I’m a Senior Instructional Designer and Learning Experience Designer with 10+ years of experience creating modern, engaging blended learning for adult professionals across higher education, healthcare, and corporate environments. I combine adult learning principles (andragogy) with evidence-based instructional design and a strong focus on learner-centred outcomes. I actively integrate generative AI and LLM tools (Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot) into end-to-end L&D workflows—from content drafting and scenario/assessment design to QA and continuous improvement—while advising stakeholders on ethical, effective AI use in learning design contexts.

Deborah Chikura

I’m a Senior Instructional Designer and Learning Experience Designer with 10+ years of experience creating modern, engaging blended learning for adult professionals across higher education, healthcare, and corporate environments. I combine adult learning principles (andragogy) with evidence-based instructional design and a strong focus on learner-centred outcomes. I actively integrate generative AI and LLM tools (Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot) into end-to-end L&D workflows—from content drafting and scenario/assessment design to QA and continuous improvement—while advising stakeholders on ethical, effective AI use in learning design contexts.

Available to hire

I’m a Senior Instructional Designer and Learning Experience Designer with 10+ years of experience creating modern, engaging blended learning for adult professionals across higher education, healthcare, and corporate environments. I combine adult learning principles (andragogy) with evidence-based instructional design and a strong focus on learner-centred outcomes.

I actively integrate generative AI and LLM tools (Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot) into end-to-end L&D workflows—from content drafting and scenario/assessment design to QA and continuous improvement—while advising stakeholders on ethical, effective AI use in learning design contexts.

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Work Experience

Instructional Designer & Compliance Advisor (Contract) at Centurion Transport
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Designed end-to-end self-paced eLearning in Articulate Rise for a large-scale ERP rollout. Achieved a 98% first-launch success rate and improved knowledge retention by 30% through storytelling and microlearning design. Owned the full instructional design lifecycle independently—from stakeholder brief through content development, quality assurance, and launch.
Instructional Designer & Compliance Advisor at Centurion Transport
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Designed end-to-end self-paced eLearning in Articulate Rise for a large-scale ERP rollout, achieving a 98% first-launch success rate and improving knowledge retention by 30% through storytelling and microlearning design. Managed the full instructional design project lifecycle autonomously from stakeholder brief through content development, QA, and launch.
Learning Designer / Educational Technologist at University of Western Australia
January 1, 2024 - Present
Designs and develops modern, learner-centred blended learning experiences for adult professionals across disciplines using andragogy and evidence-based instructional design across the full development lifecycle. Integrates generative AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) into workflows for content drafting, scenario generation, assessment design, and QA. Advises academic staff and senior stakeholders on practical AI-enhanced learning design approaches. Authors self-paced eLearning modules and interactive resources using Articulate Rise, H5P, Canva, and Adobe tools while ensuring accessibility and quality. Manages end-to-end instructional design projects across concurrent initiatives and co-led major technology pilots (Cadmus Digital Exam and GoReact Video Assessment), producing formal reports informed by evaluation data.
Learning & Development Consultant at MercyCare
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Designed and delivered blended learning programs for adult professional cohorts, collaborating with SMEs and cross-functional stakeholders to translate complex knowledge into structured learning journeys. Developed leadership development short courses and self-paced modules applying learner-centred design principles to drive capability uplift. Integrated generative AI tools into content development workflows to improve production efficiency and content quality. Evaluated programme effectiveness using learner feedback and data insights, continuously improving learning experiences and embedding emerging technologies into delivery approaches.
Educational Designer & Lecturer at University of Wollongong
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Designed blended and online learning experiences for diverse international adult learner cohorts, applying adult learning principles and innovative digital approaches to improve engagement and retention. Used learning analytics and data insights to identify engagement gaps and implement adaptive content improvements, increasing learner retention by 20%.
Learning Designer at goTAFE
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2022
Designed self-paced vocational eLearning content for adult learners, translating complex subject matter into clear, structured learning journeys with strong learner engagement and instructional quality.

Education

Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Digital Learning Leadership at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) specialising in Professional Writing at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Digital Learning Leadership at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) specialising in Professional Writing at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business at Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Digital Learning Leadership at Deakin University
January 1, 2024 - August 6, 2026
Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) specialising in Professional Writing at Deakin University
January 1, 2025 - August 6, 2026

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Inclusive Curriculum)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Bachelor of Nursing
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business — Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Digital Learning Leadership — Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) specialising in Professional Writing — Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Inclusive Curriculum)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Inclusive Curriculum)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business — Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Digital Learning Leadership — Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) specialising in Professional Writing — Deakin University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Inclusive Curriculum)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Inclusive Curriculum)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Bachelor of Nursing
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business (Deakin University)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2026
Graduate Certificate of Digital Learning Leadership (Deakin University)
January 1, 2024 - August 6, 2026
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Inclusive Curriculum)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40122)
January 11, 2030 - August 6, 2026
Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) specialising in Professional Writing (Deakin University)
January 1, 2025 - August 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Healthcare, Professional Services, Transportation & Logistics, Government, Non-Profit Organization