The rate of online work-related training in Australia doubled from 2018 to 2022.
If you were to guess what eLearning is simply from the name, you’d likely assume it involves learning online. While this is true, there’s a lot more to it than that. If you take a deeper look, you’ll get a better idea of what it’s all about and why it’s becoming so popular.
You may just want to know a bit more about it, or you might be looking to enhance your own programs. Either way, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about what an eLearning designer is. Keep reading for more.
What Does an eLearning Designer Do?
An eLearning designer (sometimes called a digital learning designer) does what the name suggests – they design, structure, and develop online learning development tools. They also review and continuously update these tools to ensure they’re as effective as they can be.
They’re often confused with eLearning developers, but developers only work on the development of programs. Designers also help design learning systems, which include sequencing, content, and instruction.
An eLearning designer often works with SMEs (subject matter experts). This helps them develop learning materials and course structures before building the actual program. Working this way is typically more efficient and produces the best results.
The Key Responsibilities of an eLearning Designer
There are certain key responsibilities that eLearning designers have. As mentioned above, they design and structure learning experiences to make sure they flow logically. The learning materials they produce should deliver complex concepts while remaining effective.
All materials should contain clear instructions to help people learn from them and incorporate suitable features and interactive elements to deliver content. Things like diagrams, photos, and graphics are ideal for this.
All work that an eLearning designer does should be in line with specified learning outcomes. Once a program is established, they’ll publish it on a custom LMS (Learning Management System). They then need to analyze the results of their program and continuously work to improve it.
The Difference Between eLearning and Instructional Design
As a digital learning provider, there are several options available when it comes to developing learning materials. Instructional design is another popular option that people often confuse with eLearning design, but there are some key differences that you should understand.
With instructional design, the overall goal is to identify learning needs, determine suitable learning outcomes, and create effective learning solutions. An instructional designer will support adult learners by applying relevant learning principles and instructional design principles to the learning experiences they create.
It covers a range of delivery methods, such as:
- Online learning
- eLearning
- Facilitator-led learning
- Face-to-face learning
- On-the-job training
- Self-paced learning
Blended learning is a common solution that includes multiple delivery methods to achieve the same goal.
It’s important to understand that eLearning is a specific delivery method. It’s done exclusively online and, in most cases, is self-paced. With the increase in remote learning in recent years, this presents more opportunities than ever.
These days, people like to use a range of devices, so eLearning is typically designed to be responsive to desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. With that in mind, the authoring tool can affect what devices a specific tool is compatible with.
Benefits of eLearning
eLearning is quickly gaining a lot of traction. There are several advantages that you could benefit from by implementing it.
Reduced Costs
Keeping costs down is always good, and eLearning is often more cost-effective than other training methods. With in-person training, there can be various costs, such as fees for the trainer, travel expenses, time off work, and materials such as workbooks. Virtual learning can eliminate all of these costs to help you save money.
Multimedia Materials
Custom eLearning can give you access to multimedia materials to help augment your training. This can allow you to add a lot of variety that will make your learning solutions more engaging and effective.
More Customization
Everyone is different, and this includes how they learn. What works for one person may not work well for another. Using various delivery methods allows you to better accommodate each learner.
An individual can learn at their own pace in an atmosphere that suits them. This will help them learn and will improve their retention of information.
Data and Analytics
With eLearning, you can track data and analyze it to get better insights. You can see what’s working well and what isn’t. From this, you can make changes that will improve how effective your learning materials are overall.
Speed
Some people can naturally absorb information faster than others. By using eLearning, everyone can go at their own pace to ensure they get through things and learn what they need to. Maximizing efficiency is always a bonus, and this is one of the best ways to do it.
Course Correction
Traditional classrooms and work environments can put pressure on people. They may be less likely to speak up about an issue due to fear of failure.
This isn’t as much of a factor with eLearning. Students can move through the materials freely, so if they have any issues, they’ll have an easier time addressing things on their own. This will empower them to get through everything without knocking their confidence at all.
Learner Satisfaction
High satisfaction rates directly correlate to how much information people retain. When people are happy with what they’re learning, they’ll be more engaged and active. eLearning can help you promote better attitudes so that people can learn more efficiently.
Do You Need eLearning Services?
If you want to improve your learning programs, an eLearning designer can be incredibly helpful. You’ll be able to deliver materials in an effective way that people will be able to learn from, and you can make constant improvements.
Octivo specializes in designing and developing bespoke eLearning solutions that can benefit you. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with us to start building your project.
