Ever worked with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who’s brilliant but swamped, enthusiastic but long‑winded, or helpful but unsure where to begin? You’re not alone.
In many eLearning projects, there is a moment when a knowledgeable SME looks at all the material and says something like, “I know this content well, but I’m not sure how to turn it into a course.” It is a small but familiar pause that shows how challenging it can be for experts to sort through everything they know and decide what learners really need.
SME collaboration can feel messy, but with a few practical strategies, it becomes one of the strongest parts of your eLearning process.
What SMEs Bring:
SMEs play a key role by bringing deep knowledge and real-world experience that make learning accurate and meaningful. They help validate content and ensure the training reflects how the work actually gets done. Their input turns generic learning into something valuable and practical.
Common Challenges:
Even the best SMEs often juggle many responsibilities, making it hard to give consistent time to a project. Some share too much detail; others keep their explanations too general. Many struggle to separate “need to know” from “nice to know,” especially when everything feels important from their perspective.
Tips for Working Well with SMEs:
1. Set Clear Expectations
Start by explaining what the project is, what you need from them, and when you need it. A quick kickoff meeting can prevent misunderstandings later.
2. Keep Communication Simple
Skip instructional design jargon and stick to plain language. Use structured templates or question guides to help them focus on the right information.
3. Make It Easy for Them
Give SMEs something to react to such as a draft outline, a few storyboard slides, or example scenarios. It’s faster and less overwhelming than asking them to build content from scratch.
4. Focus on the Learner
Guide SMEs to think about what learners must know to perform confidently. Ask questions like, “What are the top three things someone absolutely needs to know on day one?”
5. Managing Reviews
Break reviews into small steps, such as content first, then design, then final checks. Provide clear instructions for each review so they know exactly what to look for. This saves time for both of you.
6. Handling Challenges
If a SME is busy, schedule short, focused meetings rather than relying on long email threads. If they rewrite your work, remind them that your priority is making sure the information is accurate, not changing the writing style.
7. Maintaining the Relationship
A positive relationship goes a long way. Share updates, show progress, and thank them for their time. When the course launches, let them know how learners responded and that their contribution deserves recognition.
Conclusion:
Working with SMEs doesn’t have to be complicated. With clear expectations, simple communication, and a focus on what matters most, you can create a strong partnership that leads to better eLearning built faster and with less frustration. When instructional designers and SMEs work together as true partners, the result is training that really works.
How PHF Can Help:
PHF’s eLearning development services team supports public health organizations in building effective eLearning and strong partnerships with SMEs. We help simplify collaboration and keep projects moving by:
- Providing clear processes and tools that make SME contributions easier
- Guiding teams to focus on essential, learner‑centered content
- Developing customized eLearning that blends SME expertise with proven instructional design
PHF can collaborate with your in-house SME or identify expert SMEs who are a strong fit for your project.
Ready to get started?
Visit PHF’s eLearning Development Services page to learn more and contact us today!
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