SMEs bring deep knowledge of the subject matter, while IDs contribute their expertise in instructional design, pedagogy/andragogy, and technology integration. To create the best learning experience for students, it’s vital that IDs and SMEs work closely, leveraging each other’s strengths. However, this collaboration can present unique challenges, such as differing perspectives on learning, time constraints, and varying levels of experience with online learning.
- Establish Clear Communication Channels
The first step in any successful collaboration is establishing clear and consistent communication. Both IDs and SMEs are likely to have different working styles, and without an agreed-upon method of communication, important information can easily be lost or misinterpreted. Setting up the right communication channels early on helps streamline the project and reduces misunderstandings.
Key Strategies:
- Agree on preferred communication tools (email, project management software, or synchronous meetings) at the start of the project.
- Establish frequent check-ins, whether through weekly or bi-weekly meetings, to ensure everyone is aligned on tasks, goals and timelines.
- Use project management tools (e.g.,Trello, Asana) to keep track of deadlines, deliverables, and feedback; this ensures everyone is on the same page regarding progress and next steps
- Create a shared document or dashboard where both parties can track key decisions, tasks, and ongoing feedback in real time.
- Clarify Roles and Responsibilities
One common challenge when working with SMEs is the potential for overlapping roles or unclear expectations. SMEs are experts in their fields but may not have a deep understanding of instructional design or how to structure content for an online learning environment. Conversely, IDs are not content experts, and their role is not to create course materials from scratch but to design the framework for effective learning.
Key Strategies:
- Clarify responsibility for tasks during the initial project meeting. For example, the SME provides content expertise, including lectures, readings, and assessments, while the ID focuses on course design, alignment with learning outcomes, and ensuring the content is accessible and engaging in an online format.
- Develop a project plan or timeline outlining specific deliverables for both the SME and the ID.
- Make clear that the ID’s role includes providing guidance on best practices in online learning, helping ensure the course meets pedagogical/andragogical and technical standards.
- Focus on Learning Objectives and Student Outcomes
SMEs often have a wealth of knowledge and may be eager to share as much content as possible with students. While their passion for the subject matter is valuable, instructional designers need to help SMEs focus on what students need to learn to meet course objectives. This process involves aligning the content with specific, measurable learning outcomes.
Key Strategies:
- Begin the course design process by discussing the key learning objectives. What should students know or be able to do by the end of the course? Encourage the SME to prioritize the most important concepts and skills.
- Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure learning objectives are written at appropriate cognitive levels (e.g., remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating).
- Help SMEs balance content depth with manageability. Online courses should be engaging and concise; overwhelming students with too much content can hinder learning.
By keeping the focus on learning outcomes, IDs help SMEs structure content in a way that enhances student success and retention.
- Leverage the Expertise of SMEs for Engagement and Relevance
One of the greatest assets SMEs bring to online courses is their ability to connect academic content to real-world applications. Whether it’s through industry insights, practical examples, or case studies, SMEs can make content more engaging and relevant to students. Instructional designers can help SMEs leverage their expertise in ways that align with pedagogical/andragogical best practices.
Key Strategies:
- Encourage SMEs to incorporate real-world examples, case studies, or scenarios highlighting how theoretical knowledge applies in practice.
- Design activities that require students to engage with these real-world examples, such as problem-solving exercises, group discussions, or projects that simulate professional tasks.
- Collaborate on multimedia content like short video lectures, interviews with industry professionals, or interactive simulations that provide students with diverse ways to engage with the material.
- Introduce SMEs to Online Teaching Best Practices
Many SMEs are experts in their fields but may be less familiar with the best practices for online instruction. In an online environment, students lack the in-person interaction that occurs in traditional classrooms, so the design must compensate by fostering engagement, interaction, and a sense of community
Best Practices to Introduce:
- Share strategies for creating an interactive and engaging online learning environment, such as discussion forums, peer review assignments, and collaborative group work.
- Encourage SMEs to adopt a student-centered approach by including opportunities for formative feedback and self-assessment.
- Provide guidelines on creating accessible content, including using alt text for images, providing transcripts for videos, and ensuring course materials are usable across different devices and platforms.
Teaching SMEs these principles not only improves the course quality, but also enhances their ability to engage students in the online format.
- Support Iterative Course Design and Flexibility
Course design, particularly for online education, is not a one-time process. Both SMEs and IDs should adopt an iterative approach, continuously refining the course based on feedback and student performance. SMEs may need to adjust their content or teaching strategies as they become more familiar with how students engage with the material online.
Key Strategies:
- Introduce SMEs to the concept of iterative design, where courses are revised and improved over time based on data, student feedback, and learning outcomes.
- Suggest pilot-testing certain elements of the course—such as assignments or technologies—before fully integrating them into the design.
- Collaborate on creating formative assessments that allow students to demonstrate their understanding before high-stakes exams or projects. Use this data to adjust instruction as needed.
A flexible, iterative design process ensures that courses evolve in response to student needs and remain relevant.
- Provide Continuous Support and Training
Collaboration doesn’t end once the course is launched. SMEs may need ongoing support to navigate the learning management system (LMS), implement new technologies, or troubleshoot issues that arise during the course delivery. Providing continuous support is essential for ensuring the long-term success of the course.
Key Strategies:
- Offer one-on-one training sessions or workshops on using the LMS and other tools effectively.
- Be available to answer questions or troubleshoot issues as they arise during the course delivery.
- Create job aids, step-by-step guides, or video tutorials that SMEs can refer to when using specific tools or technologies.
By providing ongoing support, instructional designers help SMEs build confidence in the online environment and ensure a smoother teaching experience.
By establishing clear communication channels, instructional designers can foster a collaborative environment where SMEs feel supported, and the course development process remains organized.
Setting clear roles and responsibilities from the outset helps manage expectations and avoids potential friction down the line.
When SMEs can link their expertise to tangible, real-world applications, the course content becomes more engaging and meaningful to students.
Collaboration between instructional designers and subject matter experts is at the heart of developing successful online college courses. By establishing clear communication, clarifying roles, focusing on learning outcomes, and encouraging engagement, IDs can help SMEs deliver content in ways that promote deep learning and student success. Additionally, ongoing support and an iterative approach to course design ensure that courses evolve and remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of online education.
Working with SMEs is a rewarding experience, as their expertise enriches the learning experience for students. By fostering collaboration and leveraging each other’s strengths, IDs and SMEs can create courses that truly make a difference in students' academic journeys.
Contact Babb Education today, to learn more about how we can help you develop courses in a way that provides meaningful and applicable learning experiences for students.
