Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) is a crucial aspect of Instructional Design work. They bring the knowledge and information about what we are trying to create an instructional experience for. It is the job of the Instructional Designer to help guide their SMEs through the process of eLearning development.
Here are some links with tips for working with SMEs:
eLearning storyboards, E-Learning Heroes, 2017
Working with Subject Matter Experts: The Ultimate Guide , eLearning Industry, September 2015
6 Tips for Working with your Subject Matter Expert., TechSmith Corporation, September 2017
SME Advice: How To Brain Sync With A Subject Matter Expert ., the eLearning Coach, 2016
I have been in the position of needing to be both a Subject Matter Expert, as well as the person designing the training. This can often be incredibly overwhelming! Three things I have needed to keep in mind for myself, and when working with other SMEs are:
1 - Avoiding information overload
It can be a real challenge, especially when teaching a topic that the SMEs are incredibly passionate about (such as sexual health), not to include every little bit of information about a training topic. The Five Moments of Need. approach is a helpful lens to use in this regard.
2 - This project is not everyone's priority
Especially within the non-profit sector, people are often asked to perform a multitude of roles within one job. People are incredibly busy, and juggling various priorities. This can be a challenge if I am in the midst of developing a training, and not getting the responses I need ASAP. Reminding myself that there is a lot going on and practicing patience goes a long way.
3 - Branching out from what has been done before
It can be difficult to strike a balance between "not re-inventing the wheel" and trying new things. I have found in working with educators, that people are often strongly attached to PowerPoints/Slide Decks/lesson content they have previously utilized, and a different approach can be hard to adopt. I think the focus here needs to be on user-friendliness and helpfulness. If what is being newly created is simple to adopt and provides a direct benefit, hopefully more people will be willing to give it a try!
