Beyond Gaming: Virtual Reality, the Future of Professional Skills

In 2024, I was introduced to the idea of using Virtual Reality (VR) for educational skills and professional development. This week, I'm revisiting the idea to evaluate and explore how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing education and workplace training, so I can take our libraries to the next stage. While many people think of VR as something connected only to gaming or entertainment, schools and companies are increasingly using immersive technology to help students build real-world work skills in safer, more engaging ways.

Supporting Different Learning Needs Through VR

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One example that stood out to me was how Louisiana State University is using VR to support students with ADHD. According to Government Technology, VR environments can reduce distractions and improve focus by creating controlled learning experiences. I found this especially interesting because it shows that immersive technology is not only about technical training. It can also support accessibility and personalized learning. Another example that inspired me last year was when I met Professor Matt Tarr from the University of New Orleans' Beyond Reality Lab, who explained that he developed a VR lab space for his students to practice chemistry skills to make them more comfortable with using the tools in the chemistry lab.

Bringing Immersive Learning Into Classrooms

    Rachel Lawler

Beyond the lab, Arizona State University partnered with local school districts to bring VR curriculum into the classrooms. The article from EdTech Innovation Hub explained how students can experience simulations that make STEM lessons more interactive and memorable. Instead of simply reading about a topic, students can virtually experience it and visually explore it. I know hands-on curricula connected to text, so my brain can understand it and retain a reference for my memory. I think this type of learning would also help students stay engaged while also preparing them for technological careers.

Exploring Careers Through Virtual Reality

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The use of VR for career readiness was even more noticeable in North Dakota, where all primary school grades, K–12 students, now have access to a virtual reality career exploration platform through Career View XR. According to the Grand Forks Herald article, students can explore careers in healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, and other industries to give them an idea of what they may like and excel at learning before entering the workforce. It is a valuable experience because many students are unaware about the reality of careers, and VR allows them to “test” jobs in realistic environments without risk.

Hands-On Skill Training in Safe Environments

I initiated this point when I referenced UNO's Beyond Reality lab, but one of the most practical examples that directly describes the shift of dangerous to the safety experience of the virtual welding programs by School News Network article. Students can practice welding techniques in a simulation to determine if they want to work with real equipment or become a overseer of machine created welding. This reduces safety risks for all involved and builds confidence in the students. Similarly, mixed reality anatomy programs in Michigan schools are helping students study human anatomy in immersive 3D environments instead of relying only on textbooks.

VR in Workplace Training

        Chaahat Girdhar

Beyond education, companies are also interested and investing in VR training. Businesses use VR simulations to train employees for customer service, manufacturing, emergency response, workplace safety scenarios, and other important professions. Platforms such as AutoVRse and articles from Airmeet show how VR training improves engagement and allows employees to practice skills repeatedly without real world consequences. I can see why employers value this approach because workers gain experience in realistic situations before entering actual job settings or even further develop staff's skills.

Final Reflection

After researching these examples, I still believe AR and VR have a place as much more than gaming and they are emerging among the other technologies. They are tools that can reshape learning and workforce preparation with hands-on learning, improve accessibility, and help students gain confidence in career skills. Although these technologies still raise concerns about cost and access, their ability to create immersive and practical learning experiences that makes them an exciting part of future education and training programs.

References

Bailey-Boorsma, Joanne. “Virtual Welding Sparks Real-World Learning - School News Network: A Window into Your Public Schools.” School News Network, A Window into Your Public Schools, 4 Nov. 2025, www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2025/11/04/virtual-welding-sparks-real-world-learning/.

“CareerViewXR.” XAP, 2026, www.xap.com/careerview/.

Delaney, Margaret. “LSU Deploys Virtual Reality to Help Students with ADHD.” GovTech, The Times-Picayune, 26 Nov. 2025, www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/lsu-deploys-virtual-reality-to-help-students-with-adhd?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

Girdhar, Chaahat. “Top 10 Examples of How Companies Use Virtual Reality for Training.” Airmeet, 11 Nov. 2025, www.airmeet.com/hub/blog/top-10-examples-of-how-companies-use-virtual-reality-for-training/?

Herman, Sophia. “All K-12 North Dakota Students Now Have Access to a Virtual Reality Career Exploration Platform.” Grand Forks Herald, Grand Forks Herald, 13 Nov. 2025, www.grandforksherald.com/news/north-dakota/all-k-12-north-dakota-students-now-have-access-to-a-virtual-reality-career-exploration-platform.

Ladiski, Alexandrea. “Mixed Reality Brings College-Level Anatomy to Four Mid-Michigan High Schools.” WCMU Public Media, NPR, PBS, 24 June 2025, www.wcmu.org/local-regional-news/2025-06-24/mixed-reality-brings-college-level-anatomy-to-four-mid-michigan-high-schools.

Lawler, Rachel. “Arizona State University Brings Immersive VR Curriculum to Phoenix School Districts.” EdTech Innovation Hub, EdTech Innovation Hub, 24 Nov. 2025, www.edtechinnovationhub.com/news/arizona-state-university-brings-immersive-vr-curriculum-to-phoenix-school-districts.

“Leading VR Training Company for AI-Powered Solutions.” AutoVRse, May 2026, www.autovrse.com/.

University of New Orleans. “Beyond Reality Labs.” Uno.edu, University of New Orleans news, 22 Feb. 2024, beyondreality.io/.

“ Virtual Welding Sparks Real-World Learning.” YouTube, School News Network, 24 Nov. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqHKEJytXJw.