Exploring VR and Entrepreneurial Mindset Integration for Effective Safety Training

Studies highlight Virtual Reality (VR) as a powerful tool for safety training, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences that enhance engagement. However, a gap remains in understanding how theoretical frameworks align with training design and evaluation. This study explores two key areas: the application of theoretical frameworks in VR-based digital twins for safety training and the integration of Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (EML) principles into safety training design.

This study emphasizes designing pedagogies that foster curiosity, connection, opportunity identification, and impact recognition, key components for fostering a mindset aligned with safety-oriented behavior. Incorporating an entrepreneurial mindset into VR-based safety training enhances its relevance and impact, aligning it more effectively with real-world applications. A case study is presented in which a VR-based digital twin of a machine shop is developed to enhance safety training, as compared to traditional passive instruction methods. In the traditional approach, trainees complete a safety quiz after watching a presentation, granting them access to the campus shop. The proposed digital twin enables students to explore a virtual shop, engage with safety equipment, and practice tasks in a risk-free environment, with assessments tracking their progress. The integration of theoretical frameworks with practical applications forms a foundation for enhancing VR-based safety training programs, making them both more engaging and effective. The study further discusses the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing such training and expanding VR-based safety initiatives within educational settings.