The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently achieved a major international milestone by winning a 2025 Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance (GMA) Award at the Global MOOC and Online Education Conference held in Mexico City. This recognition highlights UJ’s leadership in innovation and its growing impact on digital education worldwide
At the conference, UJ was honoured for the Learning Analytics embedded Virtual Reality Classroom (LAViR)—an innovative short learning programme designed to support microteaching. Developed by the Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in STEM (CALTSTEAM) within UJ’s Faculty of Education and led by Professor Umesh Ramnarain, LAViR blends immersive virtual reality with advanced learning analytics to give trainee teachers immediate, data-driven feedback on their teaching practice
Representing UJ in Mexico City were Professor Sehaam Khan (Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic), Professor Suzy Graham (Senior Director for Academic Development and Support), and Professor Ramnarain himself. Together, they showcased how LAViR is setting new standards for educator development by combining cutting-edge technology with practical teaching insights
Professor Ramnarain acknowledged the award as a team achievement, celebrating the collective effort that brought LAViR to life. He emphasised how the programme demonstrates the power of technology to enhance teaching quality and expand access to professional learning for educators everywhere
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said the award reflects the university’s commitment to digital innovation and aligns with its Strategic Plan 2035 goals—especially in areas like technology integration, societal impact, and global excellence. LAViR’s success, he noted, showcases how UJ is building future-ready learning environments that respond to real world educational needs.
The conference also offered a platform for UJ to present UJDigital, the university’s flexible online learning ecosystem. Together, LAViR and UJDigital highlight UJ’s drive to make education more accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the demands of a digital future.
Looking ahead, UJ plans to deepen international partnerships and continue developing forward-thinking education technologies—ensuring that tools like LAViR support teachers and learners across Africa and beyond