Forum Discussion
How much do you expect from SMEs?
Curious: how much content do you expect to get from your SMEs before you create a training? Do you ask them to provide all the details they want included, an outline of the content, or just a conversation? Does it all depend? I would love to hear your thoughts on what you require and what your relationship looks like with SMEs.
Hi Emmy, In my experience, it varies quite a bit. Some SMEs have been right there with me throughout the course creation process, providing me with lots of content and help. Others just wanted to be around for the review process and didn’t help much with the course creation. Having a kickoff meeting with your SMEs and setting some expectations can be very helpful. We have lots of articles and resources about working with SMEs. Here’s a list of a few of them. I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions.
It really depends on the course/subject/context. When designing courses for industrial safety and equipment operation I mainly used the equipment manuals, operating procedures, and have the SME review it for accuracy. When working for a liquor and cannabis retailer I had a couple of reference books and a lot of googling that would get me fired at most other jobs. When working on courses in higher education (Masters level education) the SME/Instructor wrote most of the material I was more of a consultant and editor.
