If you’re managing corporate learning programs, chances are you’ve either worked with eLearning developers, or you’re about to need one. But what exactly do they do? And more importantly, how can you tell the difference between a good eLearning developer and a great one?
Let’s break it down.
First, What Is an eLearning Developer?
An eLearning developer is the person responsible for transforming instructional content into engaging, interactive online learning experiences. They typically work closely with instructional designers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and project managers to build courses that meet business goals and drive learner success.
While the instructional designer figures out what learners need to know and how they should learn it, the eLearning developer brings it all to life using tools like Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, Adobe Captivate, or DominKnow. Increasingly, they’re also skilled in Vyond and Synthesia for more customized functionality.
Think of them as the architects and builders of your digital learning.
What Skills Should a Great eLearning Developer Have?
If you’re hiring or outsourcing an eLearning project, here’s what to look for in a solid developer:
1. Strong Technical Skills
At a minimum, they should be proficient in one or more of the major eLearning authoring tools. Bonus points if they know video editing software, SCORM/xAPI publishing standards, and LMS integration best practices.
Example: A developer who can troubleshoot SCORM issues in your LMS while also customizing interactions in Storyline is worth their weight in gold.
Today’s eLearning developers also know how to use AI tools to work more efficiently. They may use AI to generate first drafts of narration, create placeholder graphics, write code snippets, or speed up repetitive development tasks. However, experienced developers know that AI doesn’t replace instructional judgment, accessibility testing, quality assurance, or thoughtful interaction design.
2. Design Thinking
Good eLearning developers don’t just slap content onto slides. They understand the basics of user experience (UX), visual design, and instructional flow. The best ones think about how a learner experiences a course, click by click.
3. Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Sometimes content comes late. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes the SME wants 20 quiz questions when three will do. A great developer doesn’t just execute, they ask smart questions, propose better options, and help keep things on track.
4. Collaboration and Communication
Developers who communicate well can flag problems before they snowball into costly delays. They’re not just behind the scenes, they’re part of the team.
5. Accessibility Skills
They understand accessibility requirements, including keyboard navigation, color contrast, screen reader compatibility, and captioning, so courses can be used by as many learners as possible.
What Does the Day-to-Day Work Look Like?
Here’s a peek into what eLearning developers do during a typical project:
- Build prototypes to show stakeholders how the course might look and feel before full development begins.
- Create interactive elements like branching scenarios, drag-and-drops, or clickable infographics.
- Integrate voiceovers, background music, and animations to elevate engagement.
- Test the course for functionality, accessibility, and LMS compatibility.
- Iterate and revise based on stakeholder feedback.
Optimize learning experiences for desktop, tablet, and mobile learners when the authoring platform supports responsive design.
In other words, they don’t just build, they also refine.
How Do You Know You’ve Got the Right eLearning Developer?
They Ask the Right Questions
Instead of just taking direction, they ask about learners, objectives, tone, and deadlines. This signals that they’re thinking beyond tasks, they’re thinking about outcomes.
They Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems
Issues will always pop up, but a skilled developer brings options to the table: “Here’s the challenge, and here are two ways we could handle it.”
Their Portfolio Matches Your Needs
Review past work carefully. Does their style match your brand? Are they experienced with the type of learning you need? Do you need compliance, onboarding, or sales training?
They Work Well with Instructional Designers
Your developer and ID should feel like a well-rehearsed improv duo. One crafts the story, the other brings it to life. Together, they make magic.
When Should You Bring in an eLearning Developer?
If you’re rolling out a new system, launching onboarding for a high volume of hires, or moving from instructor-led to digital delivery, don’t wait until the design is final. Bring in a developer early for prototyping. It will save time and money down the road.
You’ll also want developers on hand when:
- You need to scale your L&D team quickly for a rollout.
- You’re revamping legacy training content.
- Your in-house team is at capacity.
6 Great Reasons to Outsource a Large eLearning Project
Don’t Have Time to Vet eLearning Developers?
That’s where working with a partner like TrainingPros makes sense. We’ve already done the heavy lifting: vetting, interviewing, and reviewing portfolios, so you don’t have to.
All of our eLearning developers are:
- Pre-screened by experienced L&D professionals
- Matched based on your project goals and tools
- Ready to hit the ground running
Whether you need one course built or a full curriculum overhauled, our consultants have the experience and flexibility to jump in wherever you are in the process.
Final Thoughts
eLearning developers are the behind-the-scenes heroes who turn your learning vision into an actual experience. And the best ones don’t just build, they elevate. They bring expertise, creativity, and technical know-how to make learning more impactful and scalable.
Hiring a good developer can make the difference between a clunky, forgettable course and one that delivers real results. So don’t leave it to chance.
4 Things that will burn up your eLearning budget
Ready to Work with Us?
Does your L&D team have more projects than people? TrainingPros has been named a Top 20 Staffing Company internationally by Training Industry, and recognized as a Smartchoice® Preferred Provider by Brandon Hall Group for 2025. We’re also proud to be named a Champion of Learning by the Association for Talent Development (ATD)—an international honor that reflects our dedication to excellence in corporate learning. These accolades underscore TrainingPros’ unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored training solutions.
If your projects need instructional design consultants, eLearning developers, or other L&D consultants for your custom content projects, reach out to one of our industry-expert relationship managers today.
When you have more projects than people™, let TrainingPros find the right consultant to start your project with confidence. Schedule a consultation today.
When you have more projects than people™, let TrainingPros find the right consultant to start your project with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About What eLearning Developers Actually Do
What is the difference between an eLearning developer and an instructional designer?
Instructional designers determine what learners need to know and how learning should be structured. eLearning developers take that design and build the interactive digital experience using authoring tools, multimedia, assessments, and LMS publishing standards. In smaller organizations, one person may perform both roles.
How do I evaluate an eLearning developer before hiring?
Review examples of their work, ask about projects similar to yours, discuss how they approach accessibility and quality assurance, and look for someone who asks thoughtful questions about your learners and business goals.
Can an eLearning developer improve an existing course?
Yes. Many organizations hire eLearning developers to modernize outdated courses, improve visual design, add interactivity, update branding, improve accessibility, or convert legacy Flash or PowerPoint-based training into modern learning experiences.
Should I hire a freelance eLearning developer or a full-time employee?
If you have a temporary project, a backlog of courses, or need specialized technical expertise, a contract eLearning developer is often the most cost-effective option. If your organization develops digital learning continuously throughout the year, a full-time developer may make more sense.
What makes an exceptional eLearning developer?
Beyond technical expertise, exceptional developers think like problem solvers. They understand the learner experience, communicate well with stakeholders, anticipate development challenges, and create courses that are engaging, accessible, and easy to maintain.
