In case you missed it, America’s Credit Unions invited us to host a webinar, “Transforming Credit Unions with XR and AI,” offering an exciting glimpse into the future of employee training and member experience. Partnering with our client, Ent Credit Union, our CEO Adrian Moise discussed technological advancements reshaping the industry with Lori Benton, VP of Learning and Cultural Enrichment and Marnie Gerkhardt, Director of Learning Innovation, both from Ent CU. This 60-minute session explored how Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolutionizes credit union training, onboarding, and operations.
Read on to hear about Ent’s experience with our training solutions, the benefits they’ve seen with their teams, and why embracing these innovations has changed the game for the future of their business.
Immersive Learning: A New Standard
Ent Credit Union’s venture into VR training with Aequilibrium has been highly rewarding. By adopting VR, they’ve moved beyond traditional learning methods, immersing employees in interactive environments that closely mirror real-world scenarios.
Imagine learning to drive by only reading about it versus actually getting behind the wheel. VR training offers a similar leap from theoretical knowledge to hands-on experience. Ent Credit Union utilized Aequilibrium’s VR technology to create hyper-realistic branch environments and training personas tailored to reflect the diverse characteristics of their members. “It was really this new way of learning in a space that provided focus, control, and true immersive learning. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between theory and practice,” said Gerkhardt from Ent Credit Union.
The integration of AI with VR training was another highlight. AI accelerates content creation and ensures that training scenarios remain up-to-date and relevant. It augments the VR experience by generating realistic dialogues and interactions, enhancing user engagement. Moise noted that “AI helps us maintain and update training scenarios efficiently, ensuring that employees always engage with the latest information. This combination of VR and AI is a powerful way to stay ahead in employee development.” By training in an environment that closely mirrors the real world, employees gain practical skills and confidence, ready to tackle real-life challenges with greater ease.
Efficiency and Results: The Ent Credit Union Transformation
You would only set sail on a voyage with a reliable map and compass, right? Similarly, data acts as our navigational tool for assessing training solutions. Gerkhardt highlighted the efficiency of VR training, stating, “Time is huge. We always spend so much time preparing and upgrading. With VR, we can conduct training virtually, saving loads of time without having to move team members around.” This efficiency is crucial for busy branches where every minute counts.
Lori Benton added, “Reducing errors is key. VR allows employees to practice and make mistakes in a risk-free environment, which ultimately speeds up their learning process and reduces costs associated with mistakes” This approach not only helps in minimizing errors but also significantly boosts employee confidence and competence. “The results speak for themselves: higher engagement, better recall, and greater application of skills in the real world,” Benton adds.
The data supports these benefits. Post-training evaluations show a 73% increase in employee confidence and an 82% improvement in information retention, underscoring how VR training enhances learning outcomes. Additionally, 100% of employees preferred VR training over traditional methods, citing its superior engagement. VR training is also time-efficient, completing up to 4 times faster than classroom methods and 1.5 times faster than e-learning. Engagement is notably higher, with VR trainees feeling 3.75 times more emotionally connected and 275% more confident in applying their skills.
Navigating the Learning Curve and Looking Forward
Adapting to new technology can be challenging, but Ent Credit Union navigated the learning curve effectively. Benton shared, “The warm-up phase we included was crucial. It allowed our team to get comfortable with VR in a fun and engaging way, easing the transition and reducing any initial discomfort.”
Looking ahead, the insights from the webinar paint a promising picture for the future of training in credit unions. Moise remarked, “We’re at the forefront of a new era in training. By combining VR with AI, we’re not just enhancing learning; we’re revolutionizing it.” Integrating AI with VR training modernizes content delivery and ensures its relevance and effectiveness by maintaining up-to-date information and improving user engagement.
As organizations consider embracing these innovations, staying open to new possibilities and trusting the process is essential. Gerkhardt advised, “Trust the process. We let Aequilibrium do their thing, and we’re stronger and better for it.” Benton added, “It’s about enhancing the overall employee and member experience.” This forward-thinking approach positions credit unions to provide exceptional training, better prepare employees for real-world interactions, and improve member satisfaction.
Ready to Transform Your Training?
Inspired by Ent Credit Union’s success with VR and AI? Whether you’re looking to enhance employee onboarding, streamline operations, or elevate member satisfaction, now is the time to act.
Here’s how you can get started:
- Schedule a Discovery Call: Contact our team to discuss how VR and AI can be tailored to your organization’s needs.
- Explore a Pilot Program: Start with a proof of concept to see firsthand how these technologies can impact your training and operations.
- Join Our Community: Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest VR and AI advancements.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to lead the way in innovative training solutions. Contact us today to take the first step towards transforming your organization with XR and AI.
