Natalia Kurikova
Specialist in Moodle, Totara, and digital learning design
Skilled eLearning professional with advanced qualifications and experience in supporting a range of learning technologies and systems, including Moodle and Totara. Passionate about the role of technology in education and successful in identifying, researching, testing and configuring learning technology solutions to meet learner and staff needs.
- Location
- Christchurch, NZ
- Website
- natalia.kurikova.com
- Natalia Kurikova
Experience
– present
Educational Technology Consultant at University of Canterbury
Managing, administering and supporting two Learning Management Systems at the application level (Totara-based staff-facing LMS and Moodle-based learner-facing LMS)
Highlights
- Worked closely with internal stakeholders and vendor on the implementation of Enterprise LMS (Totara), ensuring the platform was configured and integrated in the university technology ecosystem, which resulted in improved access to professional development opportunities for staff
- Collaborated with the Capability Team on the launch of core training modules for staff, advising on the best configurations and training them on how to use the system. Modules have been accessed by 3000+ staff members enabling the institution to meet its legal and policy obligations
- Contributed expertise in Totara and Moodle features, configurations, and solutions to the Totara to Moodle migration Project, ensuring seamless transition from one LMS to another and supporting successful project completion
–
Learning Technology Advisor (previously Assistant Advisor) at Ara Institute of Canterbury
Progressed from Assistant Advisor to Advisor. Supported academic and professional staff in effectively using learning technologies through responsive troubleshooting, training, and system administration.
Highlights
- Responded to staff queries, identified technical issues, and coached lecturers in using Moodle and other learning technology tools
- Ran Moodle upgrades, coordinating testing, change communication, and vendor collaboration
- Developed online and self-help guides to support staff with learning technologies
- Optimised Turnitin account usage by identifying process improvements and implementing changes
- Translated information gathered from formal and informal staff feedback into actionable technical changes in Moodle configuration, improving user experience and satisfaction
–
English as a Foreign Language Tutor at ENGLISHLAB.NET
Delivered synchronous English lessons, supported learners using web tools, and created digital learning materials for the ELN LMS.
Highlights
- Helped students achieve desired results in high-stake international exams
–
Private Tutor at Self-employed
Delivered tailored English tutoring to diverse clients in both online and in-person settings
Highlights
- Helped online and onsite clients achieve positive learning outcomes
- Set up and maintained a Moodle instance to share tailored materials and resources and streamline feedback
–
English Instructor & Academic Writing Tutor at Centre for Academic Writing 'Impulse' (CAWI)
Supported Tyumen University faculty and researchers in academic writing and scientific publishing
Highlights
- Delivered a blended course: 'English for Publishing Scientific Articles'
- Set up assignments in Moodle and provided feedback
- Designed and conducted scientific writing workshops for university staff
–
Assistant Lecturer & English Language Instructor at Tyumen State University
Taught English to linguistics students and contributed to university-wide academic development initiatives.
Highlights
- Taught English to undergraduate students majoring in Linguistics
- Delivered professional development programs for secondary school teachers preparing to become trainers
- Co-taught workshops with Aston University colleagues in a Tempus project to modernise language teaching
- Created instructional materials using Microsoft Office and pedagogical best practices
Volunteer
– present
Webmaster at FLANZ
The Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand works to enhance flexible learning practices across all sectors of education in New Zealand, advance current thinking and contribute to research and scholarship, in open, distance and flexible learning
Highlights
Education
–
Master in Applied Linguistics from Massey University
Courses
- Contextualising Curriculum and Materials Design
- Contemporary Approaches to Language Teaching Methodology
–
Certificate in English Language Teaching (CELTA) from University of Cambridge
–
Specialist Degree (NZQA Level 7 equivalent) in Language Teaching and Linguistics from Tyumen State University
Skills
- Learning Technologies
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Keywords:
- Learning Design & Course Authoring
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Keywords:
- Web Technologies
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Keywords:
- Front-end LMS Administration & Support
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Keywords:
- Stakeholder Engagement
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Keywords:
Interests
- Digital Learning
- Keywords:
- Technology
- Keywords:
