Essential technical skills to succeed in e-learning

Any job demands a range of different skills, but In today’s professional landscape, where so many industries are driven by technology, it’s essential that your team possesses the technical skills required to use these technological tools. This is particularly true in the field of e-learning, where the creation and management of online courses involves a specific set of technical skills.

E-learning developers use a variety of technological tools to design, construct and test interactive training content. This type of work goes beyond simply understanding educational content; developers must, for example, know how to use an authoring tool, an LMS (learning management system), and numerous other digital tools if they want to develop effective and engaging learning experiences.

Are you passionate about e-learning, and looking to stand out in the online learning sphere by improving your team’s technical skills? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, you’ll discover what technical skills are, why they’re so important, and how to develop them – making your company more successful and competitive in the process. Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

What are technical skills?

First, let’s clarify exactly what technical skills are. These are the specific, practical skills needed to perform various workplace tasks. Such skills are as varied as the tasks they cover – including everything from knowledge of programming languages to the ability to use specific pieces of software.

These types of skills are typically acquired through formal education and work experience, and vary by industry and job type. Unlike soft skills – social, interpersonal and communication skills that influence how we relate to others – technical skills are specific, tangible skills that can be learnt in a structured way, and can also be measured if necessary. They are fundamental to the basic functioning of any work environment.

The importance of technical skills in e-learning

From its first appearance up until the present time, online learning has made great strides. In its early days it was little more than educational content in a simple textual form, lacking any kind of interactivity. However, thanks to significant advances in technology, its increasingly important role in education, and an ever-growing demand for flexible training alternatives, online learning has undergone a radical transformation. And technical skills have played a key role in this process.

Technical skills are the skills that allow e-learning designers and developers to create attractive, interactive educational experiences. In that sense, they are the foundation on which innovation in e-learning is built.

Equipped with skills in programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and with a mastery of authoring tools and learning management systems, your professionals will be able to design courses that not only convey information, but also actively engage students. Their skills will allow them to achieve this by integrating a range of interactive elements, simulations and multimedia resources. So, it’s little wonder that technical skills are in such great demand today.

Essential technical skills for e-learning professionals

Behind every successful online course lies a team of professionals armed with a set of key technical competencies that allow them to build a high-quality learning experience. So, now that we know what technical skills are, and understand their value within e-learning, let’s discover which of them are most important for success in this field:

Key programming languages for e-learning development

Developing e-learning platforms and the interactive resources they offer requires solid knowledge of several programming languages. Amongst the most important are:

• HTML/CSS – These are the basics as far as creating web content goes. HTML is used to structure content, while CSS governs its layout and visual presentation.
• JavaScript: This language is the key to adding greater interactivity and dynamism to online courses. It allows you to design more attractive and responsive learning experiences.
• Python: Known for its simplicity and versatility, Python is useful for data analysis, and helps to automate repetitive tasks within e-learning platforms.
• SQL: This language is crucial for the proper management of databases, allowing e-learning professionals to store, modify and retrieve both user and course data efficiently.
• PHP – Used for backend development, PHP is important when it comes to building learning management systems (LMS) and other interactive web applications.

Productivity tools and software apps

In order to maximize the quality and efficiency of e-learning projects, it’s essential to master a range of productivity tools and software apps. These resources not only make it easier to create and manage educational content in the first place, but also to boost collaboration and enhance project organization:

• Learning management systems (LMS): These systems are essential for managing courses, users and content efficiently. Mastering an LMS will allow professionals to organize teaching materials, track student progress, and arrange assessments.
• Content creation software: Multimedia content development tools are key to designing interactive and visually appealing learning materials. Authoring tools make it possible to create e-learning courses featuring multimedia elements – such as videos and animations – which can greatly enhance the educational experience.
• Collaborative tools: Collaboration is key in e-learning projects, especially when teams are scattered across multiple locations. Collaboration apps make it easier for teams to communicate and work together, ensuring that all members are in alignment and can contribute effectively.
• Project Management Apps: Proper project management is essential for meeting established deadlines and objectives. Project management tools help e-learning leaders to organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress, ensuring that projects can be completed on time and on budget.

Specific technical skills within the e-learning sector

In addition to general skills in programming and software usage, there are many specific technical competencies that are especially valuable within the field of e-learning:

• Instructional Design: Understanding the principles of instructional design is crucial if you want to create powerful educational materials. This can include knowledge in learning theories, teaching methodologies, and educational evaluation.
• Multimedia content development: The ability to create and edit videos, animations and graphics is key to engaging students and improving their understanding of topics.
• UX Design: Ensuring that courses are easy to navigate and use produces a satisfying learning experience for all learners – an essential facet of effective learning.
• Data Analysis: Knowing how to collect, analyze, and interpret student data can help you to continually improve courses and personalize the learning experience according to individual needs.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting student information and course content from cyber-threats is becoming an increasingly important skill in the modern digital world.

How to develop technical skills to grow in the e-learning world

Developing the technical skills needed to excel in the e-learning field requires a methodical approach – one that involves continuous learning and practice. Perhaps the most traditional way to get started on learning these skills is through formal education. Earning a degree in a relevant area such as educational technology, computer science, instructional design or software development will help you to build a solid foundation of practical and theoretical knowledge. However, this type of formal learning is not the only way. Below, we share 4 ways to help your team develop the technical skills they need to excel in the world of e-learning:

• Courses and certifications

One of the best ways to acquire technical skills is through online courses, and this is especially true in a field as dynamic as e-learning. There are many e-learning platforms available, offering a wide array of courses ranging all the way from specific programming languages to the use of productivity tools and specialized software. These courses allow professionals to learn at their own pace, and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

• Practical project experience

Another important strategy here is self-management. Creating personal projects, such as small online courses or interactive applications, can help professionals to apply and consolidate any knowledge they’ve picked up.

• Mentoring and other forms of professional guidance

Participating in online communities and forums can also be surprisingly beneficial. These communities allow professionals to interact with other experts, pose questions and share knowledge. Additionally, they’re an excellent means of giving and receiving feedback, as well as learning from the experiences of others.

Networking and collaboration with other professionals in the same sector are just as important. Attending webinars, seminars and workshops provides multiple opportunities to learn from industry leaders, and also make valuable connections. Furthermore, collaborating on projects with other professionals allows employees to exchange knowledge and techniques, which enriches mutual learning.

• Professional certifications

AIming for recognized certifications in the e-learning field can help professionals to validate their skills and knowledge. Certification programs offered by professional organizations (and technology companies) can add credibility to a resume and improve overall performance.

Developing soft skills and technical skills: the perfect balance

In the world of e-learning, technical skills and soft skills work together to form a necessary balance. Although they are in themselves quite different, each plays an indispensable role in professional development. Technical skills refer to specific, measurable competencies that are essential for the creation, administration and maintenance of e-learning programs. Without these skills, e-learning professionals would simply be unable to develop working platforms, design interactive content, or construct a quality learning experience.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are just as important in the field of e-learning, albeit in a slightly different way. In a working environment that is, today, often remote and multidisciplinary, the ability to communicate clearly and work well as part of a team is essential. For its part, creativity drives innovation in the design of engaging and effective content, while problem-solving skills allow professionals to address and surpass any technical and logistical challenges that may arise.

Professionals who combine these two skill types are better equipped to meet the challenges that wait within the e-learning field, and take full advantage of the opportunities offered by this fast-growing sector. Are you looking to improve your team’s skills from top to bottom? With isEazy Skills, the market’s most complete catalog of courses for upskilling your team, you can improve the results of your training in an enormous range of skills and competencies. Make the most of high-quality courses adapted to the content consumption patterns of the newest generations, available in 6 languages and with content updated every month. So what are you waiting for? Boost your team’s talent and request a demo today!