COVID-19 Could Accelerate Government Adoption of AR, VR Tech

Source: Gov Tech Published: July/August 2020

With the staff of many government agencies forced to work from home because of COVID-19, government CIOs have had to move quickly to adapt. While the initial focus has been on ensuring workers have the basic tools they need to do their jobs — fast and secure Internet, laptops and mobile devices, and access to essential online systems — as weeks turn into months, more government agencies must start exploring opportunities for better remote collaboration, communication and training. One opportunity on the horizon is expanding the use of immersive computing technologies, like augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), that create new modes for users to experience digital content through computers, mobile devices and headsets.

There are some immediate ways that government can use AR/VR, such as to improve training for workers. AR/VR lets agencies simulate real-world situations, giving workers the opportunity to gain experience in a controlled environment. This type of training is particularly useful for law enforcement and other first responders who encounter situations where there can be severe consequences from mistakes made during on-the-job training. Learning in an AR/VR environment has been found to not only increase recall, but also allow trainees to develop muscle memory for specific tasks. And perhaps most importantly, AR/VR may also be the most feasible option for remote training for workers at home or who cannot travel and would otherwise be unable to attend onsite training.