Let’s use video to reinvent education - Salman Khan
In this post I examine and define instructional design, and share why it’s essential to the development of online courses.
What is outrospection and how can putting yourself in someone else’s shoes make you a better worker?
Working with Subject Matter Experts (SME)
Sometimes the hardest part of any training, instructional design or technical writing job is gathering the right information from the right people.
Here are some tips we found about working with SMEs:
1. Be Clear
Outline exactly what you need and when you need it so that the SME knows what is expected of him/her.
2. Be Respectful
Subject matter experts are experts for a reason and they are probably really busy. Let them know you understand how important their time is and other use them when you need to.
3. Be Resourceful
Try to find backup SMEs or other resources to tap in case your SME is too busy, non-responsive or difficult to deal with.
4. Be Forceful
Don’t let that SME walk all over you! You’re just doing your job, too. Sometimes it might take scheduling a face-to-face meeting or a longer phone call to get the information you need.
5. Be Prepared
When you finally do get time with a SME, don’t waste it. Do your homework and have a set of thorough, meaningful questions. The trick is to get as much information as you need in one session.
Here are a few resources to help you wrangle SMEs:
Employee Development & Training
Sometimes as trainers or instructional designers, you’re integral to the employee development system of a company.
Check out what some experts are saying about employee and talent development:
- Talent Development | Fast Company
- TALENT DEVELOPMENT: THE ARCHITECTURE OF A TALENT PIPELINE THAT WORKS | Ivey Business Journal
- Why Employee Development Is Important, Neglected And Can Cost You Talent | Forbes
- Employee Development & Training | UCSF
- Implementing an Employee Training & Development Program | HR Toolkit
