8 Skills You Must Have To Become an eLearning Master

If you were to ask what the top must-have skills to becoming an eLearning master are, you would more than likely get a wide variety of answers. Being able to design instructional, online training courses requires some very definite skill sets. However, there are actually a few specific skills that are integral to mastering the creation of online eLearning courses.

8 Skills You Must Have to Become an eLearning Master:

1. Copywriting

The majority of eLearning courses are based on traditional classroom learning, which involves the use of textbooks, technical documentation, worksheets, and much more. As an instructional design master, it falls to you to ensure that the learners are provided with quality written materials that are appropriate for the audience. This means being able to write course material that is concise, comprehensive and engaging. If you are considering outsourcing your writing needs to a freelancer, you may be able to free up more of your time to focus on other aspects of the course. However, you must still be able to proof, edit and revise all materials before they are finalized.

2. Audio/Video Recording & Editing

Thanks to the innovations of technology, the equipment used for recording and producing great quality audio and video has gotten smaller, faster and better. An eLearning master, aside from being able to completely design a course from front to back, can also undertake the creation and production of course materials. In the long run, being able to record and edit course materials, such as lectures and presentations, can be one of your most valuable skills and assets.

3. Problem Solving

Problem-solving is one of the most valuable skills that anyone can have today, especially if they are in the role of instructional designer. This is an area where various problems are a normal occurrence, whether it be logistical problems or tech issues. Between dealing with learning management systems, mobile training applications, managing a budget and designing effective and engaging courses – there is little doubt that problem-solving is an invaluable skill.

4. Project Manager & Facilitator

Due to the size and scope of many online eLearning course developments, it can often mean that instructional designers have to work as part of a larger team. These larger training implementations are often expensive and rushed, which is why they require careful time and budget management. Being able to take on the responsibilities of a project manager, which includes acting as a facilitator in areas that you have extensive knowledge, is an essential asset.

5. Photo Editing

Photo editing can be a key skill in designing online eLearning courses. Being able to present the course materials in a visually appealing manner can make a major difference in the learners’ performance. Luckily, there are a variety of options to help you ensure the quality of your visual presentations. There are many freelancers who offer photo editing services for an affordable price, as well as many tools that you can use yourself.

Many websites offer free photo editing software or programs. GIMP is a free alternative to Photoshop, which is fairly easy to learn. Other websites offer tutorials on the basics of photo editing for the web and tutorials for different photo editing software programs.

6. Coding

It can no longer be avoided that the world is becoming more and more Internet-based. In the technology-driven world that we live in, there is a 99% chance that you have come across some form of code before. There are only a handful of the most common types of coding languages. While the common codes can be easy to learn, different programming languages number in the hundreds.

HTML/CSS is one of the most common and most basic coding languages, and the one you will most likely encounter. For someone who is completely new to coding, HTML is good place to start. Advanced coders may be more interested in the interactive innovations of JAVA.

7. Touch Typing

It may sound strange, but touch typing has become a very important skill in today’s world of touch-screen technology. In fact, it may be one of the most vital skills that you could ever learn. The good part is that there is a wealth of eLearning lessons that are available to help you improve your accuracy and speed. The average adult can hunt and peck out between 20 and 30 words per minute on materials which are familiar, however, their speed is reduced to less than half of that on new material.

When following proper touch typing techniques, the average adult’s touch typing speed can be doubled or even tripled. There are many online websites available, which offer to help you increase your typing accuracy and speed for free. Many of them also offer fun games, which help you learn proper touch typing techniques.

8. Microsoft Excel

Of all of the programs available through Microsoft Office Suite, Excel is the most versatile. It has been the leading program for more than a decade for handling a wide variety of mathematical and financial needs. Nearly any job position that requires the use of the computer, will also require basic Microsoft Excel skills.

Becoming a master of eLearning requires a wide and diverse range of skills, however, these top 8 skills will see you off to a good start. A final addition to the list may be the love of learning, due to the fact that mastering eLearning requires continually educating yourself and developing a wider range of skills.