Collaborating and Building Relationships with SMEs | Self-Paced

The most effective online courses are designed by instructional designers and SMEs who are on the same page. When these two parties both feel that they have an equal voice in the conversation and a partnership is established, the best possible learning experience is achieved.

It is worth emphasizing the use of the word “equal”. If you successfully establish boundaries and guidelines, the project run more smoothly. Having tension in the project because of the SME or faculty member being disengaged or not believing that an online course can be an effective teaching method, will lead to chaos. While most instructional design courses will teach about designing curriculums, utilizing theories, and applying concepts, the topic of collaborating with SMEs doesn’t receive as much attention.

"A true instructional designer is a relationship manager. I believe that my ability to collaborate with SMEs is a significant reason why my courses receive high student praise and feedback. In this course, I’ll describe everything I know about working with SMEs that have different kinds of personalities." - Dr. Luke Hobson

By the end of this course, you’ll have a mind-meld connection with any SME.