power to the smes!
DESCRIPTION
What key strategies can learning designers and training departments use to better engage SMEs and create better learning outcomes? Slides from a MyKineo presentation on September 15, 2010 by Cammy Bean and Steve Lowenthal of Kineo.TRANSCRIPT
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
