My April 2022 Last Word column makes the distinction between the various organizational roles that should be involved in the design, development, and deployment of learning content projects. Each role requires specialized knowledge and sets of skills unique to them. In other words, it isn’t all “just” instructional design.
In fact, to bring most learning plans to life “takes a village.” This is especially true for complex, multi-layered, multi-month learning projects. The various roles overlap, are interdependent, and must coexist nicely.
Let’s explore the various roles and, at a high level, what they bring to learning projects.
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER
- Leads the needs assessment effort.
- Defines the overall learning strategy and makes the connection as to how it delivers on the expected business outcomes.
- Plans the overall visual design.
- Participates in the crafting of the needs analysis report to the stakeholders.
CONTENT DEVELOPER
- Brings the learning strategy and design plan to life as the tools wizard (i.e., rapid development tools/apps).
- Processes through the proposed edits, comments, suggestions, and changes provided by those who are reviewing the project as it develops.
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIST
- Oversees deployment of learning plans using one or more tech tools (i.e., setting up eLearning course tests and final files in the learning management system or specifying technology for performance support tools).
- Works with the organization’s IT and security teams to ensure learners can access their learning content as planned (and expected).
LEARNING TEAM LEADER
- Works with the Learning team to craft the needs analysis and present it to the stakeholders.
- Defines the scope of the overall learning plan.
- Establishes the resources plan, including budget, staffing, and environment.
- Manages the project’s financial aspects.
For enterprise-wide learning projects, it is likely that specialists in other areas of the organization participate, as well.