MSU EMBRACES DIGITAL FUTURE WITH JOVE TRAINING WORKSHOP

On the 17th of March 2026, Midlands State University hosted a training workshop on the Journal of Visualised Experiments (JoVE) in the Senate Room. The event brought together academics from various departments to explore how peer-reviewed video resources can enhance research methods, classroom instruction, and student learning outcomes. Under the theme “Transform Research, Teaching, and Learning with JoVE Videos,” the workshop marked another milestone in MSU’s ongoing effort to integrate innovative digital tools into its academic environment. A total of 218 participants attended. The Journal of Visualised Experiments (JoVE) is a peer-reviewed scientific video journal that publishes experimental methods in video format. Used by thousands of universities and research institutions worldwide, JoVE’s platform helps researchers replicate experiments more reliably and enables educators to bring complex procedures to life in the classroom.

Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration, Professor M. Maphosa, the Executive Director of Quality Assurance and Professional Development, Professor A.S. Chiromo, emphasised the critical role digital tools now play in contemporary higher education. “This workshop represents a strategic investment in our institutional capacity to deliver world-class education,” said Professor Chiromo, framing it not as a standalone event but as part of MSU’s broader institutional strategy to equip academics with the resources needed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Ms C. Wangui, JoVE’s Customer Success Specialist for Sub-Saharan Africa. She provided a comprehensive demonstration of the platform’s capabilities. During her presentation, Ms Wangui showcased how JoVE’s extensive library of peer-reviewed video content supports research replication, enhances laboratory instruction, and improves student understanding across a wide range of disciplines.

Beyond demonstration, Ms Wangui provided practical strategies for integrating visual content into existing course structures and laboratory sessions, equipping academics with immediately applicable methods to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote student retention. A notably progressive segment of the presentation examined the integration of video-based learning and artificial intelligence. Ms Wangui demonstrated how AI tools integrated into the JoVE platform facilitate personalised learning pathways, offering tailored content recommendations that adapt to individual students’ needs and progress. She also gave attendees an exclusive preview of forthcoming releases, offering insight into the next generation of academic video resources.

The presentation was followed by a robust question-and-answer session, during which academics engaged directly with Ms Wangui on implementation strategies, access protocols, and discipline-specific applications. The interactive exchange underscored enthusiasm across departments for adopting visual learning tools and indicated that MSU’s academic staff were ready to explore new pedagogical approaches.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

• JoVE’s peer-reviewed video library supports research replication and laboratory teaching across disciplines.
• Visual learning resources measurably improve students’ comprehension and retention of knowledge
• AI-powered tools within JoVE enable personalised learning journeys through tailored content recommendations.
• Practical integration strategies enable academics to embed video resources into existing course structures

As the formal proceedings concluded, University Librarian Ms N.P. Chibanda delivered a vote of thanks, thanking the presenters, organisers, and attendees for their active participation and commitment to improving teaching and learning at MSU. The workshop reaffirmed Midlands State University’s dedication to using technology as a key driver of academic excellence. By equipping its academic staff with innovative tools such as JoVE, MSU is advancing its mission to produce well-rounded graduates who can drive innovation, industrialisation, and economic transformation, aligning with the objectives of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

The JoVE training workshop at Midlands State University marked a significant step towards embracing digital innovation in academia. By convening a diverse group of academics to explore the integration of peer-reviewed visual resources, MSU demonstrated its commitment to enhancing educational practices and improving student outcomes. The insights shared by experts such as Ms C. Wangui, highlighted the transformative potential of video-based learning and AI, equipping academic staff with the tools to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. This event not only fostered enthusiasm for new pedagogical approaches but also reinforced MSU’s mission to nurture competent graduates ready to contribute to Zimbabwe’s development goals. As the University continues to integrate cutting-edge resources, it positions itself at the forefront of modern education, poised to make a lasting impact on students and the broader community.