THE YEAR OF ​ACTION

2024 has been the busiest, most fulfilling year of my ​professional journey. From integrating AI into my ​teaching practices and refining course content to ​developing games that have gained international ​recognition, this year has truly been a blockbuster. ​My work has spanned creating innovative learning ​experiences, leading academic collaborations, and ​contributing to societal impact through outreach ​and research. I’ve balanced the demands of ​supervision, leadership, and industry engagement ​while pushing the boundaries of educational ​technology. This year, I feel an immense sense of ​pride and accomplishment, knowing that every effort ​has contributed to meaningful growth for myself, my ​students, and the broader community.

Teaching & ​Learning, ​including ​Higher Degree ​Supervision

The goal of KPA 1 is to maintain high pass rates, provide ​organised and accessible content, and foster a collaborative, ​supportive learning environment for students at NWU.

WVNS211 Vaal pass rate: 97.59%. WVNS211 ​Vaal average: 71%. STLES data: *We do not ​utilise it, as we do team teaching for this ​module.

WVNS211 Vaal pass rate: 97.59%. WVNS211 ​Vaal average: 71%. STLES data: *We do not ​utilise it, as we do team teaching for this ​module.

NOTE: I aimed to completely overhaul all study materials and learning management systems related to these modules in 2024 and accomplished this ​with the assistance of artificial intelligence. I generated new images and visuals, authored new .css code, constructed new Rise360 sites, and ​established a new eFundi framework for all three modules, achieving significant success. CMPG214 received the most significant attention, with the ​introduction of a new strategic impact project, wherein student groups can apply to bypass the conventional assessment plan and engage directly in ​resolving a community-wide issue. STRENGTHS: The key strengths from the undergraduate work include strong communication and guidance, creative ​and engaging teaching methods, high organisation and accessibility of course materials, as well as a variety in assessments and helpful feedback.

KPA1 - Teaching & Learning, including Higher Degree Supervision

Honours Supervision:

Dewald Oosthuizen, an ITRI671 student, studies how AI tools can automate procedural content generation and ​improve player retention in persistent game development. The mixed-methods study included 35 game ​development community survey participants and 2 interviews with experienced developers. AI tools like Unity ML-​Agents and Nvidia Omniverse simplify development and personalise gameplay. The study addresses ethical and ​technical issues, recommending AI integration and suggesting future research on adaptive AI systems and AI-​generated narratives.

MSc Supervision:

Rebecca Bvuma's study seeks ethical guidelines for integrating AI into software development's requirements ​elicitation process. Ethics like bias, transparency, data privacy, and human judgement displacement are ​addressed in the research. The study examines these issues through literature reviews, case studies, and practical ​applications to help organisations responsibly implement AI in requirements elicitation while maintaining ​stakeholder trust and ethical standards.​

PhD Supervision:

Adelaide Sepudumo's study hopes to create a banking-specific hybridised customer service experience (hCSx) ​framework. Due to the growing demand for seamless and cohesive experiences across channels, the framework ​will integrate physical and digital customer service interactions. The study examines how physical and digital ​service affect customer value to provide a holistic approach to customer satisfaction, loyalty, and organisational ​growth. The study employs Activity Theory to analyse customer interactions in hybrid environments.

Mobility Project w/CTL:

International Teaching Mobility Profile sent to Lincoln University, ​England in September 2024. Travel and collaboration with a ​university counterpart in November 2024 and in 2025.

Faculty Teaching Award:

My portfolio of evidence will be submitted on 16 October 2024. I ​have worked hard to make it the best submission that I can. I ​believe we’ll have a positive outcome when the results are shared.

KPA2 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

Occupational ​Health & Safety ​(OHS)

The goal of this KPA is to ensure the health, safety, and well-​being of employees, students, and other individuals in a ​workplace or educational environment.

Throughout 2024, I have consistently demonstrated adherence

to OHS standards, fully complying with all office and North-West ​University regulations. My commitment to maintaining a safe work ​environment was evident through my observance of health and safety ​protocols and engagement in required OHS training. I effectively ​identified and reported potential hazards, contributing to a culture

of safety and ensuring the well-being of both myself and colleagues.

My actions reflected respect for institutional guidelines, and I’ve ​actively promoted a collaborative environment focused on health

and safety. There were no violations of OHS policies during the period.

The goal of this KPA is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees, students, and other individuals in a workplace or ​educational environment.

Poster presentation at ECGBL 2024 ​Conference in Denmark

Second ever WIPO nominees from ​Africa (tools of awareness about SDGs)

A Book Chapter in AOSIS: Empowering ​self-directed learners through digital ​innovation and open educational ​practices

CiteSaga is a competitive, citation-based serious game designed to promote ​academic integrity and improve students' citation skills. Players engage in ​rebuilding the fictional Grand Archive, a repository of knowledge, by accurately ​collecting, arranging, and verifying citations. Set in the mythical world of ​Taleterra, the game blends fantasy elements with educational objectives, ​teaching players how to correctly apply citation styles such as Harvard, APA, ​and Footnote. Players take turns completing citation challenges, navigating ​strategic elements like character abilities and time pressure, while working to ​restore the integrity of the Grand Archive.

KPA3 - PERSONAL RESEARCH & CREATIVE WORKS

OUTPUTS / outcomes:

Two Conference Proceedings

from ECGBL 2024

A Journal Article earmarked for late ​2024 submission

A boxed Board Game to be printed ​and launched in 2025

KPA3 - PERSONAL RESEARCH & CREATIVE WORKS

Renewable Rangers is an educational digital game aimed at teaching young South Africans (aged 8-14) about renewable energy and ​sustainability. Players assume the roles of Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi, two young "Rangers," guided by their mother, Dr. Mummy Ranger, as ​they travel across the provinces of South Africa. Their mission is to solve energy challenges specific to each province, such as building ​waterwheels, placing solar panels, and developing biomass systems. Through interactive gameplay, players learn about various ​renewable energy sources, including hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, and more. The ultimate goal is to restore power to the ​country while fostering an understanding of energy conservation and sustainability​

Stratracer is an educational adventure game designed to improve information literacy skills through an immersive ​space exploration theme. Players navigate a galactic frontier, collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing information ​to solve complex challenges. The game incorporates educational principles such as constructivism, social learning, ​and game-based learning, ensuring that players actively engage with and apply information in meaningful ways.

KPA3 - PERSONAL RESEARCH & CREATIVE WORKS

KPA3 - PERSONAL RESEARCH & CREATIVE WORKS

OUTPUTS

Th​e following outputs for the KPA are observed:

4

2

2

Conference Outputs

Journal Outputs

Book Chapters

KPA4 - Academic Leadership, Management & Administration

Academic Leadership, ​Management & ​Administration

The Academic Leadership, Management & Administration KPA involves managing

and​ leading academic and operational tasks, including overseeing curriculum design,​ coordinating administrative processes, and ensuring compliance with institutional​ policies. This role includes collaborating with colleagues on academic projects,​ providing mentorship, serving on committees, and contributing to governance and​ decision-making processes. Additionally, it involves supporting teaching and research​ initiatives, ensuring that academic programs are aligned with institutional goals,

and​ fostering an environment that enhances both student and staff experiences.​

Social ​Responsiveness & ​Industry Involvement

The Academic Leadership, Management & Administration KPA involves managing

The Social Responsiveness & Industry Involvement KPA focuses on engaging with ​communities and industries to address societal needs and contribute to the public ​good. My duties in this area include participating in community outreach programs, ​collaborating with industry partners, and aligning your academic work with social ​impact initiatives. This involves applying my expertise to solve real-world problems, ​contributing to policy discussions, and engaging in activities that promote sustainable ​development and social justice. Additionally, it includes building networks with ​external organisations, participating in public forums, and ensuring that my academic ​work benefits both the university and the broader community. Through these efforts, ​you help bridge the gap between academia and industry while contributing to ​societal well-being.

CS​IS Website Upkeep

Ongoing collaboration with The GREAT project ​for 12 more months

Ongoing collaboration with Serious Games ​Interactive (DiBL) and for 12 months

Working with someone interested in starting a ​South African-based NGO called “Games4Good”