Collaboration with SMEs in your Elearning projects

Online projects: how to work well with SMEs

Working with experts in the matter (SMEs) is part of the work when you create Elearning. But let's be honest: it's not always easy. Sometimes they give great ideas. Other times, they ask to change things that have already been approved, or they focus on tiny details that do not at all have an impact on learning. So, how can we stay on the right track, keep things smooth and make them feel heard during our collaboration with SMEs?

Define the rules of the first day

Start your project with a clear examination matrix to define expectations and avoid confusion later. This simple solution described:

1. What SMEs should examine
   Be precise: do they examine raw content, storyboards, visuals or the final module? Define exactly what parts need their attention.
2. When they should see him again
   Adjust the deadlines for each exam phase and explain how late comments can delay the project. A shared calendar helps everyone to stay aligned.
3. What type of feedback is welcome
   Guide them to concentrate their contribution on the precision of the content, the clarity and the relevance of the learner, and not on the design elements or the formatting, unless request.

Here is an example of a review matrix:

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Freeze what has been approved

Once something is approved, such as storyboarding or visual design, it is locked. Here is an example of discussion to make it clearer:

SMEs: “Let's change the whole color palette!”

Educational designer: “Thank you for the idea! Since the visuals were approved earlier, we will consider this for the next version.”

Show SMEs how to revise

Most experts in the matter do not know the educational design, so it is useful to guide them on how to give effective comments. To make collaboration more fluid, create a brief and simple resource, such as a short PDF or some slides, which explains:

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1. What educational designers do
   Describe your role in content training, the structuring of learning experiences and the guarantee of engagement and clarity.
2. What type of feedback is useful
   Highlight the comments that improve learning objectives, precision, clarity or commitment of learners.
3. What is it outside their reach
   Clarify the problems better left to the design team, such as graphic layout decisions, the details of the technical platform or the deadlines for the project.

Follow the comments (and show what you have done)

Use a feedback tracker so that everyone can see what is accepted, refused or postponed. Here is an example of a model:

Have ready friendly answers

When you respond to SME comments, it is important not to appear as defensive. Your objective is simply to explain the current status and reasoning clearly and respectfully. For example, you can positively recognize their contribution by saying: “Thank you! It is an excellent suggestion for a future update.”

If the timing does not allow changes, gently define the limits as: “We have passed the point where layout changes are possible, but we will record it for later.” Or we focus on priorities by explaining: “At the moment, we are focusing on the precision of the content. We will come back to the visuals at a later stage.” The use of this type of language keeps constructive conversation and maintains good collaboration with your SMEs.

Debriefing with your team after criticism

Whenever you receive comments from SMEs, take 15 minutes with your team to see them carefully. First of all, identify valid and really useful comments; These are the points that improve the quality, precision or clarity of your Elearning content.

Then separate all the comments that seem out of topic, apart from the scope of the project or unrelated to the learning objectives. This step helps you maintain concentration and avoid unnecessary changes.

Finally, decide as a team how you will react to the comments. Plan clear and respectful answers that recognize the entry of the SME while gently explaining any limitation or reason not to incorporate certain suggestions. This thoughtful approach ensures fluid communication and advances the project.

To summarize

1. Define clear examination rules
   Use a feedback matrix to define the type of input necessary at each stage of the project.
2. Explain how to review
   Guide SMEs on what to focus on, such as learning impact, precision or structure, in order to avoid off -topic comments.
3. Follow the comments in one place
   Centralize all comments in a shared document or tool to prevent things from getting lost or repeating.
4. Approved freezing work
   Once a section is validated, lock it to avoid return return and unnecessary scope.
5. Use King and Clear answers
   Recognize the SME input respectfully, even when registering or explaining the constraints.
6. Debriefing after criticism
   Take the time to think about what happened well and what could be improved for the next round.

Final words: collaboration with SMEs

The management of SME comments is a question of clarity, limits and mutual respect. By defining clear expectations from the start, you help avoid confusion and disalcipation on the line. When comments come, whether useful, late or off -topic, responding with patience and kindness can greatly contribute to maintaining a positive employment relationship.

This reinforces not only confidence, but also creates a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard. More importantly, it helps keep your Elearning project on the right track, in time and to align with its learning objectives.

Image credits:

• The images of the body of the article were created and provided by the author.