Virtual reality (VR) is simulated experience to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world, through hardware (headsets and goggles) and software. VR experiences have been designed and developed where its users find themselves in 3D environment, feeling moving and performing predetermined tasks. Virtual reality has vast applications including education (such as training for medical students and military persons for various operations), entertainment (virtual museums and video games) and business (such as virtual meetings).
Keeping in view the current utilization of VR gadgets and growing demand, it is expected that there will be increase in demand for trained VR coaches. If someone desire to become a virtual reality coach, then he needs to educate himself on related aspects. Here, we will discuss the basics of becoming a virtual reality coach and make an endeavor to cover the important steps, one may take to become a VR coach.
How Virtual Reality works
A person having virtual reality gear is able to look around the simulated world, move around in it, and deal with virtual features/ items. VR headsets consisting of a head mounted display with a small screen in front of the eyes are usually used to create this. Specially designed rooms with multiple large screens also used to create such artificial environment. Aural & visual input as well as 3D touch in Virtual reality are achieved through classical application of haptic technology (vibrations & motions).
Types of Virtual Reality
- It is necessary to understand the Types of Virtual Reality to become a virtual reality coach:-
- Simulated Reality. An imaginary virtual reality as truly immersive as the actual reality, enabling an advanced lifelike experience.
- Augmented Reality. It blends real surroundings (what the user sees) with digital content. Its achieved through layering of virtual information over a camera live feed.
- Mixed Reality. Real world and virtual worlds are combined to create new landscapes and visualizations where actual objects and virtual ones coexist and communicate in real time.
Virtual reality coaching
To become a virtual reality coach is a rising field that provides professional direction and support to people who want to get started in the VR field. VR coaches help people in learning VR. VR coaching can be a great way for people who want to get into the VR industry in an economized manner. VR coaches can help their trainees to learn the creation of VR content and earing from work in Virtual Reality.
Types of Virtual Reality Coaching
- Virtual Reality coaching can be divided into following categories:-
- Online VR Coaching. Most common form of VR coaching which involves having
one-on-one sessions with a coach using virtual reality headsets. - Face-to-face VR Coaching. More prevalent than online, which involves meeting with a coach in person to use virtual reality gadgets.
- Blended VR/ Online VR Coaching. A blend of online and face-to-face VR coaching. This enables VR coaches to support their clients using the variety of available gadgets and training methodologies.
- Online VR Coaching. Most common form of VR coaching which involves having
How to Become a Virtual Reality Coach?
The first and foremost step is to acquaint yourself with VR. You cannot be an expert coach, if you are not fully conversant on the subject. You need to immerse in VR at your best. First of all, you need to practice variety of VR gadgets and prepare notes of respective features, as it is important aspect to be aware of, both for yourself and for your future clients. Following to be noted:-
- How body reacts to different stimulus in VR
- Any feeling of motion sickness
- Any feeling of disorientation
- Experience of different VR gadgets
- Comfort of use
- Skill level require to manage VR gadgets
Qualification to become an Expert Virtual Reality Coach
Relevant certifications are essential to be a certified VR coach. Requisite certifications can be achieved through an online course from a reputable institute/ program provider. Relevant courses will make you able becoming a successful VR coach, from the basics of virtual reality to advanced concepts from functioning to designing. Certification expenditures may vary as per required level of certification, experience, equipment costs, travel costs and software fees etc.
Upon completing certification courses, you will be able to render your services to desired clients. Your portfolio built on vast coaching experience will appeal potential clients towards you. In addition, good communication and organizational skills will be major contributing factors in becoming a certified and successful coach.
Tips – How to Stand Out as A Virtual Reality Coach
- Tips to putting yourself to potential clients as a knowledgeable and experienced member of the VR community and building personal brand as a virtual reality coach including:-
- Stay updated with latest Virtual reality hardware and software developments
- Be well acquainted with latest technology
- Helping clients in improving their VR skills and achieve their goals.
- Technically socialize while attending relevant events/ discussions/ forums online or in person, participate in online discussion forums
- Establishing connections with other VR professionals
- Remain updated on the modern trends
- Highlight your achievements
How Virtual Reality Coaching can be beneficial?
- Augmented Engagement. Virtual reality allows users spending more time using the app or playing the VR gadgets while feeling more engagement experience.
- Improved Learning Opportunities. Immersive and interactive VR environment can assist learners to learn more effectively.
- Adequate Performance. Virtual reality training help users in improving their performance in tasks that they are already performing or new tasks.
- Less Stress Levels. Users may find that virtual reality coaching is less stressful than other forms of conventional training.
- Convenience. Enabling to explore new worlds or learn a new skill without ever leaving your own home.
- Variety of Subjects. Using VR technology, vast range of subjects can be taught as language learning, sports training.
- Guidance. To guide others in virtual adventures.
- Expansion. Virtual reality is progressively advancing, so you may expect proportional expansion in opportunities for coaching.
- Satisfaction. Being a Virtual reality coach, last but not the least advantage is satisfaction of being a coach, who is contribution to society with his skills.
Future Challenges for A Virtual Reality Coach
- Human Limitations. To be able to understand physical capabilities and limitations of each trainee in the virtual world. virtual reality coaches have the chances to guide trainees through immersive and transformative experiences that can help, from improving physical therapy outcomes to providing an escape for those with limited mobility.
- Technical Limitations. Technical limitations of VR gadgets, which may cause disruption to sessions.
Prospects of Virtual Reality Coaching
- Purview of VR is not restricted as science fiction but Virtual Reality technology is grasping gaming industry, enhanced training in simulated environment and world of fitness.
- Inculcates sports training, immersive simulations to enhance individual and team performance.
- Allows to work out with a virtual reality trainer in the comfort of your own home, getting personalized instruction and feedback without stepping in a crowded gym.
- It eliminates barriers of physical disability
Conclusion
Remember, VR technology has the capacity to surely evolve and improve with continuity, so the possibilities for virtual reality coaching are endless. Being a virtual reality coach is challenging, but by accepting this challenge, you can truly contribute in a positive manner to others.
To become a virtual reality coach, you definitely need to have requisite experience of VR technology, and be able to create engaging programs for respective clients. You will need to have understating of physical capabilities of people, since coaching involves working closely with your clients to help others maximize their VR experience. At last, it’s important to know yourself that you’re comfortable with this profession to be the best VR coach.