What Do E-Learning Developers Do?

The responsibilities of e-learning developers typically cover the creation, implementation, testing, and revision of e-learning software and platforms used by these programs. These responsibilities often begin with the initial development of a software concept, usually created as a general plan or rough outline of the features and options that are going to be available with the software. This plan is then implemented through programming to create an actual software program that is then thoroughly tested for performance and functionality. The e-learning developers at a company can then revise or update the software with additional or corrected features, and may devise plans for new versions of the software.

E-learning developers are typically those employees at a software company, or the software branch of a larger company, charged with creating e-learning programs. This process often begins with brainstorming sessions, usually led by an e-learning manager, involving key software development team members. During these sessions, the e-learning developers come up with various ideas and refine those ideas to have an overall plan for the software they are going to develop.

Once the development process moves beyond this planning phase, then e-learning developers begin creating the code and other aspects of the actual software. This process can take a great deal of time, and includes everything from the basic functionality of the program to the user interface (UI) and types of hardware that are compatible with the program. The software typically goes through multiple iterations as new features are added and the overall program begins to take shape.

As the software nears completion, greater emphasis is likely to be placed on testing the program. E-learning developers work to fix errors that are found, and continue developing the program with any additional features that are implemented. This can include features based on feedback from potential clients, as well as ensuring functionality that may become standard for e-learning platforms as the software is developed. It is important for e-learning developers to be aware of what other companies are producing, to ensure their product is competitive and noteworthy.

Once the e-learning software is fully developed, tested, and shipped, then e-learning developers can continue working on a project in many ways. Ongoing error correcting may be necessary, depending on any issues found in the software, and some new features may be introduced through these releases as well. The developers are also likely to continue working on the software to create a new version, which may include updated features that take advantage of new technology and other functionality that requires the release of a wholly new version of the software.