Learning technologist
Apply your tech knowledge to help modernise education methods. As a learning technologist you'll enhance the lives of teachers and students alike.
Also known as: learning technology professional, instructional designer, educational technologist
About the job
What it's like
Learning technologists find ways to improve the lives of teachers and students using tech. You might work in a traditional classroom or on distance or e-learning projects.
Learning technologists are passionate about understanding the latest gadgets. They have an eye for spotting how tech from different fields might be useful in the classroom – for example, how AI can help with language learning.
You’ll also be passionate about education. Technology can make learning more efficient and more fun. It also opens up learning to those who aren’t able to access it in traditional ways. For example, it can bring high-quality teaching to students with additional needs, or those who can’t go to school or college. Learning technologists have been at the heart of developments in this area.
Some learning technologists are scientists who research and develop prototypes of new products. Others are creative and design new software. You can also be advice-focused – giving education departments the information they need to decide which technology to fund. All are vital in shaping education for future generations.
What you’ll do
Research and champion the use of new technologies across your organisation
Develop online learning resources such as quizzes and videos
Present research results to decision-makers
Develop prototypes for online learning environments
Train students and teachers on how to use new technology
Run or oversee focus groups with students and teachers and develop new resources to meet their needs
Move offline resources onto digital systems
Provide technical support to other schools, colleges or universities
Hours
If you work in a school or university, you might get to work school hours. But you'll probably also be expected to work some evenings or weekends during big projects.
Environment
You may be based in a school, college or university, or in a central education department. For e-learning, you'll probably work in a regular office.
Travel
You will need to travel for meetings, training courses and conferences.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- virtual learning environments
- blended learning
- instructional design
- distance learning
- pedagogy
- project management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- researching
- problem solving
- innovative
- designing
- creative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You can develop the necessary skills for this role through a variety of routes.
As Learning Technologists research or enable learning using appropriate technology, they come from a variety of different backgrounds.
Many will have gained degree level qualifications in subjects such as:
Web design
Bioscience
Languages
Other degrees with a learning technology focus
They would be expected to have knowledge of learning and teaching theories and will often have experience of technology used within learning environments such as Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard.
You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as:
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
Software Development
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Digital applications
IT and Telecoms
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
IT: Software development
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
It is important to keep up-to-date with evolving technology, both how it is used and how successful it is at embedding learning.
As there are frequent changes within the teaching and learning environment, it would also be beneficial to keep up to date with these.
Check out the Association for Learning Technology for further information.
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