E-learning designers create electronic learning materials delivered through online learning management systems. They must understand learning theory, have technical skills, and be creative. They analyze students’ needs, create a curriculum, and test materials before making them available to students. A degree and experience are preferred.
E-learning designers develop electronic learning materials for children and adults. These electronic materials are usually delivered through online learning management systems hosted on websites. Effective e-learning designers combine learning theory, topic knowledge, technical skills, and creativity when developing online educational materials.
An online training designer must understand the principles of how people learn. She may need specific software skills when creating and managing training materials, and she will need to understand how student technology can interact with online courses. While she may not need to become an expert, she will need some understanding of the topic she is training for. Interviewing skills will come in handy to gather this knowledge from subject matter experts. An understanding of design principles that facilitate learning is also essential.
During the online course development process, the designer will analyze the students’ training needs, create a curriculum, and determine methods for conveying the information. She will consider their access to technology, such as computers and the Internet. Future technical changes may also influence the design of online training.
Once the designer analyzes the online training development needs, the technical issues and develops an approach, she can start creating the materials. The creation process may include producing graphics and video, writing content, programming tests, and implementing the course into an e-learning system. Before online training can be considered complete, the designer must test the e-learning materials to ensure that they are accurate, work correctly and are effective for the target audience.
After electronic learning materials are developed and tested, they need to be made available to students for use. The designer can also be part of this process. She will likely want to poll online course students for suggestions for improving the materials.
Some personal traits are useful for e-learning designers. The designer must excel in written, verbal and visual communication. She must blend her knowledge of learning theory, analytical skills and enjoyment of technology with creativity. Both technology and learning theory continually evolve; therefore, a designer must be prepared to keep pace with developments in these fields as far as online instructional design is concerned.
Companies may prefer to hire eLearning designers with a four-year degree in a related course. The employer can also look for several years of experience. Some organizations may use specific software to create or manage training and may hire designers with experience using that software.
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