Skip to main content

How Can I Become an e-Learning Developer?

In 1954, Harvard professor B.F. Skinner invented a “teaching machine,” which enabled schools to provide programmed instruction to students. But it was at the end of the 20th century, with the emergence of home computers and the internet, that the concept of e-learning expanded to a broader audience.

If you are interested in a career change into the field of technology, one fascinating application of the study of instructional design and technology is e-learning development. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a widespread shift toward remote, online learning and work, making e-learning particularly relevant in today’s uncertain times. As an e-learning developer, you may work in public or private education or in other settings such as corporate training and professional development programs.

What Is E-Learning?

E-learning, often referred to as online learning, is simply acquiring knowledge using electronic technologies and media. In today’s internet-connected world, any course of study delivered and consumed via digital devices, such as a computer, tablet or phone, can be considered e-learning, even if conducted offline.

E-learning may be incorporated into education and training using a hybrid model, in which students receive some instruction while attending class in person and some by remote or electronic means. The same education or training can often be offered entirely online, where students start and finish a degree or program without stepping into the classroom at all. E-learning models can be effectively applied to academic education as well as training and skill-development for employees of corporations, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.

What Does an E-Learning Developer Do?

E-learning developers design systems and courses, creating content intended to meet specific learning and skill-acquisition goals, using electronic interfaces and various media.

The e-learning developer is responsible for making sure course design, delivery, user interface and learner interaction serve the content learning goals and the participant’s learning style and pace. In addition, the developer ensures all components of an e-learning course are engaging and can be delivered seamlessly.

Can Instructional Design Specialists Also Be E-Learning Developers?

Instructional designers and e-learning developers commonly work together on e-learning project design, and each requires a variety of skills, training, depth of knowledge and experience. There may be overlap between the two roles in one project. But there are significant advantages to involving both, reflected in the course design and in the potential efficacy of the product.

When instructional designers are competent in e-learning authoring technology, they can more effectively match content to instruction and delivery methods as well as build complex, differentiated delivery modalities into each course. This aspect of course design is essential to educators in both the public and private sectors as they recognize the importance of serving students with diverse learning styles and needs.

Preparing for a Position As an e-Learning Developer

Earning a master’s degree that integrates instructional design and technology competencies will help professionals enter the field and land higher level positions in the competitive e-learning development job market. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted a significant portion of education online, there is an immediate need for competent e-learning developers. Moreover, the benefits of online learning and remote work combined with uncertainty about the future has the potential to accelerate the integration of e-learning and hybrid models. It seems clear that e-learning developers will continue to play a vital role in education and training, both academic and organizational.

St. Thomas University offers a fully online Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology intended to prepare professionals for roles in the growing field of e-learning development.

Learn more about STU’s Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology online program.


Sources:

eFront: A Brief History of e-Learning

Zippia: E-Learning Developer Jobs

E-student.org: What Is E-Learning?

World Economic Forum: The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Education Forever. This Is How.

LinkedIn: E-Learning Developer Salary, U.S.

Related Articles

Our Commitment to Content Publishing Accuracy

Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only. The nature of the information in all of the articles is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered.

The information contained within this site has been sourced and presented with reasonable care. If there are errors, please contact us by completing the form below.

Timeliness: Note that most articles published on this website remain on the website indefinitely. Only those articles that have been published within the most recent months may be considered timely. We do not remove articles regardless of the date of publication, as many, but not all, of our earlier articles may still have important relevance to some of our visitors. Use appropriate caution in acting on the information of any article.

Report inaccurate article content:

Request More Information

Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Or call 855-215-4021

Begin Application Process

Start your application today!
or call 855-215-4021 855-215-4021
for help with any questions you may have.