Composition of Project Team The VR Courtroom Project is led by Prof. Michele van Eck, who oversees the project’s overall direction. Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola is the Lead VR Game Developer, bringing his expertise in AI and applications to the project. The team also includes subject matter experts from UJ’s Faculty of Law, who played a crucial role in developing the game’s content and validating its educational effectiveness. The project team comprises Prof. Puseletso Letete, Ms Natasha Naidoo, Mr Elton Hart, Ms Felicia Zuba, Mr Louis Koen, Dr Werner Nel, Dr Yvette Joubert, and Dr Whitney Rosenberg. These experts created authentic legal scenarios, designed the game’s storyline, and ensured the content was accurate and relevant. Their interdisciplinary collaboration was essential in developing a comprehensive and effective educational tool. Image 4: A scene from the VR Courtroom The project also benefited from our funders, including UJ’s Teaching Innovation Fund, the Faculty of Law and the reduced development costs from Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola, and input from academics and law clinic practitioners within the Faculty of Law. This collaborative approach ensured that the VR Courtroom Game met the needs of its users and provided a valuable learning experience. Launch and Impact The VR Courtroom Game was launched on 19 July 2024 at UJ (details of the launch may be viewed through this link: https://youtu.be/ zx4IiG1q1BE?si=3C59OB96Tn2KTWee). Image 5: Launch of the VR Courtroom Game on 19 July 2024 at UJ. The event marked a significant milestone in Africa’s legal education landscape, as the application of VR technology in this context is unprecedented on the continent. The game’s introduction highlights UJ’s commitment to innovation and excellence in teaching, setting a new standard for integrating advanced technology into legal education. Image 4: A scene from the VR Courtroom Image 5: Launch of the VR Courtroom Game on 19 July 2024 at UJ. Image 6: Prof. Michele van Eck and Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola featured on eNCA.com Image 6: Prof. Michele van Eck and Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola featured on eNCA.com The impact of the VR Courtroom Game extends beyond traditional educational boundaries. It provides a model for other institutions to follow, demonstrating the potential of VR and AI in creating engaging and effective learning environments. By offering an immersive and interactive learning experience, the game has the potential to transform legal education and better prepare students for the complexities of real-world legal practice. In addition to its educational benefits, the VR Courtroom Game has the potential to inspire further research and development in educational technology. As institutions and educators seek new ways to enhance learning experiences, the game is a testament to the possibilities of technology-driven innovation in education. Teaching Innovation for the 21st Century | Showcasing UJ Teaching Innovation Projects 2024 127
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