Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for E-Learning Instructor

🎯 Role Definition

As an E-Learning Instructor, you are the face and voice of our online learning programs. You are a dynamic educator, a technology enthusiast, and a master facilitator, responsible for delivering high-impact virtual training sessions that captivate and educate our learners. This role involves more than just presenting; it requires creating an interactive and supportive virtual classroom environment, adapting content for digital delivery, and using data to continuously improve the learning journey. You will work at the intersection of education, technology, and subject matter expertise to empower individuals and drive organizational success through scalable and effective online instruction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Corporate Trainer
Classroom Teacher / K-12 or Higher-Ed Educator
Subject Matter Expert (SME) with presentation experience
Instructional Design Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior E-Learning Instructor / Lead Facilitator
Learning and Development (L&D) Manager
Instructional Design Manager
Curriculum Development Lead

Lateral Moves:

Instructional Designer
Learning Technologist / LMS Administrator
Corporate Communications Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Deliver engaging, interactive, and high-quality live virtual training sessions to diverse audiences using platforms like Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Adobe Connect.
Design, develop, and update comprehensive e-learning course materials, including slide decks, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and interactive online activities.
Facilitate group discussions, manage breakout room activities, and use polling and Q&A features to foster a collaborative and participatory learning environment.
Assess learner comprehension and performance through the design and administration of quizzes, practical application exercises, and final assessments, providing constructive and timely feedback.
Adapt existing instructor-led training (ILT) materials for effective delivery in a synchronous or asynchronous online format, ensuring learning objectives are met.
Master and maintain a high level of expertise in the subject matter being taught, continuously updating personal knowledge to ensure content is current, accurate, and relevant.
Manage the full lifecycle of virtual classes, including scheduling, learner communication, pre-session setup, and post-session follow-up and reporting.
Foster an inclusive and motivating virtual learning environment that respects diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles.
Provide real-time technical and logistical support to learners to ensure a smooth and seamless virtual classroom experience, troubleshooting common platform issues.
Analyze learner feedback, assessment data, and engagement metrics to make data-driven recommendations for improving course content, instructional strategies, and overall program effectiveness.
Pilot new e-learning programs and virtual training modules, gathering and synthesizing feedback from participants to refine content and delivery before a full-scale launch.
Create and curate a rich library of supplemental learning resources, such as microlearning videos, job aids, infographics, and articles, to support self-paced and continuous learning.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate closely with Instructional Designers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to review and validate the accuracy and instructional integrity of training content.
Participate in the evaluation and selection of new e-learning technologies, authoring tools, and virtual classroom platforms to enhance instructional capabilities.
Maintain and manage course information within the Learning Management System (LMS), including enrollments, tracking learner progress, and generating completion reports.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of the organization's overall training calendar and communication plan.
Mentor new or junior instructors, providing coaching on virtual facilitation techniques, classroom management, and effective use of learning technologies.
Ensure all training materials and delivery methods are compliant with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, Section 508) to support learners with disabilities.
Partner with cross-functional teams such as HR, Product, and Sales to align training initiatives with broader business objectives and performance goals.
Develop and administer certification programs, tracking participant progress through required curricula and managing the credentialing process.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Virtual Classroom Platforms: Advanced proficiency in delivering training via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Adobe Connect, including features like breakout rooms, polls, and whiteboards.
Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience managing courses and learners in platforms like Cornerstone, Canvas, Moodle, Docebo, or LearnUpon.
Presentation Software: Expert-level skills in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling and visually appealing instructional content.
Curriculum Development: Strong understanding of how to structure and develop learning content, including facilitator guides, participant materials, and job aids for a virtual setting.
Instructional Design Principles: Knowledge of adult learning theories (Andragogy) and instructional design models (like ADDIE or SAM) to inform delivery methods.
Basic Video/Audio Editing: Familiarity with tools like Camtasia, Audacity, or Adobe Premiere Pro to create or edit simple microlearning assets is a plus.
SCORM/xAPI: Understanding of e-learning standards for tracking and reporting purposes within an LMS.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication & Presentation: Ability to articulate complex topics clearly and concisely, with a dynamic and engaging on-camera presence.
Virtual Classroom Management: Skill in managing a virtual audience, encouraging participation, and keeping learners focused and engaged in a remote setting.
Adaptability & Flexibility: The capacity to think on your feet, troubleshoot technical issues seamlessly, and adjust instructional style based on audience needs.
Empathy & Active Listening: A genuine desire to understand learner challenges and perspectives to create a supportive and effective learning environment.
Time Management & Organization: Meticulous planning skills to manage multiple training cohorts, schedules, and administrative tasks simultaneously.
Tech Savviness: A strong aptitude for and comfort with learning and using new software and digital tools.
Learner Engagement: A creative flair for making learning fun and interactive through storytelling, gamification, and collaborative activities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree in Adult Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or a related discipline.
Certifications such as CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) or a Virtual Facilitator certificate are highly regarded.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Education / Adult Learning
Instructional Design & Technology
Human Resources / Organizational Psychology
Communications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-7 years of professional experience in training, teaching, or facilitation.

Preferred:

At least 3 years of demonstrated experience delivering training specifically in a live, virtual, synchronous environment.
Proven track record of facilitating corporate training programs on topics such as leadership, software, sales, or compliance.
Experience working directly with instructional designers and SMEs in a collaborative content development process.