Rockin' the Mic: 3 Proven Strategies to Get Gold from a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
If instructional design were a band, your SME would be that enigmatic lead guitarist - full of talent, intricate knowledge, and the power to make your project sing. But just as every guitarist needs some coaxing to nail that perfect solo, sometimes you've got to play producer to extract that sweet, sweet content gold from your SME. Fear not, my punk rock pedagogue, because we're about to dive into three killer strategies to make your collaboration hit all the right notes.
The Jam Session: Engaging Workshops
Set the stage for a collaborative brainstorm. Just like a jam session, this is where creativity flows. Organize engaging workshops with your SME. This isn’t your typical stuffy meeting, no, think more 'garage-band practice meets corporate.'
Tip: Use interactive tools or icebreakers to get those creative juices flowing. Tools like Miro or MURAL can help you build a digital whiteboard space where both you and the SME can throw up ideas, concepts, or flowcharts.
Backstage Pass: In-Depth Interviews
Give your SME the spotlight they deserve. In-depth interviews can often reveal the intricate details of a subject that might not come up in a more structured setting. Prepare a set of questions, but be ready to go off-script.
Tip: Remember, this is their backstage pass to you. Let them share stories, give examples, and elucidate points. Record the sessions (with permission, of course) so you can revisit and ensure no detail is missed.
The Listening Party: Prototyping and Audience Feedback
Before the main gig (your final eLearning module), you've got to test the sound, adjust the levels, and refine the beats. Develop prototypes or outlines and present them to your SME for feedback. This iterative process ensures the content resonates well and hits the right pitch.
Tip: Embrace the feedback, and remember it's a two-way street. The SME brings the content depth, while you bring the design perspective. Together, you're creating a harmonious blend of knowledge and presentation.
Collaborating with an SME is a dance, a duet, a fusion of two worlds. By setting the stage correctly, tuning in to their frequency, and practicing your moves together, you'll not only get the content you need but also form a bond that makes future collaborations even smoother. So next time you're teaming up with an SME, think less lecture hall, more rock hall, and get ready to make some educational magic.
Shameless Plug: Want to amp up your instructional design game even further? Dive into "Punk Rock Instructional Design" and find out how the rebellious ethos of punk can revolutionize your approach to ID. Rock on! 🤘
