Hire the Best Distance Education Specialists

Clients rate our Distance Education Specialists
Rating is 4.8 out of 5.
4.8/5
Based on 424 client reviews
David Q.

Weehawken, New Jersey

$69/hr
5.0
246 jobs

*** Proud of my UpWork Expert-Vetted profile, only granted to the top 1% — pre-screened by Talent Managers and experts in their field. *** As a Senior Learning Technology Consultant with over 250 successfully completed projects in the e-Learning Software Development industry, I bring over 14 years of experience in learning technology solutions. My expertise now encompasses the strategic integration of AI-driven learning technology tools to deliver advanced and more efficient strategies for implementation, administration, and enhanced user journeys for end users of Learning Management Systems (LMS). I have managed and lead Learning Tech Consultant, Project Management, Design, and Engineering Teams focused on LMS creation, customization, and implementations with systems such as Moodle, Capsule LMS, Totara, Mahara, Paradiso LMS, CrossKnowledge Learning Suite, LearnDash, LearnWorlds, eFront, and Talent LMS. Furthermore, I specialize in the creation of interactive SCORM courses using authoring tools like Articulate Storyline and RISE. My focus is on supporting the delivery, enhancement, and maintenance of Compliance Certifications and Continuing Education (CE or CEU) content and material via SCORM across various industries, now with a keen understanding of how AI can optimize these processes for all various roles within an LMS. I am committed to upholding the highest quality standards within organizations and ensuring the application of proven Learn Tech industry practices and best practices tailored to your specific LMS. I have a strong track record of providing impactful input to Fortune 500 corporations, State Universities throughout the US, government organizations, and global small and midsize businesses by optimizing live systems and guiding the evolution of internal processes, e-learning tools, platforms, and their content, now with an emphasis on leveraging AI for improved efficiency and user experience. I am deeply invested in continuous growth and contribute through leadership, process development, and detail-oriented Project Management skills as a bilingual Senior e-Learning Consultant and Learn Tech Project Manager for your team and project. I am particularly excited about leveraging AI-powered solutions to drive innovation and efficiency in your learning ecosystem and am eager to become a key contributor to the success of your organization and all projects we collaborate on. Digital Learning Solutions, LXP, LMS and e-Learning Content Services (including AI-Driven Enhancements): LMS Selection, Scoping and Implementation Consulting (including identification of AI-powered features and integrations) Upgrades (Moodle LMS / Totara LMS) Revamping sites or LMS LMS Administration and governance (including AI-driven automation and insights) LMS Theme Creation or enhancement LMS plugin development, creation, installation and maintenance (including AI-powered plugin recommendations) LMS Multi-tenant LMS Custom Development (including integration of AI functionalities) LMS Data integration (SSO, User Provisioning, Enrollment, and Completion records / Exports & Imports) LMS KPI Identification and Success Campaigns (leveraging AI analytics for deeper insights) LMS Localization and Translation LMS Mobile App creation & Implementation Salesforce and LMS Integration Woocommerce and LMS integration Magento and LMS Integration (Moodle, and Skyprep) Zoom, Webex, BBB and other meeting tools and LMS integration SCORM Interactive course creation for LMS Creation, enhancement and maintenance of Compliance Certifications, and Continuing Education (CE or CEU) content and material via SCORM (exploring AI tools for content generation and personalization) Ready to deploy and customize content sources (Videos, Interactive content, PDFs, eBooks, Study Material) Experienced in the Following Learning Management Systems LMS: Moodle, MyQuest, Capsule LMS, eFront, Totara, Mahara, Paradiso LMS, CrossKnowledge Learning Suite, Blackboard, LearnDash, IOMAD, Talent LMS, Matrix LMS, Litmos, Lessonly, LearnWorlds, Open Edx, Kajabi, Skyprep, Thinkific, and Ellis.

  • CSS
  • HTML5
  • Java
  • PHP
  • C#
  • API Development
  • Learning Management System
  • Project Management Office
  • TalentLMS
  • Moodle
  • Project Management
  • Elearning LMS Consulting
  • Shareable Content Object Reference Model
Mark G.

Poole, United Kingdom

$150/hr
4.9
334 jobs

Certified Kajabi Expert & Instructional Designer | Course Creation, eLearning & Platform Builds. 16 years as a Certified Kajabi Expert. 25 years in instructional design and eLearning. Top Rated Plus. One person, covering both sides of what most projects split across two freelancers. I'm Mark Gregory. I build the Kajabi platform courses run on, and I design courses and eLearning content that people actually finish, at expert level, in either combination you need. Most freelancers offer one half of this. Kajabi specialists with no background in how people actually learn. Instructional designers who've never worked inside Kajabi. Finding someone genuinely strong at both, and able to deliver either independently, is uncommon. If you want a Kajabi platform built, migrated, or fixed by someone who has worked inside it for over a decade, that's a complete engagement on its own. If you want a course or eLearning programme designed, from scratch or from existing material, properly structured and paced so learners engage and complete it, that's equally a complete engagement on its own, regardless of platform. And if you want both handled together, so the platform and the course are designed to work as one system rather than joined up afterwards, that's where I spend most of my time and where the difference is most visible. Course problems are usually one of two things: a well-built platform housing a course that wasn't designed to hold attention, or strong content sitting on a platform that doesn't support how it's meant to run. I address either, or design both from the outset. One specialism worth calling out on its own: turning a book, workshop, or years of expertise you've only ever taught in person into a proper course. That's a different skill from designing a course from scratch, translating something built to be read or spoken into something structured to be learned, and it's a substantial part of what I get asked for. Day to day, that covers complete Kajabi platform builds, custom site design and branded builds, migrations from any other platform with no data loss, course architecture, curriculum design and eLearning content from scratch or from existing material, sales funnels, offers, checkouts and email sequences designed to convert, membership sites and coaching programme structures, video editing, lesson production, script and slide development, and course or platform audits with written recommendations if you just want a second opinion before committing to a full build. I also bring AI into a project where it adds genuine value, including chatbot support inside Kajabi for round-the-clock student queries, implemented so it strengthens the learning experience rather than replacing the instructional design behind it. I work best with individuals, entrepreneurs, coaches and consultants who want a course and a platform designed properly, experts turning a book or workshop into an online programme, and organisations building internal training on Kajabi. Beyond the build, I offer ongoing coaching, mentoring and strategic input for clients who want an experienced partner through launch and beyond, not just a handover. Many of my clients have stayed on for years. The cost of a platform and a course that don't quite fit, and paying to fix that later, is higher than building it correctly from the start. Most projects are quoted as a fixed price based on scope, so you know what you're paying before work begins. "Mark was above and beyond amazing... a huge part of the success of my organisation." — Mansal Denton, Founder, Sacred Hunting "Highly skilled, creative, patient and understanding. We'd choose him again for any project." — Patty Carothers, President, My Net RN Message me to arrange a complimentary 30-minute strategy call. No obligation, just a clear conversation to see if we are a good fit, and for you to explain what you're building and my recommendation for the best way to approach it. Kind regards Mark

  • Distance Education
  • Instructional Design
  • Elearning
  • Kajabi
  • Learning Management System
  • Curriculum Development
  • Content Strategy
  • Coaching
  • Lesson Plan Writing
  • Platform Designer
  • Video Editing
  • Curriculum Design
  • Platform Migration
  • Email Marketing Strategy
  • AI Model Integration
  • Sales Funnel Builder
  • Chatbot Development
  • Course Creation
  • Product Launch
  • Website Builder
Anabelle B.

Cavite, Philippines

$20/hr
4.9
87 jobs

If your work is built around helping people learn—whether you’re teaching in the classroom, running a coaching program, or building digital learning products—your materials should look as strong as the message behind them. That’s where I come in. I design high-quality, engaging learning resources that are not only beautiful—but also structured, easy to follow, and ready to use or sell. My specialty? Helping educators, coaches, and learning brands turn ideas into clear, interactive, and well-designed learning experiences using tools like Canva, PowerPoint, WordPress, LearnDash, Wayground, and Moodle, combined with strong curriculum design and instructional strategy. What I Do • Curriculum Design Clear, engaging, and structured learning programs that make education effective and easy to follow. • Lesson Materials & Visual Learning Resources Beautiful and classroom-ready materials created in Canva and PowerPoint that support real learning. • Learning Platform Setup & Course Organization Experience working with WordPress, LearnDash, Wayground, and Moodle to organize lessons, quizzes, and interactive learning content. • Interactive Learning Activities Worksheets, quizzes, slides, and student activities designed to keep learners engaged and improve understanding. • Teacher-Friendly Educational Resources Clean layouts, clear pacing, and well-structured learning flow that teachers and trainers can easily use. • Digital Products for Teachers Pay Teachers & Etsy I help educators create materials that are polished, professional, and ready to sell online. • Coaching Program Content Design Development of workbooks, modules, guides, templates, and learning materials for coaching and training programs. • Turning Your Recordings Into a Full Program I transform recorded videos or webinars into structured learning programs, including: - Clean transcriptions - Structured syllabus and lesson flow - Assessments, quizzes, and worksheets What It’s Like to Work With Me • Learning-first approach. Everything I create is designed with real learners in mind. • Organized, reliable, and detail-focused. Your content will be polished and ready to use. • A true collaborator. I work like a partner, not just a designer—I care about your learners, your clients, and your results. Let’s create learning materials that are beautiful, effective, and built with purpose.

  • Education Presentation
  • Microsoft Word
  • Layout Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Canva
  • English
  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Design
  • Content Creation
  • Elementary School
  • Elearning
  • PowerPoint Presentation
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Learning Management System
  • Genially
Genesis G.

Lahore, Pakistan

$15/hr
5.0
59 jobs

Top Rated Instructional Designer & eLearning Developer with 4+ years of experience creating interactive, learner-focused digital training solutions. I specialize in developing engaging SCORM courses, compliance training, curriculum content, and LMS-ready learning experiences using Articulate Storyline 360, Rise 360, Canvas LMS, Moodle, H5P, Heygen, Canva, Vyond, and Synthesia. My work includes: • Interactive eLearning development • Storyline 360 and Rise 360 courses • Healthcare and compliance training • Canvas LMS and Moodle course creation • Curriculum and lesson design • Animated training and microlearning videos • Converting PDFs, PowerPoints, and documents into engaging online learning I focus on transforming complex content into clear, visually engaging, and instructionally sound learning experiences that improve learner understanding and engagement. With a 100% Job Success Score and Top Rated status on Upwork, I prioritize quality, communication, reliability, and smooth project delivery.

  • Science Tutoring
  • Curriculum Development
  • Instructional Design
  • Course Creation
  • Biology
  • Curriculum Design
  • Elearning
  • Articulate Rise
  • Articulate Storyline
  • Elearning LMS Consulting
  • Educational Technology
  • Instructure CANVAS
  • Canvas
Jorge O.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

$45/hr
5.0
46 jobs

I help companies turn complex information into clear, engaging, and scalable training programs. If your team has SOPs, slide decks, expert recordings, policies, software processes, or internal knowledge that needs to become actual training, I can help you organize it, design it, build it, and launch it. As a Top Rated Plus Upwork freelancer with 100% Job Success, I bring both the learning design expertise and project reliability needed for corporate training projects. I specialize in corporate training, eLearning development, LMS implementation, onboarding programs, compliance training, SOP training, customer service training, and curriculum design. My work is built for real business use! I focus on helping learners understand what they need to do, practice the right behaviors, and apply the training on the job. I can help you with: • Custom eLearning courses • Corporate onboarding programs • LMS setup and course organization • Training curriculum design • Interactive learning activities • Scenario-based training • Compliance and SOP training • Training videos, scripts, and job aids • Assessments, quizzes, and knowledge checks • Facilitator guides and learner workbooks • Learning strategy and training needs analysis • AI-enhanced learning content development Tools I work with include: Articulate Rise, Storyline, TalentLMS, LearnWorlds, Moodle, Genially, Canva, Camtasia, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Notion, and other modern learning tools. What makes my approach different is that I combine instructional design, learning strategy, visual design, LMS experience, and business operations thinking. That means I do not only create “content.” I help you build training that is structured, practical, and easy to scale. I have worked across industries including finance, retail, real estate, technology, engineering, education, customer service, medical, and corporate operations. Clients usually come to me when they need someone who can take messy information and turn it into a polished learning experience without needing constant hand-holding. Common projects I support: • “We need to build onboarding from scratch.” • “We have videos and recordings but need a real course.” • “We need to move training into an LMS.” • “We need compliance training that does not feel boring.” • “We need SOPs converted into practical learning.” • “We need a full training program, not just slides.” • “We need someone who understands both learning design and business operations.” If you are looking for a partner who can help you design, develop, and launch professional training programs, I would be happy to help.

  • Education
  • Elearning
  • Training
  • Instructional Design
  • Elearning LMS Consulting
  • Elearning Design
  • TalentLMS
  • Elearning Multimedia
  • Learning Management System
  • Course Creation
  • LearnWorlds
  • Course
  • Elearning Video
  • Training Online LMS
  • Training & Development
Naveen N.

Thiruvananthapuram, India

$14/hr
4.9
287 jobs

Instructional designer and e-Learning developer with over 17 years of experience creating amazing online courses. I combine content research, instructional design, and graphic design skills to create engaging and effective online courses. My skills and experience include: * Curriculum Development * Instructional Design for Online and In-Person Learning * Developing materials for Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and Instructor-Led Training (ILT) environments * Research and Course content development * Crafting participant guides, facilitator guides, and assessments to support structured learning and retention. eLearning Authoring: Articulate Storyline Articulate Rise Vyond JavaScript for custom interactions LMS and course marketing: Thinkific, Kajabi Learndash, Learnpress and all other LMS platforms Course setup anddigital marketing support. I am an expert in developing WCAG accessibility compliant eLearning courses. Here is what I offer: On-time delivery: Timely completion of projects as agreed. World-class instructional and graphical design: Engaging, effective content with captivating visuals. Excellent communication: Open, prompt, and clear interactions. Adaptability and flexibility: Willingness to accommodate changes. Expertise in eLearning technology: Proficient with eLearning tools. Accessibility and inclusivity: Content accessible to all learners. Quality assurance: Thorough testing for error-free materials. Post-development support: Continued assistance after completion. I love collaborating with my clients to create courses that are both memorable and engaging. Let's make learning a blast! Key strengths: Instructional design, Storyboard development, animations, graphic design, Thinkific and ability to explore various options and identify the most effective learning model depending on the learners requirements

  • HTML5
  • Instructional Design
  • Adobe eLearning Suite
  • Adobe Flash
  • Articulate Storyline
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Captivate
  • Storyboarding
  • Elearning LMS Consulting

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Don't just take our word for it

What does a Distance Education specialist do?

A distance education specialist builds and maintains the digital infrastructure that allows instructors to teach and students to learn remotely. This role focuses on configuring learning management systems, creating interactive course materials, and resolving technical barriers that disrupt online instruction. You act as the bridge between pedagogical goals and technical execution, ensuring that digital classrooms function smoothly for every user.

  • Configure and administer learning management system environments by setting up course shells, managing user accounts, and performing regular data backups. You test third-party integrations using standards like LTI or API connections in beta sites before pushing changes to live courses. This work ensures that faculty have reliable access to grading tools, content repositories, and student rosters without technical interruptions.
  • Guide instructors on how to use approved instructional technology to create engaging digital content and assessments. You help migrate existing curricula into online formats, organize educational multimedia, and align course structures with institutional policies. Your support enables teachers to build interactive modules that meet accessibility standards and keep remote learners engaged throughout the term.
  • Resolve tier one and tier two technical support tickets related to login issues, connectivity errors, and tool access problems. You document common fixes, produce user guides, and host live training sessions to help faculty and students navigate the platform independently. This proactive approach reduces the volume of recurring support requests and empowers users to troubleshoot minor issues on their own.

How to hire a Distance Education specialist on Upwork

Step 1: Post a job

Define your specific needs for online course administration and faculty support to attract qualified candidates. The Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI drafts a complete job post after you describe your requirements in a few sentences. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post to start your search.

  • Specify which learning management system (LMS) the specialist must administer, such as Canvas, and list required integrations like LTI or API connections.
  • Detail the scope of technical support needed, including Tier 1-2 troubleshooting for student access issues and course shell configuration.
  • Clarify if the role involves creating interactive digital content, multimedia assets, or training guides for faculty members.

Step 2: Evaluate candidates

Look for portfolios that demonstrate experience with LMS environments, course migration, and instructional technology training. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you identify top performers.

  • Review examples of organized LMS course shells, backup procedures, and documentation created for previous institutions or clients.
  • Check for evidence of faculty training materials, such as user guides, video tutorials, or recorded live access hours.
  • Verify experience with third-party tools like Zoom, VidGrid, or ReadSpeaker to confirm they can support your specific tech stack.

Step 3: Interview your top choices

Discuss their approach to solving common distance education challenges, such as connectivity issues or curriculum migration. Interviews can be scheduled and conducted within Upwork Messages with an immediate transcript and summary after each one.

  • Ask how they troubleshoot LMS integration errors and manage beta site testing before rolling out changes to live courses.
  • Request examples of how they have guided faculty in adopting new instructional technologies or improving online engagement.
  • Explore their process for creating accessible multimedia content and aligning assessments with institutional policies.

Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work

Set clear milestones for course setup, content creation, and support ticket resolution to track progress. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.

  • Define deliverables such as configured course shells, updated global settings, and restored backups for specific academic terms.
  • Establish a schedule for hosting live support sessions and producing training resources for students and instructors.
  • Agree on metrics for resolving support tickets and maintaining uptime for critical educational platforms and integrations.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.

How much does hiring a Distance Education specialist cost?

$500-$2,500 per project is a typical range for focused Distance Education specialist work. Final pricing depends on scope, technical complexity, required integrations, source-material quality, revision needs, and the freelancer's experience level.

LMS course setup

$500-$1,200/project

Entry-level to mid-level
  • Configured LMS environment with global settings
  • Uploaded syllabus and initial learning modules
  • Verified student enrollment and permissions

Multimedia content creation

$1,200-$2,500/project

Mid-level
  • Edited instructional videos hosted on platform
  • Embedded quizzes and multimedia readings
  • Applied captions and screen-reader compatibility

Faculty training resources

$2,500-$4,500/project

Mid-level to senior-level
  • Written tutorials for LMS navigation and tools
  • Hosted live workshops for instructor onboarding
  • Compiled FAQ and troubleshooting reference material

Curriculum migration

$4,500-$7,000/project

Senior-level
  • Migrated legacy materials to online format
  • Created digital exams and grading rubrics
  • Aligned content with institutional standards

LMS integration and support

$7,000-$12,000/project

Expert-level
  • Connected third-party tools via LTI or API
  • Validated data sync in beta environments
  • Resolved complex connectivity or access issues

Frequently asked questions

Is hiring a Distance Education specialist worth it?

For most businesses, yes: hiring a Distance Education specialist is worthwhile. This role bridges the gap between instructional goals and technical execution by configuring LMS environments and troubleshooting access issues. Faculty gain time to focus on teaching while the specialist builds interactive content and manages course shells.

How do I evaluate Distance Education specialist candidates?

Look for candidates who demonstrate specific experience with LMS administration and faculty support workflows. Ask them to describe how they resolved a complex integration issue or migrated a curriculum into an online format using tools like Canvas or Zoom. Review samples of user guides or multimedia assets they created to verify their ability to translate technical steps into clear instructions.

What tools does a Distance Education specialist use?

A Distance Education specialist works primarily with learning management systems such as Canvas and video conferencing platforms like Zoom. They also configure integrations using standards like LTI and API connections to link third-party educational tools.

What deliverables should I expect from a Distance Education specialist?

You should receive configured LMS course shells, interactive digital content, and organized multimedia resources. The specialist also submits user guides, training tutorials, and documentation for faculty and students.