The approach to designing e-learning is very similar to how you would design any learning experience or training. The only difference between regular instructional design, and the instructional design for e-learning, is an emphasis on the user interface and user experience with which the learner interacts. In traditional instructional design, we use various models to help us in the design process such as ADDIE Model or Successive Approximation Model (SAM). In e-learning, the ADDIE and SAM models also apply, however they may not address the additional user design elements or human design elements that models such as the (ISO 13407 Human-centered design processes (International Organization for Standardization, 1999) for interactive systems by Tom Stewart et al.

According to the Association for Talent Development (ATD) e-learning is “a structured course or learning experience delivered electronically; it can also include performance support content.”

Broadly speaking, e-learning includes any and all learning experiences and training that are transmitted, experienced, or delivered electronically. Examples include online courses and video tutorials.

E-learning materials include recorded lectures, online courses, or any learning that is transmitted electronically like learning games (e.g. Kahoot!), learning apps (e.g. Duolingo), quizzes, simulations, and etc.

According to Purdue Online, instructional design is defined as “a field of study that marries education, psychology and communications to create the most effective teaching plans for specific groups of students.”

According to the Association for Talent Development, instructional designers “are responsible for creating the course design and developing all instructional materials, including presentation materials, participant guides, handouts, and job aids or other materials.”  According to the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education, instructional designers “help organizations create innovative learning solutions that can be used to empower their workforce, or in the case of schools, faculty and students” (Soika, 2021). 

According to Purdue Online, the principles of instructional design “consider how educational tools should be designed, created and delivered to any learning group, from grade school students to adult employees across all industry sectors.” 

According to the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education, the background of instructional designers typically includes “professional experience in education and training.” Some examples of professions that transition into instructional design roles include teachers, corporate trainers, and other educators.