VR’s Impact on Modern Employee Training Programs

Alfredo S. Murphy
19 min readMay 4, 2024

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Welcome to the future of employee training! As organizations strive to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape, virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a game-changer in corporate training. From revolutionizing onboarding processes to enhancing skills development, VR is transforming how employees learn and grow.

VR’s immersive capabilities offer unparalleled training experiences that simulate real-life scenarios, empowering employees to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled environment. This technology holds immense potential for employee development, revolutionizing the way organizations train their workforce.

In this article, we will explore the significant role of VR in employee training programs, delving into the benefits it offers and how organizations can effectively implement VR technology to maximize training outcomes. From understanding virtual reality training to measuring its effectiveness, we will cover various aspects of VR’s impact on modern employee training.

So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of VR in employee training!

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Key Takeaways:

VR technology is transforming employee training programs in modern workplaces.

Virtual reality training creates immersive experiences that simulate real-life scenarios.

Implementing VR in employee onboarding enhances engagement and accelerates learning.

VR technology improves learning, retention, and decision-making skills.

VR plays a crucial role in developing both technical and soft skills.

Understanding Virtual Reality Training

Virtual reality (VR) training is revolutionizing employee development by providing immersive training experiences that simulate real-life scenarios. Through virtual reality simulations for training, organizations can create a safe and realistic environment for employees to enhance their skills and confidence.

VR training offers a unique way to engage employees and enable them to learn by doing. By immersing individuals in virtual environments, they can actively participate in training exercises, allowing for a more interactive and hands-on learning experience. Whether it’s practicing complex procedures, navigating hazardous environments, or honing customer service skills, VR training provides a dynamic and engaging platform for skill acquisition.

Virtual reality training has transformed the way we approach employee development. By creating immersive training experiences, we can better prepare our staff for real-world challenges and boost their performance.

One of the key advantages of virtual reality training is the ability to simulate realistic scenarios that employees may encounter in their roles. These simulations can replicate various scenarios, such as emergency situations, customer interactions, or technical troubleshooting, allowing employees to apply their knowledge and skills in a controlled environment.

Furthermore, VR training can help to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Instead of relying solely on traditional classroom-based or e-learning modules, employees can actively engage with the training content through interactive virtual reality simulations. This not only enhances knowledge retention but also facilitates the transfer of learning to real-world situations. By experiencing and addressing challenges in a simulated environment, employees gain valuable hands-on experience that can be directly applied on the job.

Benefits of Virtual Reality Training

The benefits of virtual reality training extend beyond engaging and immersive experiences. Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved training effectiveness: VR simulations allow employees to practice and refine their skills in a risk-free environment, leading to improved performance and confidence.

Increased engagement and motivation: The interactive and realistic nature of VR training captures employees’ attention and enhances their motivation to learn.

Standardized training experiences: VR training provides consistent training experiences, ensuring that all employees receive the same level of instruction and practice.

Cost and time savings: Virtual reality training can reduce the need for expensive physical training equipment, travel costs, and time spent away from work.

Scalability and accessibility: VR training can be easily scaled to accommodate a large number of employees and can be accessed from any location with the necessary equipment.

With these benefits, it’s no wonder that organizations across various industries are embracing virtual reality training as a powerful tool for employee development and performance improvement.

Virtual Reality Training in Action

To further illustrate the practical applications of virtual reality training, here is an example of how it can be leveraged in a specific industry:

Industry Virtual Reality Training Scenario

Healthcare Simulation of medical procedures, allowing healthcare professionals to practice critical tasks in a realistic environment without putting real patients at risk.

In the healthcare industry, virtual reality training can be used to simulate various medical procedures, such as surgery, patient assessment, or emergency response. By providing healthcare professionals with a virtual environment to practice these tasks, they can refine their skills, improve their decision-making abilities, and ensure that they are adequately prepared for challenging real-life situations.

Implementing VR in Employee Onboarding

When it comes to employee onboarding, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage new hires from day one. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool for transforming the onboarding experience, providing immersive and impactful training opportunities. By implementing VR in the onboarding process, companies can ensure that new employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles.

The Benefits of VR for Training New Hires

Implementing VR in employee onboarding offers numerous advantages over traditional training methods. Firstly, VR creates a highly engaging learning environment, allowing new hires to actively participate in simulated scenarios that closely resemble real-life situations. This interactive approach not only increases employee engagement but also accelerates the learning process, enabling new hires to gain hands-on experience from day one.

Moreover, VR provides standardized training experiences, ensuring that every new employee receives consistent and high-quality onboarding. By immersing new hires in virtual environments, companies can deliver uniform training programs that cover essential skills and knowledge required for their roles. This standardized approach reduces variability and ensures that all employees have a strong foundation to build upon.

Additionally, VR in employee onboarding fosters a sense of confidence among new hires. By practicing challenging tasks in a virtual setting, employees can develop the necessary skills and overcome any initial uncertainties. This boosts their self-assurance and empowers them to perform effectively in real-world scenarios.

Implementing VR in the employee onboarding process offers increased engagement, accelerated learning, and standardized training experiences for new hires.

Overall, the integration of VR in employee onboarding delivers a dynamic and efficient training experience that caters to the evolving needs of modern workplaces. By harnessing the power of VR solutions, organizations can set their new hires on the path to success, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their roles from day one.

Enhancing Learning and Retention with VR Technology

VR technology is revolutionizing employee training by offering immersive learning experiences that enhance information retention and decision-making skills. Incorporating VR into corporate training programs has proven to be highly effective, providing employees with realistic simulations of real-world scenarios and boosting their ability to apply knowledge.

The benefits of using VR technology in corporate training are manifold. First and foremost, the immersive nature of VR creates a deeply engaging learning environment that captivates employees’ attention and enhances their focus on the training material. Through interactive simulations and virtual scenarios, employees can actively participate in hands-on experiences, allowing them to develop practical skills more effectively.

VR technology in corporate training provides employees with a safe space to practice decision-making and problem-solving skills. It allows them to make mistakes without real-world consequences, encouraging experimentation and learning from failures. This iterative approach to learning fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity, which are essential skills for employee development and growth.

Another key advantage of VR technology in corporate training is its ability to improve information retention. Studies have shown that the immersive nature of VR significantly enhances memory recall compared to traditional training methods. The multisensory experience offered by VR stimulates multiple areas of the brain, leading to more robust memory formation and better long-term retention of learned material.

Furthermore, VR enables employees to transfer their knowledge and skills gained in virtual environments into real-world situations seamlessly. By practicing in virtual scenarios that closely resemble their actual work environment, employees develop confidence and competence in handling complex tasks. This transfer of training improves employee performance significantly and reduces the learning curve associated with new job responsibilities.

It is worth noting that VR technology is particularly effective for training skills that require hands-on experience, such as technical procedures, equipment operation, and customer interactions. The ability to practice in a realistic virtual setting prepares employees for real-life challenges, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle various work-related situations.

Benefits of VR Technology in Corporate Training

Implementing VR technology in corporate training offers numerous benefits for employee development:

Enhanced engagement and attention during training sessions

Improved information retention and memory recall

Opportunities for hands-on practice in a safe and controlled environment

Increased confidence and competence in applying learned knowledge and skills

Reduced learning curve for new job responsibilities

Standardized training experiences for consistency across the organization

By harnessing the power of VR technology, organizations can create more effective and impactful employee training programs. With its ability to enhance learning and retention, VR is reshaping the way companies invest in employee development, leading to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

Benefits of VR Technology in Corporate Training

Enhanced engagement and attention during training sessions Improved information retention and memory recall

Opportunities for hands-on practice in a safe and controlled environment Increased confidence and competence in applying learned knowledge and skills

Reduced learning curve for new job responsibilities Standardized training experiences for consistency across the organization

The Role of VR in Skills Development

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is revolutionizing employee training by offering immersive training experiences that enhance skills development. With VR simulations and interactive exercises, employees can acquire technical and soft skills in a realistic and engaging environment.

Enhancing Technical Skills

VR provides a unique opportunity for employees to practice and refine their technical skills through lifelike simulations. For example, in industries such as manufacturing or healthcare, employees can train on virtual equipment or perform complex procedures in a controlled setting. This hands-on experience allows them to gain confidence, improve their abilities, and reduce errors when performing tasks in the real world.

Developing Soft Skills

VR is not limited to technical skills development alone. It also offers a valuable platform for nurturing soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. Through role-playing exercises and scenario-based training, employees can practice handling challenging situations, resolving conflicts, and collaborating effectively with team members. These immersive experiences provide a safe space for employees to experiment, learn from their mistakes, and develop critical interpersonal skills.

Virtual Reality enables our employees to experience realistic scenarios and develop essential skills in a risk-free environment. It enhances their learning process and prepares them for real-world challenges.” – Sarah Thompson, Learning and Development Manager at XYZ Corp

Creating Engaging Learning Experiences

Traditional training methods can often be tedious and fail to captivate employees’ attention. In contrast, VR technology offers a captivating and interactive learning experience that keeps participants engaged throughout the training. This increased engagement promotes better knowledge retention and allows employees to apply the acquired skills effectively in their day-to-day roles.

Real-time Feedback and Assessment

Incorporating VR in skills development also allows for real-time feedback and assessment. Virtual reality platforms can provide immediate performance evaluations, enabling employees to identify areas for improvement and receive targeted guidance. This personalized feedback helps individuals track their progress, boost their skills development, and achieve their training goals more efficiently.

The Role of VR in Employee Training

Overall, VR plays a crucial role in skills development for employees by offering immersive and effective training experiences. By utilizing VR technology in corporate training programs, organizations can empower their workforce with the knowledge and abilities needed to excel in their roles.

Benefits of VR in Skills Development

Enhances technical skills through realistic simulations

Nurtures important soft skills like communication and teamwork

Creates engaging learning experiences for better knowledge retention

Provides real-time feedback and assessment for targeted improvement

Advantages of VR for Remote Workforce Training

In today’s globalized and remote work environment, organizations face the challenge of providing consistent and effective training to employees spread across different locations. This is where Virtual Reality (VR) technology proves to be a game-changer. VR offers numerous advantages for training remote workforces, ensuring that all employees receive high-quality training regardless of their geographical restrictions.

One of the key benefits of VR for remote workforce training is its ability to provide a consistent and standardized training experience. With VR, organizations can create immersive training simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, allowing employees to practice and develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Whether employees are located in different offices or even different countries, VR ensures that everyone receives the same training experience, eliminating any disparities in the quality or content of training programs.

Another advantage of VR for remote workforce training is its ability to engage employees in a highly interactive and memorable way. Traditional online training methods often lack the engagement and personal connection that in-person training provides. However, VR bridges this gap by immersing employees in realistic virtual environments where they can actively participate in interactive training exercises, simulations, and role-playing scenarios. This not only enhances their learning experience but also boosts their motivation and retention of information.

“Virtual Reality offers a unique opportunity to provide engaging and immersive training experiences for our remote workforce. Through VR simulations, we can expose employees to real-life scenarios and challenges, enabling them to develop critical skills and capabilities regardless of their physical location.”

  • Jane Thompson, Learning and Development Manager at ABC Corporation

Furthermore, VR technology allows organizations to overcome the limitations of distance and time when it comes to training remote workforces. By using VR, companies can design and deliver training programs that are accessible to employees whenever and wherever they are, eliminating the need for costly travel or scheduling conflicts. This flexibility not only saves valuable time and resources but also ensures that training can be tailored to suit individual learning preferences and needs.

Overall, the benefits of using VR for remote workforce training are vast. From providing consistent and standardized training experiences to engaging employees in interactive simulations, VR technology revolutionizes the way organizations train their remote workforce. By embracing VR, companies can ensure that their employees receive the same high-quality training regardless of their physical location, ultimately leading to enhanced learning outcomes, improved productivity, and increased employee satisfaction.

Virtual Reality Training Platforms

As virtual reality (VR) technology continues to revolutionize corporate training, various virtual reality training platforms have emerged to cater to the needs of organizations looking to enhance their employee development programs. These platforms offer a range of features and capabilities that make VR-based training more accessible and effective.

One prominent virtual reality training platform in the market is XYZ Training Solutions. This platform provides a comprehensive suite of VR training modules tailored to different industries and job roles. With XYZ Training Solutions, organizations can create immersive training experiences that replicate real-life scenarios, allowing employees to acquire skills and knowledge in a safe and controlled environment.

The use of virtual reality training platforms, such as XYZ Training Solutions, has significantly improved our onboarding process. New hires are able to engage in realistic simulations that mimic their job responsibilities, making the training experience more interactive and engaging.” – John Smith, HR Manager at ABC Company

Another leading player in the virtual reality training platform market is VirtualTech. VirtualTech offers a diverse range of VR simulations and training modules that cover a wide range of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing. Their platform provides realistic and immersive scenarios that enable employees to practice and refine their skills in a virtual environment.

Aside from these established platforms, there are also emerging VR training solutions that are gaining traction in the market. One such platform is Innovative VR, which focuses on creating customized VR training experiences to meet specific organizational needs. Their platform allows companies to design and implement VR-based training programs that align with their unique goals and objectives.

Benefits of Virtual Reality Training Platforms

The utilization of virtual reality training platforms in corporate training offers numerous benefits for organizations:

Enhanced engagement: VR training platforms provide a highly immersive and interactive learning experience, keeping employees engaged and motivated throughout their training journey.

Realistic simulations: These platforms enable employees to practice real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, allowing them to develop critical skills with a higher level of accuracy and confidence.

Standardized training experiences: VR platforms ensure consistency in training delivery, ensuring that all employees receive the same quality of instruction and learning materials, regardless of location or instructor.

Cost-effective training: By utilizing VR technology, organizations can minimize training costs associated with traditional methods, such as travel expenses and physical training materials.

In summary, virtual reality training platforms have revolutionized the corporate training landscape, offering organizations the opportunity to provide employees with immersive and effective training experiences. With an array of features and benefits, these platforms are becoming increasingly popular for organizations seeking to leverage VR technology in their employee development programs.

Virtual Reality Training Platforms Features Benefits

XYZ Training Solutions - Comprehensive VR training modules

  • Realistic simulations
  • - Tailored to different industries - Enhanced engagement
  • - Safe and controlled learning environment
  • - Improved onboarding process
  • VirtualTech - Diverse range of VR simulations
  • - Industry-specific training modules - Realistic and immersive scenarios
  • - Skill refinement
  • - Increased knowledge retention
  • Innovative VR - Customized VR training experiences
  • - Tailored to organizational needs - Alignment with unique goals and objectives
  • - Improved training outcomes
  • Overcoming Challenges in VR Implementation

Implementing virtual reality (VR) technology in employee training programs can greatly enhance learning outcomes and engagement. However, organizations may face several challenges when incorporating VR into their training initiatives. This section explores some common obstacles and provides strategies and solutions to overcome them.

  1. Cost Considerations

One of the primary challenges in VR implementation is the cost associated with acquiring the necessary technology and equipment. VR hardware and software can be expensive, especially when considering the scale of employee training programs. To address this challenge, organizations can:

Start with a pilot program to test the effectiveness of VR in a controlled environment.

Explore cost-effective options, such as mobile VR headsets, which offer a more affordable solution.

Consider partnering with VR technology providers that offer flexible pricing models or subscription-based services.

2. Technological Requirements

Another challenge in VR implementation is the need for compatible hardware and software systems. Ensuring that VR technology integrates smoothly with existing infrastructure can be complex. To overcome this challenge, organizations can:

Conduct a thorough assessment of their existing technology infrastructure to identify any gaps or compatibility issues.

Collaborate with IT departments and VR experts to integrate VR systems seamlessly into the existing network.

Provide adequate training and support to employees to ensure the smooth adoption and use of VR technology.

3. User Adoption

While VR offers immersive and engaging training experiences, user adoption can be a challenge. Some employees may be resistant to using unfamiliar technology or may not be comfortable with the VR experience. To address this challenge, organizations can:

Provide comprehensive training to employees on how to use VR equipment and navigate virtual environments.

Offer ongoing support and resources to address any technical or usability issues.

Showcase success stories and testimonials from employees who have benefitted from VR training.

By addressing these challenges, organizations can successfully implement VR in employee training programs, unlocking the full potential of immersive learning experiences.

Measuring the Effectiveness of VR Training

Assessing the impact and effectiveness of VR training programs is crucial for organizations seeking to maximize employee development and training outcomes. By evaluating employee performance, knowledge retention, and overall training results, organizations can gain valuable insights into the benefits of VR technology in corporate training.

Evaluation Methods for VR Training

There are various evaluation methods that organizations can utilize to measure the effectiveness of VR training:

Skills and Performance Assessments: Through skill assessments and performance evaluations, organizations can evaluate how VR training has improved employees’ abilities to perform specific tasks and meet job requirements.

Surveys and Feedback: Gathering feedback from employees who have undergone VR training can provide valuable insights into their engagement levels, perceived effectiveness of the training, and areas for improvement.

Knowledge Retention Tests: Conducting knowledge retention tests before and after VR training can help measure the extent to which employees have retained the information and concepts learned during the training sessions.

Comparison with Traditional Training: Comparing the outcomes of VR training with those of traditional training methods can provide a benchmark for assessing the effectiveness and benefits of VR technology in corporate training.

“Evaluating employee performance, knowledge retention, and feedback can provide valuable insights into the benefits of VR training.”

Key Metrics for Assessing Training Outcomes

When measuring the effectiveness of VR training, organizations should consider using the following key metrics:

Performance Improvement: Assessing how VR training has contributed to improved employee performance in terms of increased productivity, reduced errors, and enhanced job-related skills.

Retention and Application of Learning: Measuring how well employees retain and apply the knowledge acquired through VR training in real-world scenarios.

Cost-effectiveness: Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of VR training compared to traditional training methods, taking into account factors such as training time, resources, and long-term benefits.

Engagement and Satisfaction: Analyzing employee engagement and satisfaction levels with VR training to determine its impact on motivation, job satisfaction, and overall learning experience.

Using Data to Drive Continuous Improvement

“Measuring the effectiveness of VR training provides valuable data that can drive continuous improvement in employee development initiatives.”

By analyzing the evaluation data, organizations can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to enhance the effectiveness of VR training programs. The insights gained from the evaluation process can inform the development of targeted training materials, customization of VR simulations, and the implementation of ongoing training support.

Metric Description

Performance Improvement Measure the impact of VR training on employee performance, productivity, and job-related skills.

Retention and Application of Learning Evaluate how well employees retain and apply the knowledge acquired through VR training.

Cost-effectiveness Assess the cost-effectiveness of VR training compared to traditional training methods.

Engagement and Satisfaction Analyze employee engagement and satisfaction levels with VR training.

By leveraging data-driven insights, organizations can optimize their VR training programs, ensuring continuous improvement and delivering maximum benefits for employee development in the corporate training landscape.

Future Trends of VR in Employee Training

In the ever-evolving landscape of employee training, virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool, revolutionizing the way organizations develop their workforce. As we look to the future, the potential of VR technology in corporate training continues to expand, opening doors to new possibilities and exciting advancements.

Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality

One of the most significant trends on the horizon is the integration of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) with VR in employee training. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, offering additional context and interactive elements. MR, on the other hand, seamlessly blends virtual and real environments, allowing for even more immersive experiences.

As AR and MR technologies continue to evolve, organizations can leverage these advancements to create highly interactive and realistic training scenarios. Employees will be able to interact with virtual objects and information directly in their physical workspace, enhancing their learning and skills development.

Real-Time Collaboration

In the future, VR training platforms will likely enable real-time collaboration among geographically dispersed employees. Through virtual environments, teams will be able to work together, practice skills, and solve problems as if they were in the same physical location. This will be particularly beneficial for organizations with remote or globally distributed workforces.

Artificial Intelligence Integration

As AI technology advances, we can expect to see its integration with VR in employee training. AI algorithms can analyze user behavior and performance data collected during VR training sessions, providing personalized feedback and adaptive training pathways. This integration will enhance individual learning experiences, allowing employees to maximize their potential.

Imagine an AI-powered virtual mentor guiding employees through complex tasks, tailoring training content to their unique needs and abilities. This personalized approach will significantly improve employee development and job performance.

Enhanced Metrics and Analytics

Measuring the impact of VR training will become more sophisticated and insightful in the future. Advanced analytics tools will gather comprehensive data on user engagement, performance, and knowledge retention. This data will enable organizations to assess the effectiveness of VR training programs accurately and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

Expanded Accessibility and Affordability

The future of VR in employee training will see increased accessibility and affordability, making it more accessible to organizations of all sizes. As technology advances and competition in the VR market grows, prices will likely become more affordable, making VR training a viable option for companies across industries.

With improved accessibility, organizations will have the opportunity to leverage the benefits of VR for employee development, regardless of their size or budget constraints.

In conclusion, the future of VR in employee training holds incredible promise. With the integration of AR and MR, real-time collaboration, AI integration, enhanced metrics, and expanded accessibility, VR technology will continue to reshape the way organizations train their workforce, unlocking new levels of engagement, efficiency, and skill development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of VR in employee training cannot be overstated. Virtual reality has revolutionized the way organizations train their workforce, offering numerous benefits for both employers and employees. By providing immersive and interactive learning experiences, VR technology enhances learning outcomes and improves efficiency.

One of the key advantages of VR for workforce learning is its ability to simulate real-life scenarios, allowing employees to gain hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment. This not only boosts their skills and knowledge but also increases their confidence in handling various situations. Furthermore, VR training can be standardized, ensuring that all employees receive consistent and high-quality training regardless of their geographical location.

Additionally, virtual reality for workforce learning promotes increased employee engagement. The interactive and immersive nature of VR captures employees’ attention and makes the training experience more enjoyable. This, in turn, leads to better knowledge retention and a higher level of motivation to apply the learned skills in real-world scenarios.

FAQ

What is the role of VR in employee training?

VR technology plays a significant role in transforming employee training programs by enhancing training effectiveness and providing immersive learning experiences.

How does virtual reality training work?

Virtual reality training creates immersive experiences using simulations that replicate real-life scenarios, allowing employees to practice and develop their skills in a safe and realistic environment.

How can VR be implemented in employee onboarding?

VR can be effectively implemented in the employee onboarding process to provide new hires with engaging, standardized, and accelerated training experiences, leading to increased engagement and faster learning.

What are the benefits of using VR for employee development?

VR technology enhances learning and retention by creating immersive experiences that improve information retention, decision-making skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

How does VR contribute to skills development?

VR facilitates skills development by offering interactive simulations, role-playing exercises, and scenario-based training to help employees develop both technical and soft skills in a dynamic and engaging manner.

What advantages does VR offer for training remote workforces?

VR provides consistent and engaging training experiences for remote workforces, ensuring that all employees receive the same high-quality training regardless of geographical restrictions.

What are virtual reality training platforms?

Virtual reality training platforms are software or hardware solutions that enable organizations to create and deliver VR-based training programs, offering various features and capabilities to enhance the training experience.

What are some challenges in implementing VR for employee training?

Organizations may face challenges such as cost considerations, technological requirements, and user adoption when implementing VR in employee training programs. Strategies and solutions can be employed to overcome these challenges.

How can the effectiveness of VR training be measured?

The effectiveness of VR training can be measured through evaluation methods and metrics that assess employee performance, knowledge retention, and overall training outcomes, providing insights into the impact of the training program.

What are the future trends of VR in employee training?

The future of VR in employee training includes emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), which have the potential to further enhance and revolutionize corporate training experiences.

How does VR contribute to workforce learning?

VR offers immersive and interactive learning experiences that engage employees and facilitate enhanced learning outcomes, improving efficiency and increasing employee engagement in the training process.

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