Dr Mari van Wyk, Senior Learning Designer at Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES), is passionate about turning online learning into an engaging and meaningful experience. Combining her enthusiasm for gamification and interactive learning, she is spearheading the use of FrameVR within COES to enhance its UPOnline offering. 

FrameVR

In a pilot study led by Dr Van Wyk, COES partnered with an Extended Reality consultant from eXtended Reality Interaction Solutions to create a virtual environment for the research protocol module of the fully online Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health. The study was piloted with two groups: one comprising lecturers, tutors, and COES interns, and the other consisting of final-year Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health students. Engaging in an interactive virtual setting, participants practised decision-making and applied their knowledge, gaining valuable practical experience.

“The virtual reality platform makes it easy to communicate, collaborate, and create in 3D environments right from the web browser. It gives students the chance to experience situations similar to those they will face in their careers,” Dr van Wyk explains. 

Feedback from the pilot study revealed that students appreciated the platform’s immersive and playful elements. “Several participants expressed positive experiences, noting that the platform was a refreshing and engaging way to interact and learn. Some appreciated the unique, game-like environment, which made the task enjoyable and piqued their curiosity. Others highlighted the value of connecting with peers on the platform, feeling motivated by the shared experience.”

The feedback from lecturers, tutors, and COES interns highlighted the importance of clear, accessible instructions.

Looking ahead

FrameVR is still being tested, and Dr Van Wyk is excited about its potential to enrich fully online learning programmes at UP. Though still in the early stages, she sees endless possibilities for its use across different UPOnline programmes. For example, sports science students can explore virtual gyms, while public health students can step into clinics or community health settings.

She also highlights the platform’s flexibility as a key strength. Already used by organisations like the University of Massachusetts Media Lab, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Coca-Cola HBC, FrameVR can be adapted to meet various educational and professional needs.

“In addition to using it for online events and virtual offices, it can be used to build a virtual classroom or entire campus in 3D and give your students an interactive virtual learning environment in the browser.” 
For Dr Van Wyk, it’s not just about using technology – it’s about using it creatively to empower students.

“The future of education is about creating experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges,” she says.

Beyond Frame VR: Dr Van Wyk’s role in promoting fully online learning at UP 

Dr van Wyk’s impact extends beyond FrameVR. Describing herself as a “conductor of academic chaos”, she blends creativity, innovation, and a touch of gamification to reshape how students engage with online learning. In 2024 alone, she supervised multiple postgraduate students, co-founded a discussion group for instructional designers, spoke at six events, and co-authored several research publications. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing online education, blending technology with pedagogy to create impactful learning experiences.

As an invited speaker, she has shared insights on topics like using AI in education and designing effective assessments in the digital age. Her research on the perceptions of e-learning and work-integrated learning in online programmes has further cemented her as a thought leader in the field.

Get to know this dynamic learning designer by listening to this AI-generated podcast: