I’m honoured to receive the Top Inventor Award at the 2024 NWU Excellence Awards! My wife, Robyn, accepted on my behalf as I visited the University of Lincoln. Proud to share this accolade with my brother, Prof. Byron Bunt. Our game-based learning journey has only begun!

I'm thrilled to share that I’ve been awarded the Faculty Teaching Award at North-West University, recognizing my commitment to innovative, student-centered teaching. My approach integrates game-based learning, AI, and role-specific tasks to bridge theory with practical skills essential for the tech industry. This award celebrates the impact of active, collaborative learning, and I look forward to continuing to inspire and equip students for dynamic, impactful careers.

On 10 October 2024, students and staff from North-West University gathered in Potchefstroom to playtest the WorkReady board game. Praised for its ease of learning and thought-provoking gameplay, participants offered valuable feedback to improve the game’s balance and challenge structure. The development team is now revisiting the prototype, incorporating suggestions, and preparing for the next round of testing. WorkReady continues to progress as an engaging tool for developing 21st-century skills and professional attributes.

From October 1 to 5, 2024, I presented two papers at the European Conference on Games-Based Learning in Aarhus, Denmark, exploring serious games for citation skills and academic integrity education. We also presented a poster, engaging with global researchers on game-based learning.

For my career, 2024 was the most eventful and rewarding year to date. This year has been absolutely phenomenal, from creating games that have achieved worldwide renown to incorporating AI into my teaching practices and improving course content. My professional experience includes developing new methods of instruction, directing scholarly partnerships, and making a difference in the world via public service and academic inquiry. I have successfully navigated the responsibilities of leading, supervising, and engaging with the industry all while pushing the limits of educational technology. Knowing that this year's efforts have resulted in significant progress for myself, my students, and the community at large fills me with a tremendous feeling of pride and achievement.

On 17 September 2024, Dr. Lance Bunt spoke at the FHUM Spring School in Parys, addressing the transformative role of AI in education. Together with Byron, he emphasised fostering creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy through AI integration. Their session highlighted AI's potential to revolutionise learning, while addressing ethical, environmental, and societal implications, urging educators to rethink the future of teaching.

On 12 September 2024, lecturers and students at NWU engaged in a dynamic panel discussion on the role of technology in student-centred teaching. Addressing key themes from Dr. Lance Bunt's presentation, participants discussed balancing technology with educational goals and creating flexible, personalised learning environments.

At NWU’s 2024 Teaching & Learning Conference, Dr. Lance Bunt highlighted the significance of flexible, student-centred teaching. He explored the role of technology and personalised approaches in fostering engagement and real-world problem-solving. His thought-provoking talk emphasised meeting students where they are, acknowledging their personal life experiences.

At the Technology, Humanity, and the Ethical Compass symposium, Dr. Lance Bunt presented on the concept of “techtures”—the digital tools and platforms shaping modern workspaces. He explored the impact of technology clusters on professional development, collaboration, and innovation while advocating for ethical, human-centric design. His insightful talk stressed the importance of aligning technological tools with individual competencies to enhance both productivity and worker well-being.