What Are the Differences Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?

Increasingly popular for training purposes, VR and AR can be confused. Yet, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) refer to two distinct technologies offering unique experiences. Let us examine these two technologies in detail, their histories, strengths, and limitations, to help you choose the solution best suited to your needs.

What is virtual reality (VR)?

History and examples: Focus on virtual reality

Virtual reality immerses the user in an entirely digital environment, isolating them from the real world. Its history dates back to the 1960s with Morton Heilig's Sensorama, but it was in the 2010s that VR experienced significant growth.

####**To help you understand what virtual reality is, here is a popular example:**Oculus Rift (2016): A consumer VR headset that democratized the technology. The Oculus Rift is a device worn on the head. It is equipped with two OLED screens, one for each eye, providing a stereoscopic 3D image.

The 3 strengths of virtual reality for immersive learning:

Learners are completely immersed, which increases their concentration and motivation.

Virtual reality allows experiencing situations that are impossible or dangerous in reality.
Learners can practice as much as needed without real consequences.

Virtual reality offers total immersion, particularly beneficial for learning.

####For example: Possible virtual reality application. IRWINO offers a virtual reality training simulator for firefighting (FIRE VR). These fire simulations allow learners to practice using extinguishers in realistic scenarios without real danger. According to a PwC study, learners using VR are 275% more confident in applying their skills after training, compared to traditional methods.

But there are limitations to the use of virtual reality:

Total immersion can create a feeling of isolation.

Some users may experience nausea or dizziness after immersion.
High-quality VR equipment remains relatively expensive.

What is augmented reality (AR)?

History and examples: Focus on augmented reality

AR overlays virtual elements onto the real world, enriching our perception of the environment. Its development began in the 1990s, but it gained popularity in the 2010s.

####**To help you understand what augmented reality is, here are some popular examples:**Pokemon GO (2016): A mobile game that popularized augmented reality among the general public. In this game, when you find a Pokemon, the game activates your phone's camera to display a real-time image of your environment.

Google Glass (2013): An augmented reality device developed by Google. These are smart glasses equipped with a built-in screen and various sensors, offering features similar to a smartphone but with an interface accessible directly in the user's field of vision.

The 3 strengths of augmented reality in immersive learning:

Virtual information is directly linked to the real environment, facilitating understanding.

Users can interact with the real world and other people while benefiting from augmented information.
AR can often be used on common mobile devices, making it more accessible.
AR offers a mixed experience combining real and virtual.

####For example: Possible augmented reality application. IRWINO uses augmented reality for fire training (FIRE AR). Learners can visualize fire outbreaks in their real work environment and learn to use first-response equipment, facilitating understanding of procedures. According to a Deloitte study, the use of augmented reality in training can reduce learning time by up to 40% while improving information retention.

But as with virtual reality, there are limitations with augmented reality

Prolonged use of AR can cause visual fatigue.

The quality of the experience often depends on the capabilities of the device used.

Good to know! VR and AR can be combined

Despite the differences between virtual reality and augmented reality, both are perfectly compatible for fire training. Since early this year, IRWINO has been offering the combination of FIRE VR + FIRE AR for fire training.

Using our fire simulators, trainees must carry out safety procedures independently under realistic conditions to promote memory retention.

They learn to handle real extinguishers using all their functions, capable of interaction within the virtual environment (virtualized extinguishers).
The same equipment is used: virtual reality headset and virtualized extinguishers to optimize investments.
Training is risk-free, without toxic emissions, pollutants, or consumables.

To discover how the combination of VR and AR is revolutionizing the trainee experience in immersive learning, here is our detailed article on the application of these 2 solutions by IKEA.

##So, what should you choose for your learning experiences between augmented reality and virtual reality -- what are the differences? Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer unique learning experiences, each with its own advantages and limitations.

The choice between VR and AR will depend on your specific objectives. VR offers total immersion ideal for complex simulations, while AR excels at adding contextual information to the real environment.

As demonstrated by IRWINO's innovative approach combining FIRE VR and FIRE AR, combining both technologies can offer a particularly powerful learning solution. This hybrid approach allows benefiting from the advantages of both technologies.

Whatever technology you choose, the key is to integrate it wisely into your overall strategy. VR and AR are tools that increase user engagement and improve knowledge retention. By using them for your fire training, you will have an experience as close to reality as possible without its risks.

Find more information on this topic, and about immersive learning in general, in our glossary on Immersive Learning:

Consult the Immersive Learning glossary

Learn more about IRWINO training modules

In a professional environment of over 200 m², including a kitchen, offices, or a meeting room, you can choose from over 18 different scenarios.

In a professional environment of over 200 m², including workshops, offices, or a storage area, you can choose from over 18 different scenarios.

In a hospital environment comprising 8 rooms, a break room, a kitchenette, and safety zones, respond to fire outbreaks, manage the fire safety system report, and evacuate patients.

Evacuation of a victim from a room on fire

The victim is choking

Care of a symptomatic person

The victim faints

The victim has been burned

Assault on a victim with an open wound

The victim has an epileptic seizure

The victim goes into cardiac arrest

The victim has a thoracic wound with heavy bleeding

The victim goes into cardiac arrest while carrying a heavy load

The victim is a child going into cardiac arrest