Gary Bartanus

Instructional Designer (remote/temporary full time)
07/2023–04/2025

• Pioneered digital learning architectures for stressed healthcare professionals by integrating AI-enhanced video and macro-automation to streamline training.

• Collaborated with subject matter experts to design asynchronous and synchronous eLearning grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles.

• Spearheaded a high-engagement AI literacy initiative, “Spot the Bot,” as a professional development project to model critical digital skills and AI-enhanced learning within a complex healthcare context.

• Selected as a Designer for CodeHack 2025 (Island Health Innovation Event), collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to prototype a multigenerational housing model aimed at reducing senior isolation. Leveraged narrative crafting and team facilitation to deliver a high-impact pitch centered on human dignity and social connection.

Learning and Development Advisor (hybrid/remote)
08/2018–05/2022

• Co-designed a flagship Federal Continuance course that achieved an unprecedented 98.6% completion rate and earned a national award for Learning Design Excellence.
• Partnered with DEI strategists to create inclusive, redemptive workplace training that prioritized psychological safety and learner belonging.
• Revitalized legacy compliance training by producing high-impact green screen media and immersive branching scenarios that transformed “dry” content into engaging, narrative-driven experiences.

Instructional Designer – Centre for Teaching & Educational Technologies (CTET) | 03/2017–08/2018

• Designed online courses for the Centre for Teaching & Educational Technologies (CTET) using advanced learning science and UDL principles to ensure accessibility for a diverse student body.
• Co-created an innovative crisis simulation using secure, emulated social media to provide students with a safe, high-stakes environment for experiential learning.
• Mentored faculty in distance education best practices, focusing on the seamless integration of technology to enhance human-centered pedagogical outcomes.

Blended Learning Designer / EFL Instructor
03/2010–03/2017

• Engineered a highly empathetic, trauma-informed classroom environment for EFL learners by intentionally lowering the “affective filter” and prioritizing psychological safety.
• Transformed passive, anxious students into confident communicators through a constructivist, student-centered approach to language acquisition.
• Consistently achieved 90%+ (A/A+) student evaluation ratings, resulting in three Teaching Excellence Awards for instructional impact and classroom innovation.

Designed an AI-enhanced online course with a 98.6% completion rate, recognized by the Canadian Credit Union Association

Developed instructional solutions for Vancouver Island Health Authority, First West Credit Union, & Royal Roads University

Integrated AI tools (Google Gemini, NotebookLM, ElevenLabs, HeyGen, Envato Elements, ChatGPT, DALL-E, Synthesia and other emerging technologies) to streamline workflow and optimize engagement and accessibility.

Skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud, Camtasia, Storyline, Moodle, and other popular LMS platforms

Designed competency-based learning programs, digital badges, and data-driven assessments

Spearheaded the integration of AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to enhance eLearning experiences across multiple organizations