Dean Ernst

About Me

Hi. My name is Dean.
I’m a learning experience designer with 10+ years experience within all areas of digital learning technologies and a background in web/ux design. I'm passionate about creating high quality learning experiences that are interactive and engaging by blending learner centred design principles with enhanced visual and multimedia elements.

My Approach

I champion modern Learning Experience Design (LXD) principles, crafting immersive, user-centric educational experiences that go beyond traditional models like ADDIE and SAM.

Embracing agile and rapid development, I meet today's need for quick, adaptable eLearning. This holistic, learner-focused approach results in more personalised, impactful, and relevant learning experiences, attuned to the complexities of the digital age.

How I Can Help

Learning Design

Crafting tailored educational experiences to engage and empower learners effectively.

Interactive Media

Merging dynamic multimedia elements to enrich learning, making it immersive and memorable.

UI/UX Design

Optimizing interfaces for intuitive navigation, ensuring your learners enjoy a seamless and engaging experience.

Learning Technologies

Harnessing the latest educational tech to deliver content that's both innovative and impactful.

Web Development

Building robust and responsive learning platforms that adapt to the needs of modern learners.

Consulting

Providing expert guidance to refine your educational strategies, ensuring you achieve desired learning outcomes.

Companies I've Worked With

My Interests

In my spare time you can find me digging for dusty records to add to my collection and spinning vinyl at local events. I'm a big fan of funk, soul, hip hop and all groove related genres. I’m a passionate basketball fan and a proud dad and husband.

Resume

I've had the privilege to craft digital learning solutions for some amazing organisations – large and small, government, not-for-profit, higher education and everything in between!

Here's a glimpse into my professional journey:

Experience

2021 - Now

Digital Learning Specialist

Auto & General

Digital Learning Experiences for Insurance/Financial Services

Designing & developing modern and engaging digital learning experiences for the financial services industry. Making complex concepts easy to understand and keeping industry knowledge up-to-date.

COMPany site

2020 - 2021

Learning Experience Designer

Comfort Delgro

Innovative & engaging online learning courses & programs

Worked with the business to develop develop digital learning courses & programs for passenger transport training & safety. Ensuring mobile first responsive delivery approach for a distributed and mobile workforce.

Company Site

2018 - 2020

Digital Learning Designer

Royal Flying Doctors Service

Health, Aviation and Corporate Digital Learning Solutions

Worked across health, aviation and corporate divisions to design engaging and innovative online learning experiences for a range of audiences and purposes. Also developed a range of education and training solutions for RFDS QLD in the simulation and virtual reality environment.

Company Site

2016 - 2018

Digital Learning Specialist

Minor Hotels

Delivering "Experiences Beyond Expectations"

Worked with internal and external stakeholders to develop online courses, modules and resources for Leadership, Induction, Onboarding, WHS, Customer services etc. I led the rollout of new LMS and development of the company L&D Digital Capability Framework and Blended Learning Strategy.

Company Site

2011 - 2016

Digital Learning Developer

University of the Sunshine Coast

Creating and delivering world class digital learning resources

Worked collaboratively with Academics and other stakeholders to develop learning resource material to enhance the student experience. I led the Faculty of Arts & Business (FAB) eLearning team and moved into the Centre for Support & Advancement Of Learning & Teaching (CSALT) as a Senior Digital Learning Designer.

Company site

2003 - 2011

Web/eLearning Developer

Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Sunshine Coast Private School - eLearning, Intranet & Web

This role was varied, across the full spectrum of digital learning areas, including instructional design, eLearning development, intranet/web development and learning tools and systems. I led the implementation of the school rollout of the school LMS and subsequent development of web based learning materials for staff and students.

Company Site

1994 - 2001

Physical Training Instructor

Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF)

"Mens Sana in Corpore Sano" - A healthy mind in a healthy body

Created, delivered and managed fitness/recreation programs to ensure service members peak physical and mental readiness. Also delivered a range of recreation programs/initiatives for spouses and dependents.

Education

2001 - Present

University of Life

Self Taught & Industry Training

When making a career change in 2001, I considered going back to University to get more qualifications, but it was obvious to me that the dynamic nature of web technologies was not best served by another "piece of paper". So I chose a combination of self directed learning and "on the job" training in real world settings, solving real world challenges to make the transition to online education/web/digital pathways.

1999 - 2001

Post Graduate Diploma of Physical Education

Massey University (NZ)

I completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Physical Education on a part time basis while employed by the Royal New Zealand Airforce.

1992 - 1995

Bachelor of Recreation Management

Lincoln University (NZ)

With a major In Fitness Management, I completed my Bachelor of Recreation Management Degree. This qualification allowed me to gain employment in the New Zealand Defence Force as a Physical Fitness Officer.

Skills

eLearning Tools

Articulate 360
Evolve
Elucidat
Gomo
iSpring
Guroo
Chameleon
H5P

Learning Experience Design

User-Centric Design
Accessibility & Responsiveness
Technical Proficiency
Visual Communication
ID/LXD Models
Action Mapping
Scenario Based Training

Multimedia Development

Adobe CC
Camtasia
Vyond
Loom
Canva
Iorad
Synthesia

Technologies

LXP/LRS/LMS Platforms
Agile Methodologies
SCORM/xAPI/ILT
HTML/CSS/JavaScript
AI (ChatGPT/Google Bard/MidJourney)
UI/UX Methodologies
Virtual/Augmented Reality

Portfolio

I blend instructional, UX, interaction, visual, and behavioral design elements to craft captivating learning experiences.

My portfolio is as varied as the clients I serve, ranging from dynamic sales and rigorous compliance training to comprehensive leadership development, engaging induction programs, detailed process/technical training, and specialised courses in sectors like healthcare, finance, aviation, transport and hospitality… in essence, I've created learning solutions for nearly every conceivable context!