Instructional designers structure and outline effective and engaging learning experiences. They research learning trends and approaches, work with subject matter experts (SMEs) to determine what the learner needs to know or do, and then design the broad outlines of the course. They focus on the overall learning experience, including the curriculum, teaching methods, and practical exercises. Depending on the size and scope of the project, they may write storyboards or they may hand off that task to the eLearning developer. Instructional designers should have a deep understanding of learning theory, strong communication and analytical skills, flexibility, and creativity.

eLearning developers use different authoring tools, strategies, and creative approaches to bring the instructional designer’s vision to life. Some developers write content and interactions based on an outline from the instructional designer, while others rely on storyboards from the instructional designer to build the course. Either way, they handle the technical side of things, including implementing the design, adding interactive details and feedback, and ensuring the experience works exactly as intended. eLearning developers should have technical programming and multimedia development skills, as well as attention to detail.