E-learning developer
E-learning developers create course materials that can be studied on a computer network or online.
Also known as: Digital learning developer, instructional designer
- Starter salary£25,000 a year
- Experienced£45,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
As an e-learning developer you could:
- build and maintain online training areas known as virtual learning environments (VLEs)
- adapt off-the-shelf VLE products
- work with tutors, trainers or development teams to create online learning materials
- integrate interactive multimedia like video, forums and learning games
- modify content for use on mobile phones or tablets
- make sure security measures are in place to control access
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a e-learning developer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in:
- computing
- multimedia design
- educational technology
If you already have a degree or relevant work experience, you can do a postgraduate qualification in e-learning technology.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could do a college course, which may lead onto more advanced qualifications or a higher apprenticeship, or help you to get a trainee position with a company.
Courses include:
- computing
- programming
- web design and development
- T Level in Digital Software Development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a Digital Learning Designer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take around 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start out as a junior developer or e-learning assistant, if you've got computing A levels or equivalent. You'll also need a working knowledge of web design software.
Career path and progression
With experience you could progress to:
- a senior development role
- IT project management
- e-learning research
- strategy planning
- technical sales
- business development
You could also move into related areas like:
- educational or training consultancy
- educational software development
- systems analysis
- the computer games industry
Career tips
Blackboard Learn and Moodle are used a lot by education institutions so an understanding of how these work will be useful.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Learning and Performance Institute for professional development opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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