From Classroom Trainer to Senior eLearning Developer: John English’s Story

John English transitioned from delivering live, classroom-based training to designing innovative, blended learning solutions. Here’s how he made the shift—and how you can, too.

I began my career as a trainer, focused solely on live, classroom-based sessions. But when I moved into the corporate tech world, it became clear that traditional training methods weren’t enough. You couldn’t always get everyone in a room, and people wanted to learn on their own terms with content tailored to their needs.

I realized I needed new skills to create engaging learning experiences—ones that weren’t tied to my delivery style but instead aligned with the evolving needs of modern learners. That’s when I found the Digital Learning Institute (DLI).

Over the past five years, I’ve completed two courses with the Digital Learning Institute, both of which have transformed my approach to learning design. DLI taught me how to analyze complex learning needs, select the right solutions, and implement them effectively. From webinars and videos to social learning and projects, I now create learning ecosystems that prioritize the learner's experience over traditional "training."

One of the most impactful concepts I learned at DLI was the idea of a “Learning Ecosystem.” Inspired by this, I digitized Poppulo’s staff onboarding process. We moved from live delivery to facilitation, focusing on content curation, incorporating social learning, and designing an experience similar to how DLI delivers its courses.

This shift has been a game-changer, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many companies scrambled to move their learning online, our self-sustaining ecosystem allowed us to stay ahead of the curve. Our onboarding process and learning programs continued without interruption.

DLI’s framework gave me the tools to evolve from a trainer to a learning designer. Their methodology emphasizes understanding learner needs, iterating solutions, and always evaluating impact. If you want to create innovative learning experiences, DLI provides the foundation and practical tools to make it happen.

As the quote says, “In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists.” Keep learning.