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Alrike Claassen

I am a researcher and instructional designer with more than two decades of experience developing educational interventions across K–12, corporate, and higher education contexts. My work focuses on creating meaningful learning experiences that support effective teaching, student engagement, and inclusive learning environments.

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About me

"Instructional design, educational research, learning analytics, GenAI, emerging technologies, pedagogical innovation"

I am currently a PhD candidate at the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L) at University of Adelaide and successfully defended my PhD oral examination on 11 March 2026. My research sits at the intersection of instructional design, learning analytics, and generative AI. I investigate how instructors make decisions when engaging in data-informed practices and when integrating generative AI intoeducational design.

Using Self-Determination Theory as atheoretical framework, my mixed-methods research examines the factors thatinfluence how educators adopt and use emerging technologies in their designpractice. This work contributes to a broader research agenda focused ondeveloping responsive, inclusive learning environments that support both educators and learners in complex educational settings.
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Alongside my research, I collaborate with educators to design innovative learning experiences that combine sound pedagogical principles with multimedia, technology, and evidence-based instructional strategies.

My Research Interest:

● Learning analytics
● Instructional Design
● Decision-making
● Generative Artificial Intelligence and Education
● Open education (OERs / MOOCs)
● Higher Education
● Quantitative Ethnography
● Hybrid, Human-AI Qualitative Research
● Qualitative Research
● Data-informed Educational Design
● Serious Games

My research

Research Highlights

Research Excellence Summary — Learning Analytics & AI in Education

Journal articles (Q1 published + in press)

Conference papers across CORE-A & other venues

Book chapter co-authored

Papers under review

Publications

In press

Claassen, A., Ebbert, D., Kovanović, V., Mirriahi, N., & Dawson, S. (In press). Understanding the Role of Learning Analytics and Generative Artificial Intelligence on Decision-Making and Educational Design Practice in Higher Education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Under review

Claassen, A., Mirriahi, N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (Under review). Exploring instructors’ use of Generative Artificial Intelligence for educational design in higher education. [Under review at Australasian Journal of Educational Technology].

Zamecnik, A., Claassen, A., Baker, R., De Laat, M. (Under review). LLM Ensemble for Coding CPS Skills. [Under review at International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education].

Ebbert, D., Claassen, A., Wilson, N., Joksimovic, S., Mirriahi, N., & Dawson, S. (Under review). Meta-Awareness of Mind Wandering: Examining Effects of Self-Regulated Learning, Interpolated Testing, and Self-Explanation. [Under review at Journal of Computer Assisted Learning].

2025
CORE-A
LAK’25

Claassen, A., Mirriahi, N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2025). From data to design: Integrating learning analytics into educational design for effective decision-making. Proceedings of the 15th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK’25), 558–567.
https://doi.org/10.1145/3706468.3706541

Maranna, S., Claassen, A., Joksimovic, S., Willison, J., Parange, N., & Costabile, M. (2025). Cognitive presence and self-regulated learning: Learning transfer in an online allied health course. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 22(1).
https://doi.org/10.53761/h2gnev81

2024
EC-TEL 2024
NLC 2024

Ebbert, D., Claassen, A., Wilson, N., Joksimovic, S., Mirriahi, N., & Dawson, S. (2024). Addressing mind wandering in video-based learning: A comparative study on the impact of interpolated testing and self-explanation. European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning for Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education, 120–134.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-72315-5_9

Deneen, C., De Laat, M., Claassen, A., & Zamecnik, A. (2024). Towards automated assessment of participation and value creation in networked learning. In Proceedings of the Networked Learning Conference 2024 (14).
https://journals.aau.dk/index.php/nlc/issue/view/nlc2024

2022
Book chapter

Liebenberg, C., Chauque, M., Bunt, B.J., Claassen, R., Claassen, A., & Williams, A.A. (2022). An open educational resource as a tool to create awareness around infectious diseases, in Olivier J., Du Toit-Brits, D., Bunt, B., & Dhakulkar, A. (Eds.), Contextualised open educational practices: Towards student agency and self-directed learning (pp. 175–201). AOSIS Books.
https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2022.BK345.09

2020
EdMedia 2020
Theses

Claassen, A., Blignaut, A.S., & Cronjé, J.C. (2020). Mixed-Method Methodology unto a Learning Design Tool. In Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning (pp. 485–494). Online, The Netherlands: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/217342/

Doctoral Thesis: Claassen, A. (In process). Educational design in higher education – transitions to new models. [Unpublished thesis], Adelaide University

Master’s Thesis: Claassen, A. (2020). Considerations to inform learning designers’ decisions when selecting strategies for learning events in higher education. [Unpublished master’s thesis], Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Instructional Design

Instructional Design Highlights

20+

Years in instructional design & EdTech

Granted patent in educational innovation

PhD

Successfully defended the oral examination at Adelaide University (C3L)

Institutions across Australia & South Africa

Innovation & Intellectual Property

Granted South African Patent (ZA201005027B)

Named inventor of an educational innovation patent describing a structured system to improve learning engagement and outcomes. Inventors: Terblanche & Claassen. Status: Granted.

Maxibrain (2008–2010)

As a core team member, led the design and development of multimedia learning materials for K53 and school learners — bringing the product to market and achieving successful commercialisation. Delivered video, animations, sound recordings, and graphics as part of a fully launched, revenue-generating educational product.

PhD Research

Thesis: Educational design in higher education: transitions to new models. Research situated at the confluence of educational design, learning analytics, and generative AI. Successfully defended the oral examination at Adelaide University (C3L) on 11 March 2026.

Areas of Expertise

Design & Frameworks

Online & blended learning design
UDL, ADDIE, TPACK, learning theories
Micro-, meso- & macro-curriculum design
Accessibility — WCAG 2.1 compliance
Articulate Rise & OpenEdX

Technology & Media

Video, animation & multimedia production
LMS design (eFundi, OpenEdX)
Digital literacies & staff capacity building
Web design (HTML/CSS)
Learning analytics & generative AI

Professional Experience

2025–2026 Research Associate Sept 2025–Feb 2026

Research Associate

Australian Centre for Child Protection, Adelaide University

Designed two Articulate Rise courses for the National Child Safety Training
Created evaluation rubrics to ensure WCAG 2.1 accessibility compliance
Conducted accessibility evaluation of two courses against WCAG 2.1 standards

2024–2025 Course Dev. Coord. May 2024–Mar 2025

Course Development Coordinator

UniSA

Curriculum design: Digital Learning Design and Implementation
Migrated courses for Education Futures; trained and supported the migration team

2022–2023 Learning Designer May 2022–Nov 2023

Learning Designer & Research Assistant

Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), UniSA

Educational design for research-driven learning experiences on OpenEdX
Designed and delivered blended workshops for C3L members on the OpenEdX platform
Experience design lead for two courses offered through the Data Science Hub

2019–2022 Senior ID Aug 2019–Feb 2022

Senior Instructional / Learning Designer

North-West University, South Africa

Facilitated micro-curriculum development through Carpe Diem sessions and individual consultations
Collaborated on macro- and meso-level curriculum design for new qualifications at accreditation stage
Managed and led multimedia staff in the creation of teaching and learning resources
Represented the Centre for Teaching and Learning on Faculty and COVID-19 Assessment Review Committees
Contributed to NWU Teaching and Learning Spaces Task Team and Assessment Working Group

Earlier Roles

Instructional Designer 2015–2019

Instructional Designer

North-West University, South Africa

Advised lecturers on instructional solutions and assisted in creating applicable media (LMS, multimedia, print)
Co-created a blended professional development course for lecturers on multimedia and instructional design theory
Created learning objects and tutorials; managed projects with a focus on innovation and emerging technology

Digital PM 2008–2013

Digital Project Manager / Multimedia Designer

Spinning Media & Maxibrain, South Africa

Managed a team of 20 developers creating multimedia, web, and paper-based learning materials for adult learners (security sector)
Developed K53 and school learner multimedia materials at Maxibrain: video, animation, sound, and graphics
Authored outcomes and assessment criteria aligned to unit standards; trained team in Outcomes Based Education

Multimedia Designer 2005–2008

Multimedia Designer

STEPPS Educational Services, South Africa

Planned, managed, and delivered a large-scale multimedia curriculum development project for the Gauteng Department of Education
Led and coordinated a multidisciplinary production team including videographers, photographers, instructional designers, IT specialists, text developers, and multimedia specialists
Oversaw the design and development of curriculum-aligned digital learning materials for Grades 4–10
Managed project timelines, workflow coordination, and quality assurance across all phases of content production
Ensured educational content met curriculum standards and was presented in age-appropriate multimedia formats
Coordinated collaboration between educational specialists and technical production teams
Supervised the production and distribution of multimedia learning resources to schools across Gauteng Province

Teaching Experience

Tutor Feb 2026–current

Academic Writing Tutor

University of Adelaide

Currently tutoring Academic Writing

Tutor Jul–Oct 2025

External Online Tutor

University of South Australia

EDUC 5237 Learners in a Digital Age: Innovative Practices
EDUC 5243 Introduction to Digital Learning

Tutor Feb–Oct 2024

Academic Writing Tutor

University of South Australia

LANG 1067 Academic Writing (multiple classes across two study periods)

Qualifications

2022–current

PhD, Learning Analytics & Generative AI

University of South Australia — Supervisors: Prof. Shane Dawson, Associate Prof. Negin Mirriahi, Prof. Vitomir Kovanović

2016–2020

Master by Research in Design — Summa Cum Laude

Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

2015

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management

North-West University, South Africa

2000–2002

Diploma in Film and Video Technology

Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa — Won Best Production (MNET EDIT) & Best Advert (VUKA Awards)

Samples of my work

Portfolio
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Interactive Game
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Pharmacology Interactive Course
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English Usage Course
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Learning Tswana Course
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Taxation Course
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Me at work

Gallery

Claassen, A., Mirriahi,N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2023). Learning design and evaluation –transitions to new models. Education Futures HDR Forum, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
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Claassen, A., Mirriahi,N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2025). From Data to Design:
Integrating Learning Analytics into Educational Design for EffectiveDecision-Making. 15th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK’25), Dublin, Ireland.

Claassen, A., Mirriahi, N., Kovanović, V., &Dawson, S. (2024) Educational design in higher education – transitions to newmodels.14th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK’24), Kyoto, Japan.

Claassen, A., Mirriahi, N., Kovanović, V., &Dawson, S. (2024) Seduced or spooked: The dual forcesof GenAI ineducational design, Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA 2024), Adelaide, Australia

Contact me

Get in Touch

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Alrike Claassen

"Instructional design, educational research, learning analytics, GenAI, emerging technologies, pedagogical innovation"

Research Highlights

Research Excellence Summary — Learning Analytics & AI in Education

Publications

Instructional Design Highlights

Innovation & Intellectual Property

Areas of Expertise

Professional Experience

Earlier Roles

Teaching Experience

Qualifications

Portfolio‍

Gallery

Claassen, A., Mirriahi,N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2023). Learning design and evaluation –transitions to new models. Education Futures HDR Forum, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.‍

Claassen, A., Mirriahi,N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2025). From Data to Design:Integrating Learning Analytics into Educational Design for EffectiveDecision-Making. 15th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK’25), Dublin, Ireland.

Claassen, A., Mirriahi, N., Kovanović, V., &Dawson, S. (2024) Educational design in higher education – transitions to newmodels.14th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK’24), Kyoto, Japan.

Claassen, A., Mirriahi, N., Kovanović, V., &Dawson, S. (2024) Seduced or spooked: The dual forcesof GenAI ineducational design, Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA 2024), Adelaide, Australia

Get in Touch

Portfolio
‍

Claassen, A., Mirriahi,N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2023). Learning design and evaluation –transitions to new models. Education Futures HDR Forum, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
‍

Claassen, A., Mirriahi,N., Kovanović, V., & Dawson, S. (2025). From Data to Design:
Integrating Learning Analytics into Educational Design for EffectiveDecision-Making. 15th International Learning Analytics and Knowledge Conference (LAK’25), Dublin, Ireland.