Is becoming an online course developer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming an online course developer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an online course developer or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become an Online Course Developer
To become an online course developer, you can follow these general steps:
- Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in a related field such as instructional design, education, curriculum and instruction, or a subject area relevant to the courses you want to develop. Some positions may require a master's degree or higher level of education for advanced roles.
- Gain Experience: Gain experience in instructional design, curriculum development, or related fields through internships, entry-level positions, or freelance work. Look for opportunities to develop your skills in instructional design principles, multimedia development, learning management systems (LMS), and online course development tools.
- Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio showcasing your work, including samples of online courses, instructional materials, multimedia content, and any relevant projects or accomplishments. Your portfolio should demonstrate your skills, creativity, and ability to create effective online learning experiences.
- Stay Updated: Stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in online education and instructional design. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars, and join professional organizations such as the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) or the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) to network with peers and access resources.
- Networking and Job Search: Network with professionals in the field, join online communities, and attend industry events to connect with potential employers and colleagues. Utilize online job boards, professional networking sites, and industry-specific job listings to search for job opportunities as an online course developer.
- Continuing Education: Consider pursuing certifications or additional training in instructional design, e-learning development, or specialized areas of interest within online education to enhance your skills and qualifications.
Certifications
Several certifications can enhance your credentials as an online course developer. Some notable certifications include:
- Certified Online Learning Designer (COLSD): Offered by the Learning & Performance Institute, the COLSD certification validates expertise in designing effective online learning experiences, including instructional design principles, multimedia development, and learning technologies.
- Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP): Administered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the CPLP certification demonstrates proficiency in instructional design, training delivery, and learning technologies, which are essential skills for online course development.
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) - eLearning Suite: Adobe offers certification exams for their eLearning Suite software, including Adobe Captivate and Adobe Presenter. Becoming an Adobe Certified Expert showcases proficiency in using these tools to develop interactive and engaging online courses.
- Certified Instructional Designer/Developer (CIDD): Offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI), the CIDD certification validates competencies in instructional design and development, including e-learning course creation.
- Certified Online Learning Facilitator (COLF): Also offered by the Learning & Performance Institute, the COLF certification demonstrates expertise in facilitating online learning experiences and managing virtual classrooms, which are valuable skills for online course developers.
- Articulate Certified Training (ACT): Articulate offers certification programs for their e-learning authoring tools, such as Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise. Becoming an Articulate Certified Trainer showcases proficiency in using these tools to create interactive online courses.