If you are interested in using technology to design and develop active learning experiences, consider becoming an e-learning developer in the U.S. This position is highly in demand because of the ongoing adoption of remote learning and training. Meanwhile, this career path offers employment opportunities in both education and private sectors.
Specific educational and skill requirements apply to becoming an e-learning developer. Read on as we explain everything you need to know.
What Does an E-Learning Developer Do?
E-learning developers are responsible for designing and implementing the structure of online courses using e-learning tools like instructional software and applications. They often work with the course blueprint, including content created by an instructional developer, and design and code the lessons.
Furthermore, their main responsibility is to make the lessons visually inviting and engaging while still finding a way to convey the lessons to users effectively. An e-learning developer can work for an educational organization or company that designs instructional tools and solutions for employee training.
How to Become an e-Learning Developer
1. Acquire the Right Education
If you want to start a career as an e-learning developer, you must obtain the right education. You can look up courses in fields like instructional design and educational technology, among others. It is best to register for classes that teach programming, how to use e-learning tools, and how to design notes.
Interestingly, you do not need a physical class since you can learn all these online. Many excellent online courses and certificates are highly beneficial to e-learning developers. This helps to reduce your expenses and saves time you could have spent on a four-year degree to start making e-learning courses.
2. Focus on Building Your Skills
If you are ready to become an e-learning developer, you will need to improve your skills in the required skills for the job. You will need to create all kinds of e-learning content, such as digital training content.
3. Build your Portfolio
As an e-learning developer, you must show what you can do by creating an e-learning portfolio. An ideal portfolio is much better than a fancy degree or many years of experience. Employers are on the lookout for employees who can demonstrate their skills.
You can check out some e-learning portfolio examples for ideas on how to create one. You must also decide on the kind of portfolio and the skills you want to show. Then, create your sample projects. Remember that it’s not what you choose to make but how you make it.
As such, ensure you use everything you’ve learned about instructional design, development, and visual design skills in your projects. Once you get some perfect samples, obtain your web domain. You can select a website-building tool to put your portfolio together. You will find many easy-to-use, cheap, and free options to help you start.
4. Build Your Online Presence
Once you have designed your e-learning portfolio, it’s time to build your online presence. This simply means that you will start promoting yourself as an e-learning developer. You can start by considering your LinkedIn profile, where hiring managers and recruiters look for talents like you. However, If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, create one! It’s free and easy.
Ensure you put a nice profile picture and a banner image showing your identity. Also, you can write an attractive headline and a summary. Make use of keywords that match the types of jobs you want. Once you are done, start networking with people already in the field! The more your online visibility is as an e-learning pro, the more people will see you as one.
5. Start Applying for Jobs
It’s time to start searching and applying for jobs as an e-learning developer. Even if you’re still developing your skills or working on your portfolio, send out applications! This is a great way to get interview practice. During your job hunting process, do more than stick to popular job boards.
Ensure you check out industry-specific websites. Their job postings usually explain what the job really involves. This is a great chance to network with these people and start building relationships, which can be a big help when you start attending interviews.
Work Environment for E-learning Developers
E-learning developers can work in an office environment and perform most of their job roles on a computer. However, some may work remotely because of the nature of their job, which is designing virtual learning courses. They can also work for private businesses or educational institutions like elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, or universities.
In addition, the nature of their job may vary depending on their employer, the type of programming they create, and their potential audience. Some e-learning developers may work as freelancers, creating content for various customers.
Difference Between an E-Learning Developer and an Instructional Designer
Instructional designers are responsible for creating broad outlines of the course, researching learning methods, and deciding what skills or knowledge the learner needs best. The e-learning developer then works with these ideas to design the actual instructional material based on what the instructional designer recommends. In some cases, they may both perform similar duties or collaborate closely.
Advantages of E-learning
- You will know how to link various resources in several formats.
- E-learning is a very efficient and easy method of delivering courses online.
- Because of its convenience and flexibility, you can easily access the resources anywhere and anytime.
- You can take advantage of web-based learning as a part-time student or working full-time.
- E-learning also promotes active and independent learning.
- It is convenient and often self-explanatory, so you don’t have to depend on anyone for anything.
- There is no hard and fast rule as to when you can train. You can train yourself daily or whenever you are free.
- With the help of discussion boards and chats, you can interact with many people online and clear your doubts, if any.
- Meanwhile, if you do not understand the topic the first time, you can rewind the video instructions provided for audio and video learning.
Disadvantages of E-learning
- The major disadvantage of e-Learning is that you get knowledge only on a theoretical basis. It may be different when you need to put whatever you’ve learned to use.
- The face-to-face learning experience is missing; sometimes, it matters to some people.
- Most of the online assessments are only objective questions.
- In addition, there needs to be more security in these online learning programs.
- The authenticity of a particular student’s work is also a problem since just about anyone can do a project instead of the student.
- Generally, the assessments that are computer-marked have a tendency to be only knowledge-based and not necessarily practicality-based.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do you need as an e-learning developer?
E-learning developers must be familiar with adult learning theory and instructional design principles. They must also have skills in storyboarding and scripting.
How do you become an e-learning specialist?
To become an e-learning specialist, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in multimedia design, instructional design, or programming. You should also consider getting certified in relevant software tools such as Adobe Connect.
How much do e-learning developers make in the U.S.?
As an e-learning developer in the U.S., you can earn an average salary of $80,000 per year, depending on your experience and location.
What is an e-learning consultant?
An e-learning consultant is responsible for developing e-learning strategies and programs. They focus on what content learners need and how to use technology effectively.
Conclusion
To become an e-learning developer, you must be ready to put in a lot of work. However, it is a rewarding career choice with many industry opportunities. Remember to be patient and focus on building and showcasing your skills in a portfolio. By following the steps and tips in the guide above, you can get on the path to becoming an e-learning developer.