It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically transformed the way we work and learn, with remote and hybrid work becoming the new norm for many. In fact, the ONS calculates that 1 in 7 adults work exclusively from home here in the UK - and we can back that up, as 65% of our own workforce choose to be remote.

As the transition to remote work has become increasingly common, the disparity in learning opportunities between office workers and remote workers has grown. Research on working from home by WFH research reveals that office workers, on average, dedicate an additional 15 minutes per week to professional development learning, spend an extra 40 minutes per week engaging in mentoring activities, and invest an extra 25 minutes in formal training, all when compared to their remote counterparts.

So as the trend of remote and hybrid work continues and a learning gap emerges, there is a growing recognition of the need for efficient tools and technologies to bridge this gap effectively.

Earlier this week Apple, known for its innovative and mass-used products (52% of the UK has an iPhone), recently unveiled their Apple Vision Pro, a revolutionary AR device. Now while AR has been around for the last 10 years or so, a company of Apple’s stature hasn't taken a run at it.

So, we here at Thrive have been thinking... Now that Apple has entered the game, could this tool potentially be the solution that bridges the remote worker learning gap?
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Why is there a remote worker learning gap?

Before we take a look at a possible solution, it’s important to look at some possible reasons as to why there is a remote worker learning gap.

Firstly, the shift to remote work often requires individuals to adapt to new technologies, tools, and communication platforms, which may pose a learning curve. (Think back to hearing “Can you see my screen?” on a daily basis.)

The cost associated with providing tools and technology for remote workers to facilitate their learning can often serve as a significant obstacle, particularly for small businesses with limited financial resources.

Additionally, the lack of in-person interactions and informal learning opportunities in a remote setting can hinder the transfer of knowledge and skills. Those informal chats around the water cooler not only serve as opportunities to connect with colleagues, but also as avenues for sharing ideas and knowledge.

This accidental sharing of knowledge can be recorded and shared via teams using LMS platforms (such as the best in the business, Thrive) but it still requires team members to put in effort that will benefit remote workers, as well as those involved in the in-person conversation.

Finally, limited access to dedicated training resources and the need for self-motivation to seek out learning opportunities can also be reasons that further contribute to the learning gap among remote workers.
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Introducing the Apple Vision Pro

In case you somehow missed the big news from WWDC this week, Apple revealed their first steps into the world of advanced augmented reality (AR). The Apple Vision Pro is an AR headset equipped with high-resolution displays, spatial audio, and precise motion tracking. It will allow users to watch films / TV / live sports and play games, whilst also being designed to enhance productivity, collaboration, and learning in a remote work environment.

The device combines cutting-edge hardware with powerful software, providing users with an immersive and interactive experience.

The opportunity to not be limited by the number of screens or screen size, the ability to visualise real life workplace scenarios (health and safety), increase collaboration and increase accessibility are all reasons why this might be the tool that helps to close the remote learning working gap.
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Enhanced learning opportunities

One of the key areas in which the Apple Vision Pro could make a significant impact is remote learning. The device can offer virtual classrooms and interactive learning modules that enable remote workers to engage in immersive educational experiences. By leveraging AR technology, users can visualise complex concepts, manipulate virtual objects, and participate in interactive simulations that are no longer physically constrained to a workplace.

This feature has the potential to bridge the learning gap by providing remote workers with a more engaging and interactive learning environment than they could ever hope for on a virtual call.
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Increased productivity

The Apple Vision Pro offers a range of features and capabilities that can significantly enhance the learning productivity for remote workers. While the likes of Zoom and MS Teams (other tools are available) have become household names, they are still limited to being 2D on a screen.

The device's AR technology allows users to create customisable workspaces and virtual displays, providing a more organised and efficient workflow. With the ability to have multiple virtual screens and applications open simultaneously, users can multitask seamlessly, switch between tasks with ease, and eliminate the need for physical monitors or cluttered desktops.
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Collaboration and communication

Remote workers often face challenges when it comes to collaborating and communicating effectively with colleagues.

The Apple Vision Pro aims to address these challenges by offering advanced collaboration tools. With the device, users can participate in virtual meetings, share and annotate documents, and engage in real-time collaboration with colleagues, regardless of their physical location. This level of seamless collaboration can foster knowledge sharing, enhance teamwork, and bridge the communication gap inherent in remote work settings.
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Accessibility and inclusivity

Another important aspect of the Apple Vision Pro is its focus on accessibility and inclusivity. The device includes features such as real-time transcription, closed captioning, and voice recognition, making it more accessible to individuals with disabilities. By ensuring that remote workers have equal access to learning materials and communication tools, the Apple Vision Pro can contribute to narrowing the learning gap and creating a more inclusive remote work environment.
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Limitations and considerations

While the Apple Vision Pro offers promising features, it's important to consider some limitations and challenges.

The device's high price point could hinder widespread adoption. Will businesses really be willing to mass purchase and utilise a product starting at $3499 apiece? Another constraint is that its two hour battery life might not survive a full training day. Additionally, concerns related to privacy and data security may arise due to the extensive use of AR technology and data processing involved in the device's functionality.

Despite seeing significant advancements in recent years, the widespread adoption of existing AR tools such as the Oculus Rift in learning management programs has been relatively limited. The cost associated with AR learning can be steep, and that’s not including the price of devices. Developing high-quality AR content requires substantial investment in hardware, software, and skilled professionals. Many businesses may find it financially challenging to allocate resources for AR-based learning solutions, especially when they already have existing training methods in place.
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What’s the verdict?

While there are obvious limitations and constraints, the Apple Vision Pro stands out as the most promising technological advancement in recent years that could bridge the gap between remote working and office working, thus possessing the potential to reduce the learning gap between remote working and office working.

With its advanced AR capabilities, immersive learning experiences, enhanced collaboration tools, and accessibility features, the device offers a compelling solution for remote workers seeking to bridge the gap in their educational and professional development vs their in-office colleagues.

As technology continues to evolve, innovative solutions like the Apple Vision Pro could play a vital role in shaping the future of remote work and learning, bringing us closer to a more connected and inclusive digital workplace where location based learning gaps are a thing of the past.

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