Digital Learning Institute

The Digital Learning Institute (DLI) operates as a global provider of accredited online courses and certification programs focused on digital learning and instructional design. The company was initially founded as Flex Labs in 2018 by John Kilroy and Nicola O'Neill and rebranded to the Digital Learning Institute in 2021. Kilroy, with over two decades of experience as a digital learning consultant for major corporations, brings extensive industry knowledge to the institute's foundation and curriculum development.

DLI's business model is centered on direct-to-consumer and business-to-business sales of its educational products. The revenue is generated through fees for its certification courses, specialized training programs, and customized solutions for corporate clients. The institute serves a diverse client base, including individual professionals seeking to upskill, multinational corporations like Diageo and the NHS, and educational institutions such as Manchester Metropolitan University, aiming to enhance their internal digital learning capabilities. A significant portion of its revenue is derived from international markets, with a strategic focus on expansion in the UK and the USA. In July 2023, the company secured €1.8 million in funding from investors including the Davy EIIS Fund and Enterprise Ireland to fuel this global growth and create additional jobs.

The core offering consists of university credit-rated certifications, such as the Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design, which is accredited by Glasgow Caledonian University. These programs are designed to equip learning and development professionals with practical skills in instructional design, content creation using authoring tools, and the application of emerging technologies like AI in education. The curriculum is kept current through an Industry Advisory Council composed of leaders from various global organizations. DLI's courses are delivered online through a combination of on-demand modules, live events, and a community platform, providing flexibility and continuous professional development opportunities for its students.

Keywords: digital learning certification, instructional design courses, online corporate training, professional development, e-learning strategy, workforce upskilling, university credit-rated courses, John Kilroy, Nicola O'Neill, Aaron McKenna, digital learning design, L&D professional training, online course accreditation, corporate education solutions, AI in learning, immersive learning, accessibility design, learning experience design, continuous professional development, edtech