Become aVirtual Learning Designer

Becoming a Virtual Learning Designer offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity with technology to make learning accessible, engaging, and fun for people of all ages. As education continues to move online, this role is at the forefront of shaping the future of how we learn, bringing innovative ideas to life in ways that make a real difference.

• Combine creativity with technology every day
• Help make education accessible for everyone
• Work with the latest digital tools and platforms
• Make learning fun and engaging for all

A Virtual Learning Designer is a creative thinker who uses technology to build captivating online learning experiences. From developing interactive courses to virtual environments and games, they bring together their love for teaching and tech to create innovative ways to learn.

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A Day in the Life of a Virtual Learning Designer

• Brainstorm new ideas for online courses with a team
• Design interactive activities and quizzes for virtual lessons
• Collaborate with subject experts to create accurate content
• Test and refine course materials for maximum engagement
• Analyse feedback to improve learning experiences
• Stay updated on the latest digital tools and trends

Virtual Learning Designers have a versatile skill set that allows them to work across various industries, including:

Education
They can work in schools, universities, and online education platforms, designing digital courses and resources for students of all ages.

Corporate Training
Many businesses hire Virtual Learning Designers to create e-learning modules, simulations, and training programmes for employee development, onboarding, or compliance.

Not for Profit Organisations
Virtual Learning Designers can work with charities and community organisations to develop accessible educational content, ensuring valuable skills and knowledge reach diverse audiences.

Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, they design training materials for medical professionals, patient education tools, and virtual simulations for procedures or patient care.

Government and Public Sector
They help create training programmes for government employees, public awareness campaigns, and educational resources for the community.

Technology and Software Development
They collaborate with tech companies to build interactive tutorials, user training for new software, or educational apps for various learning needs.

Media and Entertainment
Virtual Learning Designers can create educational content for TV shows, digital platforms, and interactive learning experiences for museums and exhibitions.

5 Industries Where Instructional Designers Are In Demand

To become a successful Virtual Learning Designer, a mix of technical and creative skills is essential:

Knowledge of Learning Theories
Understanding how people learn helps in designing content that is engaging, effective, and tailored to different learning styles.

Digital Design Skills
Proficiency with design software like Adobe Creative Suite, and animation tools, and experience with elearning platforms (such as Moodle or Articulate) are crucial for creating visually appealing and interactive content.

Technical Proficiency
Skills in coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and familiarity with virtual and augmented reality tools can enhance the interactivity and innovation of online learning materials.

Creativity and Storytelling
An ability to craft compelling narratives and engaging scenarios is key to making learning experiences memorable and impactful.

Project Management
Being able to plan, organise, and manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders ensures that learning experiences are developed efficiently and meet objectives.

Communication and Collaboration
Strong communication skills are necessary for working with educators, subject matter experts, and developers to align learning objectives with content.

Analytical Skills
Understanding how to evaluate learning outcomes and analyse feedback helps to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of virtual learning materials.

Adaptability
The ability to stay updated with the latest digital tools, trends, and changes in the education landscape allows Virtual Learning Designers to keep their content fresh and relevant.

These skills open doors to a wide range of industries, offering diverse opportunities to shape the future of education and training through creativity and technology.

Your high school STEM studies will provide a solid foundation for a career as a Virtual Learning Designer. Here are some key areas you’ll explore that will be highly relevant:

Digital Technologies / IT Studies

In digital technology classes, you’ll learn about the basics of coding, web design, and software applications. These skills are crucial for creating interactive e-learning materials, developing online courses, and working with various digital platforms.

Mathematics

Mathematics helps develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential when designing effective learning experiences. Whether it’s calculating metrics to analyse learner engagement or programming an interactive learning game, a strong grasp of mathematical concepts will be valuable.

Science

Your science studies will teach you how to conduct experiments, collect data, and draw conclusions – all important skills for testing and refining digital learning tools. Understanding scientific processes also helps in developing content for science based subjects.

Art and Design

Creative subjects like art, media, and design will teach you about visual communication, graphic design, and multimedia creation. These skills are vital for making learning content visually appealing, engaging, and accessible to a diverse audience.

Communication Skills

English and other language studies will help you develop strong communication skills, which are critical for writing clear and engaging content, collaborating with team members, and presenting your ideas effectively.

Create a Virtual Reality Tour for a History Lesson
Design an immersive VR experience where students can walk through ancient Rome, explore the pyramids of Egypt, or stand on the battlefield of a famous historical event, making history feel alive and engaging.

Develop an Interactive App to Help Students Learn Coding
Build a fun app where students can learn to code by solving puzzles, creating their own games, or completing quests, turning complex programming concepts into an enjoyable adventure.

Design Fun and Engaging E-Learning Games for Science Subjects
Craft online games that challenge students to solve science problems, like creating their own chemical reactions or saving a digital ecosystem, using gamification to make learning scientific concepts thrilling.

Experiment with Augmented Reality to Bring Lessons to Life
Use augmented reality to allow students to point their phones at an image in their textbook and see a 3D model pop up, like the inside of a cell, a beating human heart, or a rotating planet, adding a whole new dimension to learning.

Build an Online Escape Room Challenge for Language Learning
Create a virtual escape room where students solve language-based puzzles and riddles, practice vocabulary, and uncover clues to “escape” from different themed rooms, combining language skills with adventure.

Use Animation Tools to Explain Complex Maths Concepts in a Fun Way
Develop animated videos that transform complex maths problems into stories with characters and plots, like a detective solving a mystery using geometry, making maths understandable and entertaining for students.

Currently a Virtual Learning Designer is also known as an Instructional Designer. This role is evolving into its digital equivalent due the ongoing development of online learning. So while the role title itself might not be super well known, there are some epic women in Education, Gamification and Instructional Design that are making waves in Australia:

Bron Stuckey

An expert in games based learning, Bron has over 20 years of experience creating digital learning environments. She has worked globally with schools and organisations to develop innovative online education strategies. Learn more about Bron Stuckey

Nina Angelo

As Vice President of Product Marketing at Top Hat, Nina is passionate about creating interactive and inclusive learning experiences that engage students in meaningful ways. Explore Nina Angelo’s work

Sarah Ewing

Founder of Inspire Group Australia, Sarah specialises in creating dynamic digital learning content that transforms traditional education. Find out more about Sarah Ewing

Katherine McKenzie

A Senior Learning Designer at OpenLearning, Katherine designs innovative, student centred online courses that empower learners to reach their potential. Discover more about Katherine McKenzie

Exceptional Instructional Designers are learner focused, creative and have excellent communication skills. They keep projects on track, meet deadlines and maintain high quality standards. Instructional Designers are eager learners and constantly explore innovative and evidence-based strategies to improve their practice.

To excel as a Virtual Learning Designer, certain personality traits can be particularly beneficial:

Creativity

A natural flair for coming up with original ideas and innovative ways to present content is crucial. Creativity helps in designing engaging learning experiences that capture and hold the attention of diverse audiences.

Curiosity

A love for learning and exploring new concepts, tools, and technologies is essential. Curiosity drives Virtual Learning Designers to experiment with different methods and stay updated with the latest trends in both education and digital tools.

Empathy

Understanding the needs, challenges, and perspectives of learners is vital. Empathy allows designers to create content that resonates with diverse audiences, making learning experiences more accessible and inclusive.

Problem-Solving

An aptitude for identifying challenges and finding creative, effective solutions is key. Whether it’s simplifying complex content or making a course more engaging, problem-solving skills help designers tackle obstacles with confidence.

Attention to Detail

A keen eye for detail ensures that all elements of a learning experience – from the content to the visuals – are polished, accurate, and professional. This trait helps in catching errors, refining designs, and enhancing the overall quality.

Adaptability

Being flexible and open to change is important in a fast-evolving field like virtual learning design. Adaptability helps designers quickly learn new tools, adjust to feedback, and pivot strategies when necessary.

Collaboration

A collaborative spirit is essential since Virtual Learning Designers often work with diverse teams, including educators, developers, subject matter experts, and project managers. Teamwork ensures that ideas are shared, improved upon, and implemented effectively.

Patience

Patience is needed when iterating on designs, incorporating feedback, and troubleshooting technical issues. It helps maintain a calm, focused approach in the face of challenges.

A great first step is to enrol in a course that provides a solid foundation in education, instructional design, or digital media.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Degrees in Education, Instructional Design, Digital Media, Interactive Media, or Information Technology are excellent choices. For example, Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) with a focus on digital technologies, which can provide essential knowledge about how to design engaging and effective learning materials for the digital age. Edith Cowan University

Postgraduate Qualifications

Consider pursuing a postgraduate degree or certificate in Instructional Design and Technology or Digital Learning Design. Universities like Swinburne University of Technology in Victoria provide a Graduate Certificate in Learning Design that covers the principles of designing online learning environments, offering a pathway to more specialised roles in virtual learning.

When you leave school, whether you head to Uni or some other type of upskilling these are the types of things you’ll learn while honing your Virtual Learning Designer Skills:

Instructional Design Principles

You’ll learn the theories and best practices behind designing educational materials that are effective and engaging. This includes understanding different learning styles, designing for diverse audiences, and creating content that meets specific learning objectives.

E-learning Development Tools

You’ll gain direct experience with tools and software used in the industry, such as Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, and various Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle or Blackboard. Mastering these tools will allow you to create interactive courses, quizzes, and multimedia content.

Digital Media Production

Courses in digital media will teach you how to create high-quality videos, animations, graphics, and other multimedia elements. You’ll learn how to use software like Adobe Creative Suite, which is essential for designing visually appealing and effective e-learning materials.

User Experience (UX) Design

You’ll study how to create user-friendly learning environments that are easy to navigate and enjoyable to use. Understanding UX design principles will help you create courses and materials that keep learners engaged and ensure they have a positive learning experience.

Data Analysis and Learning Analytics

Analysing learner data is key to improving online courses. You’ll learn how to interpret data to measure learning outcomes, engagement levels, and areas for improvement. This skill is essential for creating effective learning materials that meet the needs of students.

Emerging Technologies in Education

You’ll explore the latest advancements in technology, like AR, VR, AI, and gamification, and how these can be used to create innovative and immersive learning experiences.

Getting work experience and on the job experience is really important for this career. If you don’t know what it is like to teach a student, you might struggle to connect with what both students and teachers really need.

Think about getting experience in teaching, training, or any educational role. This experience provides a practical understanding of different learning styles, classroom management, and content delivery methods.

Work Experience

Consider seeking internships, volunteer positions, or part time roles that allow you to develop content for e-learning or assist in designing online courses. Organisations like the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) or Open Universities Australia often look for interns and volunteers interested in educational research and content development.

Industry Experience

Experience in the corporate sector can also be beneficial. Many companies and organisations, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and BHP, offer internal training programmes where you can contribute to developing e-learning modules and digital content

While a formal education provides all the theoretical stuff, practical digital skills are also crucial for a Virtual Learning Designer. You’ll need to be comfortable using various e-learning tools and platforms, such as Moodle, Blackboard, Articulate Storyline, or Adobe Captivate.

Short Courses and Certifications

Many organisations offer short courses to build specific digital skills. For example, TAFE Western Australia provides courses in Digital Media and Information Technology, where you can learn to create multimedia content, use design software, and gain basic coding skills. You can also explore online platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera for courses on instructional design, digital tools, and virtual learning environments.

Build a Portfolio

A strong portfolio showcasing your work is essential for demonstrating your skills to potential employers. Include examples of online courses, interactive learning modules, e-learning games, and any other relevant projects you have worked on.

Freelance Projects

Consider taking on freelance projects or creating your own mock-ups to build a portfolio. For example, you could design an online course or create an educational game to demonstrate your capabilities.

Showcase Your Work

Use platforms like Behance or Dribbble to share your portfolio with a broader audience. Make sure to include descriptions of your projects, the tools and technologies you used, and the results or impact of your work.

Network and Join Professional Communities

Connecting with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and potential job leads. Joining professional communities and attending conferences or webinars can help you stay updated on industry trends and meet potential collaborators or employers.

Professional Associations

Consider joining associations such as the Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE) or Learning and Development (L&D) Community of Australia. These organisations offer networking opportunities, resources, and events to support your professional growth.

Local Meetups and Online Forums

Attend meetups or webinars related to e-learning and instructional design. Universities like Curtin University in Western Australia regularly host events and webinars focused on digital education trends, providing excellent networking opportunities.

Continue Learning and Upskilling

The field of virtual learning design is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies emerging all the time. Continuous learning is key to staying relevant.

Stay Updated on Trends

Follow blogs, podcasts, and publications on instructional design, educational technology, and digital media. Platforms like EdTech Review or The Learning Guild provide regular updates on the latest tools, techniques, and trends in e-learning.

Advanced Certifications

As you gain experience, consider advanced certifications in specialised areas, such as Gamification in Learning or Augmented Reality in Education. These can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

A career as a Virtual Learning Designer offers so many opportunities both locally and globally. With the growing demand for online education and training, skilled professionals in this field are highly sought after in many industries. Whether you’re looking to make an impact in Western Australia, across the country, or even internationally, there are plenty of pathways available.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, there is a strong demand for Virtual Learning Designers, particularly within the education and corporate sectors. Local universities, such as Curtin University and Edith Cowan University (ECU), are often seeking experts to develop innovative online learning experiences for their students. Both institutions are known for their strong focus on digital education and regularly hire specialists to enhance their e-learning platforms. For example, Curtin University’s Learning Innovation team has been leading the way in creating flexible, student-centred online courses that reach a global audience.

Additionally, government departments like the Western Australian Department of Education frequently look for professionals to design digital learning tools and resources for schools across the state. The NFP sector also offers opportunities, with organisations like Scitech, a science education centre in Perth, using digital content to engage and educate young people in STEM.

Australia

Australia wide, Virtual Learning Designers are in demand across various sectors. Companies like OpenLearning and Pearson Australia specialise in providing online education platforms and services, frequently hiring learning designers to help create engaging and effective content for learners. Similarly, Swinburne Online and RMIT Online are well-known for their innovative online course offerings and regularly seek experts to contribute to their digital learning strategies.

Corporate training is another growing area, with businesses such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and Telstra investing in digital training programmes to upskill their workforce. These organisations often look for Virtual Learning Designers to create interactive e-learning modules and simulations that help employees learn new skills efficiently and effectively.

The healthcare sector also offers unique opportunities, with institutions like Healthdirect Australia using e-learning to train healthcare professionals. In addition, consulting firms like Deloitte and PwC Australia hire learning designers to develop digital training solutions for clients across multiple industries.

Around the World

Globally, the demand for Virtual Learning Designers is on the rise as educational institutions, businesses, and NFP organisations continue to expand their digital offerings. Companies like Coursera and Udemy, two of the largest online learning platforms worldwide, are constantly looking for talented designers to enhance their course libraries and improve user engagement.

In the corporate sector, tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are investing heavily in digital learning and training programmes to keep their global teams updated with the latest skills. They often hire Virtual Learning Designers to create custom e-learning solutions and innovative educational tools.

Not For Profit organisations like UNICEF and The World Bank also employ Virtual Learning Designers to develop digital learning initiatives aimed at promoting education in underserved regions around the globe. The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in education is gaining traction, with companies like Meta and ZSpace leading innovation in this space and providing exciting opportunities for professionals interested in pushing the boundaries of digital learning.