This blog discusses ten proven strategies for collaborating with subject matter experts(SMEs) to design your eLearning modules.
The world of eLearning is booming, and for good reason. It offers a flexible, engaging, and efficient way to deliver training content. But behind every successful eLearning course is a team of experts working together seamlessly. One of the most crucial roles in this team is that of the Subject Matter Expert (SME). This blog shares a few strategies to collaborate effectively with SMEs for your eLearning development projects.
Want to Collaborate Seamlessly with SMEs for eLearning Development?
Here are a few strategies to ensure it -
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Build rapport and trust
- Use collaborative tools
- Maintain a long-term relationship
Why Are SMEs Crucial in eLearning Development?
SMEs are the knowledge powerhouses of your eLearning courses. They're individuals with deep expertise and experience in a specific field or topic. They might be professors, researchers, industry professionals, or anyone else with a wealth of information to share. Here’s why they are crucial for custom eLearning development.
- Accuracy and Credibility: SMEs ensure that the content is factually accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to learners. This builds trust and credibility for your courses.
- Depth and Richness: SMEs can dive deep into complex topics, providing the kind of in-depth information and nuanced explanations that make eLearning courses truly valuable.
- Real-World Applications: SMEs can bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering real-world examples, case studies, and practical insights that enhance learning.
- Engagement and Motivation: SMEs can infuse courses with their passion and enthusiasm, making the content more engaging and motivating for learners.
→ Download eBook Now: LMS for Extended Learning Enterprise
10 Proven Strategies for Effective Collaboration with SMEs
1. Establish Clear Communication Channels
Open and frequent communication is key. Use email, video calls, project management tools, or whatever works best for your team. Be clear about your expectations, timelines, and preferred methods of communication.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly outline what the SME is responsible for (e.g., content creation, review, feedback) and what the instructional designer or eLearning developer will handle (e.g., course structure, design, technology). This prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
3. Build Rapport and Trust
Get to know your SME on a personal level. Show genuine interest in their expertise and experience.
Build a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. This will foster a more collaborative and productive working environment.
4. Set Realistic Expectations
SMEs are often busy professionals with other commitments. Set realistic timelines and deadlines, and be flexible when necessary. Communicate any potential delays or challenges as early as possible.
5. Provide Clear Guidance and Structure
SMEs may not be familiar with instructional design or eLearning development. Provide clear guidelines on what kind of content you need, in what format (e.g., outlines, scripts, videos), and by when. Consider using templates or outlines to help them structure their content.
6. Use Collaborative Tools
Cloud-based document sharing and project management tools can streamline communication and collaboration. Here are a few platforms or tools you can use to ensure seamless collaboration.
7. Be an Active Listener
Pay close attention to what your SME says. Ask clarifying questions and take detailed notes. Show them that you value their expertise and are eager to learn from them.
8. Embrace Feedback and Iteration
The eLearning development process is iterative. Be open to feedback from your SME, and be willing to revise and refine the content as needed. Encourage your SME to provide constructive criticism, and don't be afraid to ask for clarification or more detailed feedback.
9. Celebrate Milestones and Successes
Acknowledge and appreciate the SME's contributions throughout the project. Celebrate milestones and successes together. This will reinforce a positive working relationship and motivate everyone to continue doing their best.
10. Maintain a Long-Term Relationship
Even after the course is launched, stay in touch with your SME. Send them updates on the course's performance and learner feedback. Consider partnering with them on future projects. A strong relationship with an SME can be an invaluable asset for your eLearning development efforts.
Here’s a short video that shares a few tips to get SME buy-in for eLearning development.
Prepare Your SMEs for Success
Not all SMEs have experience working on eLearning projects. To set them up for success, consider these steps:
- SME Onboarding: Provide a brief overview of the eLearning development process, explaining their role at each stage. Share examples of successful eLearning courses for inspiration.
- Instructional Design Basics: Introduce them to basic instructional design principles, such as learning objectives, chunking content, and using various media types.
- Content Creation Tips: Offer guidance on how to create engaging content, including using storytelling, examples, and real-world scenarios. Here are a few techniques you can use.
- Review Process: Explain how the review and feedback process will work, and emphasize the importance of their input.
Parting Thoughts!
Collaborating with subject matter experts is essential for creating high-quality, engaging, and effective eLearning courses. By following these expert strategies, you can build strong relationships with your SMEs, streamline the development process, and create eLearning experiences that truly resonate with learners. Remember, the success of your eLearning project often hinges on the effectiveness of your collaboration with your SME. Make it a priority, and you'll reap the rewards. When it comes to collaboration, you might need an LMS, and here’s an eBook that will help you understand why.
