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Three tips for working with subject matter experts to create engaging eLearning content
Working with subject matter experts (SMEs) can be one of the most rewarding aspects of creating eLearning content - but it can also present unique challenges. Whether you're collaborating with technical specialists, industry veterans, or internal experts, the key to success lies in building productive partnerships that leverage their deep knowledge while creating learner-focused content.
At Access, our Learning Designers regularly partner with experts across various fields to create impactful learning experiences. Through this work, we've identified three key strategies that make SME collaborations productive and successful.
Tip 1: Navigate information overload - focus on what matters
When working with SMEs, you'll often receive a wealth of detailed information, which can sometimes obscure the key messages your learners actually need. The challenge isn't having too little content, it's filtering the essential from the comprehensive.
When working with extensive SME input, ask yourself three key questions:
Does the content focus on the learner’s role and objectives?
Focus on tailoring content to what learners need to do in their specific roles, avoiding unnecessarily comprehensive coverage and details.
How is the SME contributing?
Are they responsible for crafting the content or providing the specific data points for you to then work from? Establishing the working dynamic will help clarify how collaboration will look for each SME.
Is the content consistent?
When working with multiple contributors, ensure consistency of voice, tone, style, and level of detail. This will be especially helpful in aligning multiple pieces of content with one another.
Tip 2: Develop your standard question toolkit
Having a reliable set of go-to questions ensures consistency across projects. While these will be adapted based on specific projects, a solid foundation saves time and ensures you cover essential ground.
Crucial questions for every collaboration:
Who's the audience? Understand not just job titles, but learners' current knowledge, daily challenges, and what motivates them.
What type of project is this? For example, is it a minor update, a major rework, or an entirely new piece of eLearning content?
What should learners know or be able to do after completing the course? Focus on concrete outcomes and practical applications.
These questions often work best as discussion points where you're determining together what will be most valuable for your audience.
Tip 3: Set clear expectations from day one
The most successful SME collaborations start with aligned expectations. Many challenges stem from unclear assumptions about roles, timelines, and deliverables.
Define the project basics
Establish what you're creating together - whether it's an eLearning course with assessments, instructional videos, or interactive content. Your SME needs to understand the end goal to provide relevant input.
Clarify roles and communication
Be explicit about what each person contributes. Define your role as content creator and help your SME understand how their expertise will be transformed into learning content. Discuss time commitments and deliverables, and establish your preferred communication methods.
Establish the feedback framework
Determine what kind of feedback your SME will provide. Are they reviewing for accuracy only, or will they also consider audience appropriateness? Will they see outlines before full content, or prefer complete drafts? Understanding their working preferences helps create a collaborative process that works for both parties.
Closing thoughts on working with subject matter experts
Successful SME collaboration is about creating genuine partnerships that respect expertise while maintaining focus on learner needs. By filtering information strategically, using proven questions, and setting clear expectations, you'll build stronger working relationships and create more effective learning experiences.
The best collaborations feel like shared endeavours where both parties contribute their strengths toward creating learning that truly makes a difference.
Want more insights on creating engaging L&D content? Check out our Learning Pill video series!
