Research Brief
A recording for this session isn't published. Below is the BPI editorial brief — key takeaways, an in-depth summary, and FAQs drawn from the original session materials and the presenter's body of work.
Presenter
Anders Gronstedt, Ph.D.
Description
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 might well be the tipping point for the learning revolution that was first sketched out in the 1990s during the early days of the World Wide Web. We’re witnessing two decades of digital learning transformation in a couple of months. Classrooms have been uprooted from the ground and moved the cloud. Some organizations are were caught flatfooted, scrambling to livestream a broken classroom model into a Brady Bunch Zoom mosaic. Other organizations stood prepared to usher in a new generation learning simulations where students learn by doing, progressing at their own pace, multiplying reps and sets of practice, and building muscle memory. Learn how successfully organizations are transforming learning in the age of physical distancing with mobile games and virtual reality simulations and other approaches inspired by a consumer game market that has seen 75% growth in the last month.
Key Takeaways
- 1.The coronavirus pandemic has served as a tipping point, accelerating two decades of digital learning transformation in a matter of months.
- 2.Simply livestreaming traditional classroom models online is an ineffective approach to remote learning.
- 3.Organizations are finding success with a new generation of learning simulations, including mobile games and virtual reality (VR).
- 4.Simulation-based learning allows participants to learn by doing, progressing at their own pace.
- 5.This approach helps build 'muscle memory' through increased repetitions and sets of practice.
- 6.The shift toward gamified learning is inspired by the consumer game market, which has seen massive growth.
The Pandemic: A Tipping Point for Digital Learning
The 2020 coronavirus pandemic has become a catalyst for a learning revolution, compressing two decades of digital transformation into just a few months. As organizations shifted to remote work and physical distancing, traditional classrooms were uprooted and moved to the cloud, forcing a rapid evolution in corporate training.
The Failure of Lift-and-Shift Training
Many organizations were caught unprepared, resorting to livestreaming what was already a broken classroom model. This often resulted in a "Brady Bunch Zoom mosaic" that failed to engage learners effectively. Simply transferring an in-person lecture to a video conference does not constitute a true digital transformation.
The Rise of Learning Simulations
In contrast, forward-thinking organizations were prepared to implement a new generation of learning tools. Inspired by the consumer game market, which saw 75% growth during the pandemic, these companies are using learning simulations to create powerful developmental experiences.
These methods include:
- Mobile Games: Leveraging the accessibility and engagement of smartphones for on-the-go learning.
- Virtual Reality (VR): Creating immersive simulations that allow employees to practice complex skills in a safe, controlled environment.
This approach allows employees to learn by doing, building muscle memory through repetition. Learners can progress at their own pace, mastering skills through hands-on practice rather than passive observation.
This session delves into how mobile gaming and virtual reality (VR) can be leveraged for effective learning, particularly in an era requiring physical distancing. It explores the unique advantages of these technologies in creating engaging, immersive, and accessible educational experiences that remain highly relevant today for skill development and knowledge transfer.
What you'll learn
- The fundamental principles behind successful mobile gaming and VR-based learning programs.
- How to design immersive learning experiences that drive engagement and retention.
- Practical applications of VR and mobile gaming for a variety of training needs.
- Strategies for implementing these technologies to overcome logistical challenges in corporate learning.
- Insights into measuring the impact and ROI of advanced learning technologies.
Who this webinar is for
- HR professionals and training managers seeking innovative learning solutions.
- Organizational development specialists focused on future-proofing their workforce.
- Leaders interested in leveraging technology for employee upskilling and reskilling.
- Learning and development heads looking to integrate immersive tools.
- Anyone interested in the intersection of technology, engagement, and effective learning.
Why it matters now
The integration of mobile gaming and VR into learning strategies continues to be critical for organizations navigating complex, distributed work environments. These technologies offer scalable solutions for skills-based learning, fostering collaboration, and providing experiential training that traditional methods often cannot replicate. As presented by Anders Gronstedt, Ph.D., these tools are essential for maintaining a competitive edge and developing a highly capable workforce.
How leaders can apply this
Leaders can begin by identifying specific training gaps where experiential learning would be most beneficial, such as leadership simulations or technical skill acquisition. Investing in pilot programs using mobile gaming or VR can demonstrate value and refine implementation strategies. Encouraging cross-functional teams to explore these technologies for onboarding, continuous professional development, and even team-building can unlock significant organizational potential. The goal is to move beyond passive learning to active, immersive engagement.
About this session
Key takeaways
Watching this webinar gives you grounded, practical perspective on workplace culture. Expect ideas you can use in leadership conversations, not abstract theory, drawn from Anders Gronstedt, Ph.D.'s direct experience.
Who this is for
CHROs, HR business partners, talent leaders, executive coaches, organizational development practitioners, and senior leaders who are responsible for workplace culture inside their organization.
Why it matters now
Workforce expectations, hybrid work patterns, and AI-driven change keep raising the bar on culture and leadership. Sessions like this help leaders make smarter, more evidence-informed decisions about workplace culture.
How to apply it
Use the ideas here to challenge a current assumption on your team, design a single concrete experiment in the next 30 days, and bring one finding back to your leadership group for discussion.