power to the smes!

Power to the SMEs! Empowering SMES to create better eLearning.

Many of us stumble into this field because we were really good Subject Matter Experts with an aptitude for training. Is that you?

Have you ever been a SME on an eLearning project?

At a training department near you, SMEs are handing off their slide decks.

You’re the ID who has to turn that dump into eLearning.

You’ve got three short weeks to build it, but there’s too much to do!

*Time* ticking away: http://www.flickr.com/people/mike9alive/

You want a more streamlined process and better eLearning outcomes.

Help the SMEs see the forest and the trees with three key strategies.

Define the design process so the SME

knows their role and how they fit in.

First, explain the design and

development process.

Provide a high-level view of the key project milestones.

Clearly inform them what they need to do and how long it’s going to take.

Emphasize the importance of face-to-face meetings and workshops.

Second, help them visualize the inputs

and the outputs.

Show them examples of similar eLearning projects.

Provide an example scoping document, script or PPT.

Storyboard/script in Word

Wireframe storyboard in PPT

Initial scoping document

Provide templates for them to work with.

Third, agree to your schedule and the way forward.

Agree who is going to do what.

Check availability and time and set realistic deadlines.

Closely manage the SME and the process!

Ask the right questions to get the

right content.

First, understand that your time with the SME is

probably limited!

Even the most committed SME may only have a short block of time.

How can you get the most out of that time?

Prepare the top five questions you

want to ask.

Question 1: What are the top five things people must know?

Question 2: What key steps/processes people must follow to do this right?

Question 3: What are the five most common mistakes people make?

Question 4: Can you tell me five case studies or stories about the topic?

Storyteller: http://www.flickr.com/people/nickpiggott/

Question 5: Where should people go for more help and information?

What key questions do you ask a SME?

Next, turn the answers into key

teaching points.

These teaching points will drive your design forward.

Educate the SME on the basics of Instructional

Design.

First, determine if your SME even wants to know

more about ID!

Some SMEs may just not be interested in your ID mumbo jumbo.

This may be their only training project, so it’s not worth your investment.

If it is a good fit, proceed…

If they’re willing, explain basic

principles of ID and adult learning.

Explain the basics of ADDIE (if that’s your model).

• Analysis• Design• Development• Implementation• Evaluation

Keep it practical with lots of examples.

Share your learning model and explain why it’s a good approach.

2 Set direction

3 Present information

4 Exemplify and practice

5 Summarize

6 Action and support

1 Get attention

This is one model we like to use, but do it your way!

Share some learning tips.

Tip 1: The expert no longer knows what he knows! Remember the novice.

Tip 2: Content should be chunked to allow for the constraints of our brains.

Tip 3: Providing context creates more memorable and sticky content.

What learning theory or model or tip would you want to share with a SME?

Create customized job aids.

And of course, you’ll have more...but keep it simple!

Finally, provide resources to learn more if they are so

inclined.

You’re a resource! Be a mentor!

Check out the 60-Minute Masters.

http://www.kineolearning.com/60minutemasters/

Read “Open-Source Instructional Design”.

http://www.amazon.com/Source-Instructional-Design-Nathan-Eckel/dp/142763596X

Access useful tools and resources on MyKineo.

http://www.kineo.com/mykineo

Define the design process so the SME

knows their role and how they fit in.

Ask the right questions to get the

right content.

Educate the SME on the basics of Instructional

Design.

Helping SMEs see the leaves…

…the trees...

…and the forest.

I learned something new today that I think I’ll try out on my next project!

-Yes!-No. I knew all of this already.-Maybe. But I need to know more.

September 30: Build it fast, build it right – Product Knowledge e-Learning

October 14: Don’t be tone deaf! Creating tone of voice in e-Larning

Register at: http://www.kineo.com/mykineo/

www.kineo.com/mykineo

www.kineo.com

steve.lowenthal@kineo.com

cammy.bean@kineo.com