Hello and welcome, I'm

Tika Thapa

eLearning Developer & Designer

I design and build learner-centred, engaging digital learning experiences: bespoke eLearning, onboarding programs and micro-credentials, complete course and curriculum development, and back-of-the-book indexing. I can take your project from research through to a polished, ready-to-deploy product, or support just the part you need.

Tika Thapa

Instructional Designer & eLearning Developer · Toronto, ON
Articulate Storyline Adobe Captivate Camtasia Moodle TalentLMS Blackboard
20+
Years in education & training
M.Ed
U of Toronto
View LinkedIn Profile
What I Do

Services

End-to-end learning design and content services. Engage me for a full build, or for a single component such as research, writing, design or development.

eLearning Development

Custom, interactive courses built in Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate and Camtasia. Scenario-based training, knowledge checks, gamification and animated explainers that lift engagement and retention.

Course & Curriculum Development

Structured courses, curricula and learning paths grounded in adult learning theory. Every one is mapped to clear objectives and built for synchronous, asynchronous or blended delivery.

Onboarding & Training Programs

Complete onboarding and workplace training programs that get new hires productive fast. Role-based learning paths, knowledge checks and resources that scale across your team.

Micro-Credentials

Design and build stackable micro-credential and badge programs. Bite-sized, competency-based modules with clear outcomes and assessments learners can complete and showcase.

Back-of-the-Book Indexing

Professional, reader-focused indexes for books and reference works. Thorough cross-referencing and well-structured entries that make your content genuinely navigable.

Proofreading & Editing

Careful proofreading and copy-editing across magazines, books, academic and digital texts. Clarity, consistency and accuracy sharpened without losing your voice.

Gamify Existing Content

Turn static slides, PDFs and documents into interactive, gamified learning. Quizzes, branching scenarios and progress mechanics that keep learners motivated.

LMS Setup & Support

Implementation and ongoing support across Moodle, TalentLMS, Blackboard, Canvas and Schoology, from course build and SCORM packaging through to learner-portal configuration.

Background

Experience & Education

Two decades designing learning and supporting learners across higher education, workplace training, special educational needs, and accessible, inclusive design.

Experience
Jan 2023 to Present

Educator / Mentor, Curriculum Development

Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education · Thunder Bay, ON (In person)

Educating and mentoring learners on-site in a full-time role, developing curriculum, designing and delivering instruction, and providing ongoing learner support.

2006 to Present

IELTS & PTE Tutoring

Freelance · Online / Remote

Online IELTS and PTE tutoring, bringing interactive, learner-centred coaching to synchronous and asynchronous delivery.

2008 to Present

Proofreading, Editing & Indexing

Freelance · Online / Remote

Proofreading, copy-editing and back-of-the-book indexing across magazines, books, academic and digital texts.

Dec 2019 to Dec 2023

Membership Manager (Volunteer)

Society for Technical Communication · Toronto Chapter (Hybrid)

Managed chapter membership for the STC Toronto Chapter in a part-time volunteer capacity.

Oct 2019 to Oct 2022

E-Learning Developer

Freelance

Built scenario-based, gamified and video-rich courses in Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate and Camtasia, deploying across Moodle, TalentLMS, Blackboard, Canvas and Schoology.

Sep 2021 to Apr 2023

Graduate Research Assistant

OISE, University of Toronto · Toronto, ON (On-site)

Supported research at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in a part-time contract role.

Sep 2021 to Dec 2022

Residence Advisor

University of Toronto · Toronto, ON

Provided guidance and support to students in a part-time contract residence role.

Sep 2008 to Jul 2019

Specialist Educator

UK Ministry of Defence, Hornbill School, British Forces Brunei

Coordinated provision for learners with additional needs, developed individualized learning plans and tailored resources, and delivered bespoke staff training.

2014 to 2018

Exam Invigilator (Casual)

Army Learning Centre, British Forces Brunei

Invigilated Cambridge O-level and A-level examinations in line with Cambridge exam protocols and guidelines.

2007 to 2008

Language Translator / Interpreter & Media Monitor

United Nations Mission to Nepal (UNMIN), Eastern Region

Translation, interpreting and media monitoring, with field visits across the Eastern Region, evaluating and synthesizing information from diverse sources.

May 2005 to Sep 2007

ESL Instructor, Learning Coach & IELTS Tutor

Practical English Language Centre (PELC)

Applied instructional systems methodology (ADDIE) and learning theory (Knowles, Kirkpatrick). Job-task analysis, goal development, evaluation, assessment and criterion-referenced testing.

2002 to 2004

Assistant Editor

ECHO Provincial Magazine · Nepal (Freelance)

Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy against editorial guidelines; created design work for print and digital campaigns; verified facts and statistics; and rewrote content to improve readability and impact.

Education
2019 to 2021

Master's Degree, Education

University of Toronto, Canada

Collaborative Specialization in Workplace Learning.

2023 to 2024

Certificate in Technical Communication

George Brown College, Ontario, Canada

Professional certificate in technical communication. Clear, structured documentation and content for technical and instructional contexts.

Oct 2023 to Apr 2024

Certificate in Adult Education, Workforce Development & Training

Canadian College of Educators

Recognized by The Institute for Performance and Learning (Canadian Society for Training and Development).

2019 to 2020

MicroMasters, Instructional Design & Technology

University of Maryland Global Campus, USA

Learning theories, emerging technology and data analytics for engaging online and hybrid learning experiences.

2012 to 2016

Postgraduate Diploma

The Open University, UK

Postgraduate study in education and professional practice.

2013 to 2014

Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Special Educational Needs & Inclusion

University of Wolverhampton, UK

National Award for Special Education Needs Coordination (NASENCO). Inclusive, accessible learning aligned with AODA and WCAG 2.1.

Credentials

Certifications & Licenses

Recognized teaching qualifications and professional certifications across Canada, the UK and the wider field.

Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT)

Ontario College of Teachers, Canada

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

United Kingdom

TESL Canada Certified

Teaching English as a Second Language

TESOL Diploma (250 Hours)

OnTESOL, Canada · 2019

Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)

Microsoft · 2017 & 2020

Microsoft Office Expert

Word, Excel & PowerPoint · 2019/2020

Certificate in Technical Communication

George Brown College, Ontario · 2023/2024
Toolkit

Skills

The platforms and disciplines I work in day to day.

Authoring & Media
Articulate StorylineExpert
Adobe CaptivateExpert
CamtasiaExpert
Adobe Creative CloudAdvanced
Platforms & Practice
MoodleExpert
TalentLMS & BlackboardAdvanced
Instructional & Curriculum DesignExpert
Editing & Back-of-Book IndexingExpert

Learning Design & Development

Interaction Design E-Learning Storyboarding Adult Learning Theory Gamification Learning Analytics Educational Technology Microlearning

Authoring Tools & Software

Articulate Storyline 360 Adobe Captivate Camtasia 9 Adobe Photoshop Adobe Acrobat iMovie Microsoft PowerPoint

Web & Technical

HTML5 CSS3 Learning Management Systems Agile Methodologies

Accessibility & Standards

AODA (Information & Communication Standard) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Training, L&D & Teaching

Employee Learning & Development L&D People Development Employee Training Teaching Classroom Management Adult Education

Communication & Interpersonal

Conflict Resolution Commercial Awareness Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Cross-Cultural Communication Mentoring & Coaching Stakeholder Engagement
Selected Work

Portfolio

A snapshot of the kinds of projects I take on. Six of them have a working interactive sample you can open and click through.

Representative projects shown below. Each one links to a live, self-contained demonstration build. Client work itself stays confidential, so these samples show the approach rather than the original deliverable.

Screenshot of the onboarding module: a dark blue header reading Welcome Aboard, Your First Week, Step 1 of 4, above three selectable role cards for Online Teacher, Student Success Coordinator and Administrative Staff.
Onboarding

New-Hire Onboarding Program

Challenge

In-person onboarding was hard to schedule across shifts and varied by trainer, leaving gaps in what new hires learned.

Solution

A self-paced program with role-based paths, branching first-week scenarios, knowledge checks and a completion certificate, usable on any device. Built in Articulate Storyline.

Result

Consistent training for every hire and a shorter, repeatable onboarding process.

View interactive sample
Screenshot of the software training module: a purple header reading Gradebook Basics, with a three-step Watch it, Try it, Prove it progress bar and a captioned screencast placeholder.
eLearning

Software Training Module

Challenge

Staff struggled to adopt a new software system, driving repeat support tickets and slowing rollout.

Solution

An Adobe Captivate module with guided "try-it" simulations and short screencast demos. Learners practised in a safe sandbox before going live.

Result

Faster adoption, fewer support tickets and more confident users.

View interactive sample
Screenshot of the customer education course: a teal header reading Get More From Product, Five Quick Wins, above a five-segment progress bar showing none complete.
eLearning

Customer Education Course

Challenge

Customers weren't using key product features, leading to low engagement and avoidable churn.

Solution

A bite-sized course of short, practical lessons with quick wins learners could apply immediately, delivered through the company portal.

Result

Higher feature adoption and fewer "how do I…" enquiries.

View interactive sample
Screenshot of the job aid: a two-column reference titled When a Learner Goes Quiet, with a numbered decision flow on the left and a six-item in-the-moment checklist on the right.
Job Aid

Workplace Process Job Aid

Challenge

A common process was error-prone because staff relied on memory or buried documentation, causing rework.

Solution

A clear at-a-glance job aid: a one-page visual workflow and interactive checklist staff could reference in the moment, with no training session needed.

Result

Fewer errors and a repeatable process that's easy for new staff to follow.

View interactive sample
Screenshot of the compliance scenario: a navy header reading Protecting Learner Data, Make the Call, with a running score and a data-sharing situation offering three decision options.
Compliance

Compliance Training Scenario

Challenge

Annual compliance training was a click-through slideshow people ignored. High completion on paper, low real understanding.

Solution

A scenario-based Storyline module where learners make decisions and see the consequences, with a scored assessment and audit-ready records.

Result

Stronger understanding, a full audit trail and training people actually remember.

View interactive sample
Screenshot of the coaching toolkit: a plum header reading The Coaching Conversation Toolkit, with tabs for conversation guide, scenario practice, micro-lessons and templates, above a numbered five-move structure.
Toolkit

Manager Coaching Toolkit

Challenge

Managers were promoted into people-leadership with no consistent support, so coaching quality varied across the team.

Solution

A practical toolkit of conversation guides, scenario practice, micro-lessons and ready-to-use templates, grounded in adult-learning principles.

Result

More consistent coaching and a repeatable standard across the organization.

View interactive sample
Get In Touch

Contact Me

Have a project in mind? Send me a note and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Whether you need a complete learning solution or help with a single piece of it, development, design, writing, editing or indexing, I would love to hear about it.

Contact

Use the form, I reply to every message

Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Response Time

Within 24 hours

I'll get back to you within 24 hours.