The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has launched the Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CALTSTEAM), which integrates frontier technologies such as AI, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and machine learning (ML) across the STEAM disciplines.

These efforts are aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that both educators and students are empowered to succeed in a technology-intensive world.

In an era where the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the global landscape, CALTSTEAM is not only a research centre, but a living ecosystem of innovation where future-facing learning tools are conceived, developed and implemented, it says.

At its core is the application of AI and immersive learning for teacher development.

UJ’s Bachelor of Education students now engage in AI-driven simulations and VR classroom environments that provide practical teaching experience before they step into physical classrooms.

These digital platforms are further enhanced by AI-powered analytics that track student engagement and tailor instruction to individual learning needs, the university says.

Further, UJ is using AR and VR for science education through targeted short learning programmes. These initiatives equip in-service teachers with the skills to bring abstract scientific concepts to life.

It also introduces culturally grounded tools such as the Culturally Anchored Virtual and Augmented Reality Simulations. This approach blends Indigenous Knowledge Systems with contemporary scientific education to create learning experiences that are inclusive, relatable and transformative.

Additionally, the XR Online Coding Club has been established to widen access to digital skills. It gives high school learners, particularly from underserved communities, an entry point into the world of extended reality (XR) coding.

“By nurturing digital literacy from an early age, UJ is opening pathways to future careers in the tech sector,” says UJ CALTSTEAM director Professor Umesh Ramnarain.

CALTSTEAM reinforces UJ's commitment to innovation by advancing research into adaptive learning systems, he adds.

“These AI-driven platforms personalise educational content based on each student’s learning trajectory, helping to close achievement gaps and ensure equitable access to quality education,” he says.

The centre is also focused on integrating emerging technologies into the South African education system, and thereby not only responding to global trends but actively shaping them, he adds.

“By embedding AI, VR, and AR into STEAM education, we are ensuring that every learner in South Africa, regardless of background, is equipped to thrive in a technology-driven future.”