The Durban University of Technology (DUT) played host to the Innovative Teaching and Learning Project Based Learning (PBL) and Design Thinking (DT) Launch 2024 at the Coastlands on the Ridge Musgrave on Tuesday, 16 April 2024.

In 2024, the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Teaching and Learning approved 14 proposals through the Big Rocks projects, which demonstrates potential in adopting PBL and DT. The aim is to promote self-directed learning, facilitate self-awareness, and encourage students to become active partners in applying and generating knowledge.

The objectives of the launch are to:

• Provide a comprehensive introduction to Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning as innovative approaches to Teaching and Learning.
• Present and showcase the projects that have been approved for funding in 2024.
• Explore potential avenues for enhancing the ongoing projects.
• Foster collaboration and establish a community of practice to support the effective implementation of Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking.

Giving some context on the Big Rocks projects, was the Acting Director of CELT, Dr Shoba Rathilal, who highlighted that DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategic objective on Innovative Curricula and Research requires the Teaching and Learning staff to embrace innovative and creative teaching methods that inspire students to enhance their creativity, innovation, and adaptability.

“This type of education has a positive impact on graduates by equipping them with the skills to initiate and respond to change, as well as fostering their engagement and entrepreneurial abilities. In order to achieve this objective, the university has implemented Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking as two teaching methodologies within the Universal Design Learning framework,” she said.

Giving the official welcome at the event was the interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Teaching and Learning, Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu, who welcomed the Executive Dean and Deputy Dean of Accounting and Informatics, along with all other attendees and presenters for joining the launch, saying that everyone’s participation is crucial as the university builds a community that supports transformative learning experiences.

He explained that the university is dedicated to supporting the integration of Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning into the curriculum and recognises the importance of allocating resources for such initiatives.

“He expressed that the next critical step must be to make money and if we solve a problem that can generate income, then the next step is to train students to be entrepreneurial. Work with your students to find solutions and help them through the problems. Entrepreneurship is one logical follow-up, also, there’s going to be proper launch soon,” he said.

The launch workshop then delved into various presentations for the day. Looking at Fostering financial sustainability in informal businesses using design-thinking methods was a PBL project presented by Nolwando Mgilane, Mndeni Mthembu and Professor Ferina Marimuthu (Financial Accounting).

The approach of this exciting project by the team is expected to shape students by training them on how to implement their basic financial background skills to solve real problems. The team indicated that there is a proposed activity plan as well as four phases that it would follow, such as project preparation, project planning, project execution and project coordination, in terms of project planning.

Another riveting presentation was on the PBL project called: Innovate360: Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality for Business Transformation: A Student-Led Innovation Initiative. The project leaders are Dr Haruna Maama, Prof Ferina Marimuthu and Dr Jean D Mvunabandi.

Giving some feedback on the project was Dr Mvunabandi, who indicated that this project will be implemented in the first semester and involves students identifying innovative ways of using technology to improve organisational performance and processes.

“This project will enable the students to use these tools and technologies to study, simulate, and create solutions to business challenges while creating business opportunities.  Initial training on AI, VR, PBL and DT will be conducted for these students. After this, they must identify a business and study its operations, processes, and systems. The students will then design how technology can be integrated into the identified business process to improve their performance and efficiency,” he said.

He indicated that the intended outcomes are for the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. “Enhanced creativity and innovation in business and accounting practices. Also, improved understanding and application of technology (AI and VR) in the business context,” he explained.

Other exhilarating PBL projects presented were on Next Gen Accountants: Fusion of Academic Understanding. The School Administration of Practical of Practical Assessment Task (PAT) Programme as well as the PBL project entitled: EmpowerEDpreneurs – Business and Social Leaders Programme 2024, to name a few.

After each presentation, Dr Rathilal gave some constructive feedback on how better to improve or enhance the PBL projects.

The day concluded with closing remarks given by Dr Rathilal who reiterated that the university wants adaptive students who transform society.

“Know the journey and know where you want to take your students,” she said.

Pictured: The interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Teaching and Learning, Dr Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu, at the launch workshop.

Photographer: Morgen Kisten.

Waheeda Peters