Q: How do you interact or manage Subject Matter Experts for content creation?
A: Most SMEs are called as such because they know the subject material better than anyone else (hence the name Subject Matter Expert). Access to SMEs is valuable as they are usually quite in demand. When I work with SMEs, I am focused and direct, and I prepare ahead of each meeting by:
- Understanding the project goals and the SME’s role in the project
- Finding out what the SME was told about expectations
- Preparing written questions before every meeting and asking if the SME would like to see them before the meeting
- Asking the SME how they want to interact
- Inform the SME how long the meeting will be
During a meeting with a SME, whether in person, via Skype, GoToMeeting, phone, etc. I make sure that I make the best use of their time by staying on topic and remaining aware of the time. I communicate effectively and get to the point and I don’t go over the specified time without asking the SME if that is acceptable.
Q: How does a task analysis help rapid e-learning?
A: A task analysis reveals what the true goals of the training are. It is used to uncover:
- Who the targeted learners are
- What the learner needs to know to be successful
- What the learner needs to do to be successful
- What is need to know information vs. nice to know information within the subject matter
- Expected outcomes
- What the delivery platform will be
- What resources will be used to create the training
Q:How long does it take to a design training course?
A: The short answer is, “it depends”. Here are the factors that need to be considered when estimating development time:
- Delivery mode/modes if blended
- Learner outcomes
- Exit criteria – level of mastery
- Engagement time
- Budget
Development ratios range from 10/1 for simple facilitated to greater than 150/1 for complex elearning. See this blog post on determining the level of effort, time and cost of developing training.
Q:How much customizing can you do?
A: I can customize any learning content for any form of delivery, including classroom, virtual classroom, self-paced elearning, and blended learning.
Q:Do you take instructor-led courses and turn them into e-learning courses?
A: Yes. I have converted many instructor-led courses into elearning and blended courses. Note that converting ILT to other mediums of delivery is a skill that requires much more than just plugging the ILT information into an electronic format.
Q:What types of documents/materials do you develop?
A: I can develop any resource needed, including:
- Curriculum outlines and course strategies
- eLearning courses
- Storyboards for eLearning development
- Facilitator guides
- Job aids
- Participant workbooks
- Presentations
- Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) guides
- Pre and Post work for learners
- Session summaries for learners to use as job aids/support
If you would like to discuss an upcoming project or general instructional design needs, please get in touch.