As new technologies emerge in the training space, organisations must ensure that training activities are an integrated part of a planned strategy to achieve outcomes, and not just the latest, most eye- catching trend. Where learning technologies are considered, the learning must always be considered before the technology. There are many examples of virtual and augmented reality training activities that require the trainee to spend most of their time and effort mastering the controls rather than actually carrying out the virtual task. The same task can often be practiced just as effectively using a dummy model. Examples of this include connecting electrical distribution boards, applying CPR, and wiring in explosives.
The most effective training activities have always been and will always be those that bring the trainee as close as possible to the real experience of work, without exposure to harm or risk of damage. This is true regardless of the technology involved.