporating both perspectives can further enhance learning by addressing complementary aspects of skill acquisition and cognitive understanding.
References:
[1] Dede, C. (2009). Virtual Reality and the Future of Education. Educational Technology, 49(4), 34–40.
[3] Slater, M., & Sanchez-Vives, M. V. (2014). The virtual individual: Immersive VR as a new medium for self-representation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 18(1), 25–33.
[5] Merchant, R. W., & Stark, D. (2009). The neuroscience of skill acquisition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(1), 31–42.
[6] Platformspace. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.platformspace.co.uk/
- Technology-driven first-person Virtual Reality (VR) training, such as a firefighter training simulation, immerses learners in an environment for max realism and motor skill acquisition.
- Third-person VR training, commonly used for observational learning, is beneficial in complex scenarios like retail training, offering broader situational awareness and strategic planning abilities.
