When it comes to eLearning, the Subject Matter Expert (SMEs) are nothing short of superheroes—minus the cape (though wouldn’t that be fun?). Their deep expertise is the engine that drives quality content, innovation, and relevance in digital learning. Let’s dive into their critical role and why they’re essential.
A subject matter expert (SME) is the go-to person for specialised, in-depth knowledge. They’re the walking encyclopedia you want in the room. But don’t mistake them for generalists with a lot of trivia—they’ve earned their expertise through years of experience, professional training, or advanced education. Whether the focus is chemistry, healthcare, or coding, SMEs bring the nuance and credibility needed to elevate any learning resource or strategy.
They don’t just know the “what” of a topic; they know the “why,” the “how,” and often, the “what could go wrong if you don’t listen to me.”
The best SMEs don’t just have knowledge—they have credibility. Here’s what defines them:
SMEs are the secret sauce in eLearning success. Here’s how they make magic happen:
Learning designers excel in structuring learning experiences, but SMEs fill in the technical, industry-specific, or domain-related knowledge. They help make complex concepts understandable by providing analogies, examples, and context. Basically, they help bring the content to life!
Got questions like, “Will this course meet compliance standards?” or “Are we including accurate information?” SMEs are your safety net. Their expertise ensures accuracy, saving you from costly errors.
When SMEs are involved, they bring fresh ideas, depth and insights that push boundaries. Whether it’s creating dynamic case studies or solving tricky learner engagement challenges, they’re often the spark of brilliance in a project.
Their role can vary, but here are three common hats they wear in eLearning projects:
SMEs play a crucial role in project planning by ensuring that learning outcomes align with industry needs from the outset. During the planning phase, they review and validate learning objectives to confirm their relevance and alignment with professional standards. For example, in a software training course, an SME might refine the goals to match both learner needs and business outcomes.
SMEs supply the essential facts, theories, concepts, and best practices that form the foundation of the course. They share existing resources such as textbooks, reports, guides, and research papers to provide accurate and up-to-date information. They also identify key learning objectives based on industry standards and professional expectations, ensuring the course content remains relevant.
To ensure assessments are meaningful, SMEs support the learning designers to create quiz questions, case studies, and project-based assessments, ensuring they accurately measure learning outcomes. They validate that test questions align with course objectives and effectively assess the intended knowledge and skills. Additionally, they ensure the difficulty level is appropriate for the target audience, providing a balanced challenge that supports learning and retention.
SMEs act as quality control by ensuring content accuracy and usability throughout the course development process. They review course drafts, lesson scripts, and storyboards to identify any errors or inconsistencies. When necessary, they provide corrections, additional details, or clarifications to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the material. Before the course goes live, they give final approval, ensuring it meets industry standards and effectively supports learners' needs.
Curious about becoming an SME? Here’s the roadmap:
In eLearning, SMEs don’t just share their expertise—they elevate the entire process. They ensure content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with the learners’ needs. For educators, their contributions mean better teaching tools. For students, it’s about learning that sticks.
Think of SMEs as expert navigators guiding your team through the complexities of knowledge-sharing. Their blend of academic depth, practical experience, and fresh perspectives is an unbeatable formula for success.
If you’re working on an eLearning project, how are you leveraging your SME’s strengths? And if you’re an SME yourself, how do you stay sharp in your field? Let’s discuss!