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Hi, I am Louis Neilson

Louis Neilson

Multidisciplinary Educator & Learning Designer

I am a multidisciplinary educator and learning designer working across higher and executive education. My work focuses on transforming complex material into accessible, well-structured learning experiences, with particular attention to Universal Design for Learning and accessibility compliance (WCAG 2).

I am currently completing a BSocSci (Hons) in Psychology at the South African College of Applied Psychology, following a BSocSci in Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Cape Town, alongside earlier training in sound production and music performance. My research investigates the relationship between AI tool usage and self-efficacy among tertiary students with ADHD in South Africa.

Skills

Experiences

1
University of Cape Town – Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

Nov 2024 - Present

Remote

Learning Consultant

Nov 2024 - Present

Responsibilities:
  • Built executive-education courses on D2L Brightspace (Amathuba) based on storyboards from academic leads, developing custom HTML/CSS styling and JavaScript-based interactive elements
  • Applied Universal Design for Learning principles and ensured WCAG 2.0 A accessibility compliance under fixed hourly constraints
University of Cape Town – Centre for Innovation in Learning & Teaching (CILT) / Disability Service

Oct 2023 - May 2024

Remote

Freelance Learning Designer

Oct 2023 - May 2024

Responsibilities:
  • Transformed a two-day, in-person Disability Awareness workshop into a six-module asynchronous e-learning course using Articulate Rise, collaborating with six subject-matter experts to structure unorganised content
  • Performed editing, copywriting, content flow design, interaction scripting, image and media creation (GIFs, infographics), and layout planning while ensuring WCAG 2.0 AA compliance
  • Developed assessments, UX structure, visual hierarchy, and learning outcomes
2
3
Construct Education (now part of OES)

Nov 2020 - Feb 2022

Cape Town, South Africa

Construct build beautiful, engaging, and innovative digital learning experiences

Learning Designer

Nov 2020 - Feb 2022

Responsibilities:
  • Designed assessments and learner experiences for global clients including FutureLearn x Microsoft, Michigan Ross Online MBA, UC Berkeley EMBA (Statistics module), Oxford Blavatnik School, Oxford Saïd Business School, and UK Gov–Pearson digital literacy programme
  • Migrated and transformed learning content across platforms (edX, FutureLearn, Canvas, Brightspace) using Articulate Rise, Storyline, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and media editing tools
  • Produced internal templates, onboarding material, and documentation for team processes while ensuring pedagogical integrity
Academy of Sound Engineering

Apr 2017 - Oct 2020

Cape Town, South Africa

Academy of Sound Engineering is an accredited audio and music production Higher Education institute, offering qualifications in audio technology, sound engineering, music production, live sound, broadcast, and the business of music and entertainment.

Lecturer

Jan 2018 - Oct 2020

Responsibilities:
  • Lectured undergraduate courses in sound engineering, music theory and production, and academic writing while developing and updating policy documentation
  • Mentored staff in implementation of new academic and operational protocols;
Facilities & Intern Supervisor

Apr 2017 - Jan 2018

Responsibilities:
  • developed campus scheduling systems and updating policy documentation
  • Mentored staff in implementation of new operational protocols
  • supervised infrastructure maintenance and intern training
4
5
Metisware

2014 - 2016

Cape Town, South Africa / Remote

System Support Engineer

2014 - 2016

Responsibilities:
  • Emergency after-hours IT support for UCT GSB and partners including Protea Hotel Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
UCT Graduate School of Business | Metisware

2012 - 2014

Cape Town, South Africa

Junior System Developer

2012 - 2014

Responsibilities:
  • Maintained learner-management systems and built internal tech tools; rolled out VoIP system (Microsoft Lync) and developed lecture capture workflows
  • Assisted in fault-finding, staff onboarding, and digital platform transitions
6

Education

South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP)
Feb 2025 - Present
BSocSci (Hons), Psychology
Taken Courses:
  • Research Methodologies (RMA001)
  • Theory and Practice of Psychopathology (TPP001)
  • Ethics in Psychology (ETH006)
  • Approaches to Diversity in Psychology (ADIV01)
  • Psychological Assessment (PA0001)
  • Psychotherapeutic Models of Intervention (PMI001)
  • Research Thesis (RTHPSY)
University of Cape Town
Feb 2022 - Dec 2024
BSocSci, Psychology and Philosophy
Taken Courses:
  • Mathematics 1000 (MAM1000W)
  • Ethics (PHI1010S) *received class medal
  • Introduction to Philosophy (PHI1024F)
  • Critical Thinking (PHI1025F)
  • Intro to Psychology Part 1 (PSY1004F)
  • Intro to Psychology Part 2 (PSY1005S)
  • Mathematical Statistics I (STA1006S)
  • Philosophy of Psych & Mind (PHI2012F)
  • Applied Ethics (PHI2037F)
  • Great Philosophers (PHI2041S)
  • Social & Developmental Psych (PSY2013F)
  • Cognitive NeuroSc Abnorm Psych (PSY2014S)
  • Research in Psychology I (PSY2015F)
  • Research in Psychology II (PSY3007S)
  • Word Power (SLL1002L)
  • Words Deeds Bones & Things (ANS1400F)
  • Social Informatics (LIS1000S)
  • Logic and Language (PHI3023F)
  • Metaphysics & Epistemology (PHI3024S)
  • Critical Psychology (PSY3005F)
  • Clinical Psychology II (PSY3011S)
Extracurricular Activities:
  • In vitae facilisis est, eget porta sem.
SAE Institute
Feb 2014 - Dec 2016
BA, Sound Production
Taken Courses:
  • Principles of Sound (BASP101)
  • Introduction to Audio Technology (BASP102)
  • Applied Music Theory (BASP103) *RPL
  • Signal Processing (BASP104)
  • Music Styles 1 (BASP105)
  • Digital & Media Literacy (BASP106)
  • MIDI & Electronic Music Production (BASP107)
  • Digital Audio Production (BASP108)
  • Music Styles 2 (BASP201)
  • Studio Production (BASP202)
  • Audio Post Production (BASP203)
  • Creative Project 1 (BASP204)
  • Role of Producers (BASP205)
  • Acoustics (BASP206)
  • Live Sound Production (BASP207)
  • Academic Research & Writing (BASP208)
  • Mastering & Media Preparation (BASP301)
  • Advanced Studio Production (BASP302)
  • Business & Legal Studies (BASP303)
  • Creative Project 2 (BASP304)
  • Marketing & Promotions (BASP305)
  • Creative Project 3 (BASP306)
  • Creative Project 4 (BASP307)
  • Advanced Audio Post Production (BASP308)
Extracurricular Activities:
  • SRC (2014-2016)
  • 48-hour film challenge (2015)
Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)
Sept 2010 - July 2011
Higher Diploma, Music Performance

Services

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Tutoring Services

I regularly provide private tutoring and academic proof-reading services to psychology students. Topics Statistics and quantitative methods R or Excel Academic writing and APA 7th edition formatting, including proof-reading Research design and methodology (both qualitative and quantitative) Pricing R350 per hour Group sessions (2-3 people) available for statistics or research design at discounted rates Availability South African Standard Time (SAST, UTC+2) Available online via MS Teams or Zoom Contact me at hello@louisneilson.com to discuss availability.

    Monday, January 1, 1 | 1 minute Read

    Projects

    Honours Research Thesis
    Researcher 2025 - Present

    Ongoing honours research investigating the relationship between AI tool usage and self-efficacy among tertiary students with ADHD in South Africa.

    research psychology ai adhd