My Story

Effective learning doesn’t start with technology. It starts with people, intention, and ethical clarity.

In an age increasingly shaped by AI, I help ensure that this human element isn’t lost in the shift to online learning.

I’m Tina Papathoma, a digital learning expert with a PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning and a background in Learning Science. I help educators and organizations create digital learning experiences that are effective, meaningful, and grounded in clear pedagogical purpose.

At the heart of my work is a duty of care—to learners, to knowledge, and to the teaching profession itself.

Project-Based Learning (CODE University of Applied Sciences, DE): Evaluated project-based learning through 61 stakeholder interviews, secured EU Erasmus+ funding for international collaboration.

Microcredentials Program Evaluation (Institute of Educational Technology, Open University, UK): Led comprehensive evaluation across 931+ learners, reducing course production time by 50-67% through systematic frameworks.

Digital Learning Toolkit for Police Forces (Business School, The Open University, UK): Created instructional design framework adopted across England and Wales, won “Best Developmental Paper” award.

Environmental Science Citizen Science (Institute of Educational Technology, Open University, UK): Enhanced youth engagement on Citizen Science Platforms (i.e. iNaturalist, Zooniverse, nQuire) and collaborated with Museums (i.e. Natural History Museum, London) through improved user experience and systematic evaluation approaches.

LearnAktis aims to help cut through complexity in learning design. Aktís is Ancient Greek for ‘ray of light’—reflecting the commitment to bringing clarity and lasting impact to how we learn and teach online.

The foundations Tina brings to LearnAktis:

  • International Research Experience: Led learning evaluations across UK and Germany – from microcredentials at The Open University to project-based learning at CODE University of Applied Sciences, plus research with L&D in police forces across England and Wales, and citizen science projects involving museums and platforms that help citizens conduct their own research, working with both young people and adults.
  • Deep Human Insights: Conducted hundreds of interviews with learners and educators to understand what truly drives effective learning.
  • Pedagogical Expertise: Brings essential teaching skills and duty of care to corporate and non-traditional learning environments.
  • Future-Ready: Bridging the gap between AI-driven tools and the human connection that makes learning meaningful.

Let’s work together to create learning that matters.

Background & Credentials

  • PhD in Technology Enhanced LearningThe Open University, UK
  • Published ResearchGoogle Scholar Profile
  • Professional NetworkLinkedIn Profile

    Based in Berlin and working across cultural contexts, at LearnAktis we combine rigorous research with strategic thinking to shape learning that truly works.Through hundreds of interviews with learners, educators, business leaders, and learning professionals, we have discovered what makes digital learning effective: the human connection that no AI can replace.