Introduction

The eLearning field thrives on collaboration. Every effective course or digital learning experience is the result of multiple professionals coming together, each with an essential role. Understanding these roles not only clarifies responsibilities but also enhances communication and project outcomes.
In this lesson, you’ll explore how instructional designers, eLearning developers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) contribute to the design and delivery of learning experiences. You’ll also learn how these roles intersect and complement each other throughout the development process.

In recent years, remote instruction and delivery have become increasingly popular due to the convenience and flexibility they offer. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of these methods as many organizations were forced to shift to remote work and training. As a result, e-learning has become more prevalent than ever before.

Within the e-learning field, two essential roles in designing and delivering practical online courses are e-learning developers and instructional designers. Although these roles are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct responsibilities. e-Learning developers are responsible for creating and implementing the technical aspects of an e-learning course. They use software tools to develop the course content, including multimedia components such as videos, animations, and interactive elements. They work closely with instructional designers to ensure the course content is engaging and effective. Instructional designers are responsible for designing learning experiences for students. They work with subject matter experts to analyze learning needs and develop course objectives. They also created the instructional design plan, which includes the course structure, activities, assessments, and feedback mechanisms. Instructional designers collaborate with e-learning developers to ensure the course content aligns with the instructional design plan.

On the other hand, e-Learning developers are responsible for creating and implementing the technical aspects of an e-learning course. They use software tools to develop the course content, including multimedia components such as videos, animations, and interactive elements. They work closely with instructional designers to ensure the course content is engaging and effective. e-learning developers and instructional designers play essential and complementary roles in creating compelling online learning experiences. It is important to note that while these roles are essential in e-learning, their exact definitions and responsibilities vary depending on the organization.  To better understand how these roles work together, we can begin by looking more closely at the role of the instructional designer.

Instructional Designers (ID)

Instructional Designers focus on learning experience. They work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify performance gaps, define learning objectives, and design instructional strategies that align with adult learning principles and organizational goals. Instructional Designers are the architects of learning. They apply adult learning theories, instructional frameworks, and evidence-based design principles to develop learning experiences that achieve measurable outcomes. Their focus is on what learners need to know and how they best acquire that knowledge.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting needs assessments and performance analysis.
• Defining learning objectives aligned to organizational or academic goals.
• Designing course structures, activities, and assessments using models such as ADDIE or Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction.
• Collaborating with SMEs and developers to ensure content accuracy and instructional integrity.

Key Deliverables: Learning objectives, instructional outlines, design documents, assessment strategies, and storyboards.

The eLearning Developer

If the instructional designer is the architect, the developer is the builder. They use authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, Adobe Captivate) to develop multimedia components and ensure smooth functionality within the learning management system (LMS). Developers are the architects of interaction, translating static content into dynamic learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Building and programming eLearning modules according to storyboards.
  • Integrating media elements such as graphics, narration, and video.
  • Ensuring functionality, accessibility, and SCORM or xAPI compatibility with the organization’s Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Troubleshooting technical issues and conducting user testing.

Key Deliverables: Interactive eLearning modules, media assets, and published course files compatible with LMS platforms.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME)

SMEs bring the depth of expertise that fuels course content. They ensure that instructional materials are accurate, relevant, and aligned with real-world applications. While instructional designers focus on how learning happens, SMEs focus on what learners must know or do.

Key Responsibilities:

• • • Providing content, examples, and case studies from professional practice.
    • Reviewing drafts for accuracy and completeness.
    • Clarifying terminology, workflows, or processes unfamiliar to the design team.
    • Partnering with designers to simplify complex information.

Key Deliverables: Validated content, data, reference materials, and performance examples.

Collaboration Between Roles

Successful eLearning projects depend on clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect. When roles overlap, such as between designers and developers, collaboration prevents duplication of effort and ensures alignment between learning goals and technical execution.

Example Workflow:

• • 1. Analysis Phase (ADDIE): The Instructional Designer identifies the learning need and consults with SMEs to clarify scope.
    2. Design & Development Phases: The ID creates a storyboard; the Developer builds it; the SME provides content validation.
    3. Implementation & Evaluation: The Developer uploads the module to the LMS, and the team collects learner feedback for continuous improvement.

Before completing the scenario activity, watch the two short videos below. Each one highlights different perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of eLearning Developers and Instructional Designers.

Viewing Prompt:

As you watch, reflect on the following questions:

• • 1. What key differences do you notice between the responsibilities of eLearning Developers and Instructional Designers?

    2. How do both roles contribute to creating a seamless and engaging learning experience?

    3. Which role aligns more closely with your personal interests and professional strengths?

💡 Tip: Take brief notes while you watch — you’ll use your insights in the upcoming Scenario Activity: Defining the Roles.

Although eLearning developers are responsible for the technical implementation and production of online courses, instructional designers are in charge of the pedagogical and instructional aspects. They ensure that the learning experience is effective and aligned with educational goals. Collaboration between these two roles is crucial for developing high-quality eLearning materials.

References

Allegro Media Design. (n.d). The Difference Between an Instructional Designer and an eLearning Developer. 

Allen, M. (2016). Michael Allen’s guide to e-learning: Building interactive, fun, and effective learning programs for any company. John Wiley & Sons.

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning (4th ed.). Wiley.

Evans, L. (2023). 5 Industries Where Instructional Designers Are in Demand.

Gagné, R. M., Wager, W. W., Golas, K. C., & Keller, J. M. (2005). Principles of instructional design (5th ed.). Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Hodell, C. (2022). ISD from the ground up: A no-nonsense approach to instructional design (5th ed.). ATD Press.

Peck, (D.). (2022, September 6). Instructional Designer vs eLearning Developer.

Rosenberg, M.J. (2018). Beyond e-learning: Approaches and technologies to enhance organizational knowledge, learning, and performance.

Slade, (T.). (2023, May 1) Instructional Design vs. eLearning Design.