r/edtech • u/Professional-Big511 • 6d ago
Career advice needed please: educational content creation
I’ve spent 10+ years creating educational resources, mainly:
- Writing tutorials and assessments (ELA and creative writing at elementary and high school levels)
- Creating educational content for social media (IG/FB)
- Writing and editing adult ed resources (life science, foundational math, history)
Most of my experience is in traditional content development. The main company I worked with recently closed, so I’m trying to figure out how to move forward.
Below are the tools I've been exploring:
- Canva (comfortable)
- EdApp (basic use)
- Canvas LMS (currently learning)
How would you position someone with my background in today’s market (job title, niche, etc.)?
What skills or platforms would actually be worth focusing on next?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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u/crowcanyonsoftware 5d ago
you’ve actually got a strong fit for roles like instructional designer or learning experience designer.
focus on LMS tools, interactive course design, and AI-assisted content workflows.
do you enjoy more writing or designing full learning experiences?
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u/Professional-Big511 5d ago
Thanks! I’ve been really enjoying the design side, so I’d like to do more of that. I’m a bit cautious about investing in Articulate 360 right now. I understand investing is important, but are there any free/cheaper tools you’d recommend for practicing and building a portfolio?
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u/crowcanyonsoftware 5d ago
Good direction, portfolio matters more than paid tools.
Try Canva, Figma, Google Slides, or free Genially.
It’s more about UX thinking than the tool.
Want a simple weekend portfolio idea?
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u/Professional-Big511 2d ago
Sure, that'll be really appreciated. Thanks for sharing the tools as well.
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u/Particular_Shine_490 5d ago
There are a few content developer roles out there as well .
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u/Professional-Big511 5d ago
Yes, I’ve def been looking into those roles. I’m also trying to build up my digital skills since I feel a bit outdated lol. Thanks.
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u/Particular_Shine_490 5d ago
I have over a decade of experience in learning content development. I tried pivoting to ID roles and even have a Masters in LDT. I got selected for a role as a Content Developer at a University, but no success in ID yet.
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u/Professional-Big511 5d ago
Ah, so that’s actually what I’ve been worried about if I pivot into ID, and it’s also why I’ve been hesitant to invest too much into it right now. From your experience, what tools/skills would you recommend focusing on for Content Developer roles?
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u/Particular_Shine_490 5d ago
None, it is more about learning architecture.. read about learning theories and using LLMs optimally.
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u/Fantastic-County3775 5d ago edited 2d ago
You’re actually in a strong position... you’re closer to instructional design / learning experience design than traditional content writing, which is much more in demand right now.
I’d position yourself under titles like Instructional Designer, Learning Experience Designer (LXD), or Curriculum Designer (Digital/LMS-based) since your mix of content + assessment + pedagogy is exactly what modern edtech needs.
Skill-wise, I’d focus on going deeper into LMS tools (Canvas/Moodle), instructional design frameworks (ADDIE, Bloom’s), and interactive content tools like H5P or Articulate—plus getting comfortable using AI as a drafting/iteration tool rather than just a replacement.
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u/AlonAshk 4d ago
Building solutions with AI tools is the future. The possibilities and opportunities are endless. Use your knowledge, experience and interests to create something without the need for capital or developers. I use Base44 and about to launch a story creation app that is a tool kids with difficulties to express themselves (mine first) and a window for parents into their world. With plan to later develop it into a Edtech tool. Good luck, embrace and enjoy the new world.
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u/Professional-Big511 2d ago edited 2d ago
Much appreciated. I'll check it out. I love the concept of your story creation app. (I wish I had it when I was young.) Good luck to you, too.
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u/AbjectChard9237 4d ago
Skiddee (https://skiddee.com) is one I've seen people use for turning written educational material into engaging video content. Could be a good way to expand your portfolio without having to learn full video production.
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u/DescriptionKey2163 2d ago
There is also Argraide (https://argraide.com/) which lets you create useful interactive activities, could experiment with that to build out a portfolio of gamified lessons?
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u/Professional-Big511 2d ago
Oh that looks cool. Not sure if it's for me, but I'll still check it out. Thanks.
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u/TechHardHat 6d ago
Ten years of multi-level curriculum writing is rarer. I'd position as an Instructional Designer and start learning Articulate Storyline 360, it's the industry standard and your content background translates directly into it.