Because an online learning program can include many components in various media, knitting them together into a cohesive program is a key issue during production. Finally, because learners must use and understand most online learning programs without outside assistance, the development and production process includes tests to assure the quality of the finished product. A more complex program includes animations, simulations, audio sequence, video sequences, links with material on a corporate intranet or the World Wide Web, and communications with corporate education records. Rarely does a single person have all the skills needed to produce a basic program, much less a complex one. So most online learning endeavors involve a team of people, bringing some or all of these skills.
Instructional designer Acts as the architect of the project.
When needed, expands upon the design provided by the instructional designer. Graphic designer Prepares the visual designs for the course, including its look and feel, and specific graphics within the course. Also assists with preparing animated sequences. Programmer Prepares the interactive sequences of the course that cannot be prepared in the authoring tool. For example, with most authoring tools, people who are not programmers can write and program multiple choice questions, but cannot prepare a simulation of complex software.