Effectiveness of computer-based e-learning and Virtual Reality training system for the preparatory phase of a training on maintenance procedure

This work investigates the effectiveness of two training systems based on consumer hardware technologies, a first one using Computer-Based Learning (CBL) and the other exploiting Virtual Reality (VR). A user study was executed in order to compare the two training and analyze the most suitable approach for the learning of preparatory material in the context of an industrial assembly and maintenance (IMA) procedure. The results highlighted that, although trainees using VR experienced higher levels of cognitive processing and attention, the knowledge gain of CBL was comparable to that of VR for the preliminary phase training. Nonetheless, VR was still able to provide better learning gains in terms of procedural skills compared to CBL.