Virtual reality in vocational training of people with learning disabilities

This paper reports a 3-stage investigation of virtual environments (VEs) in vocational training of people with learning disabilities. Stage 1 results showed that active interaction with a VE can give better learning than passive observation and that some of what is learned in a VE can transfer to the real world. Stage 2, a questionnaire survey, identified catering as the most popular choice for a virtual training package. Stage 3, a preliminary evaluation of that package, showed some positive transfer of training to a real kitchen test and provided clear justification for further development of this type of training.