Establishing Credibility And Developing Healthy Working Relationships With SMEs

Developing Healthy Working Relationships With SMEs

Instructional Designers play a crucial role in developing online courses and programs in higher education. They work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and faculty members to design and develop engaging, effective courses that align with the learning objectives. To do this, Instructional Designers must establish credibility with SMEs and faculty and develop healthy working relationships.

Establishing Credibility And Demonstrating Worth

Establishing credibility is a critical first step in developing healthy working relationships with SMEs and faculty members. Instructional Designers must demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in the field of Instructional design to gain the trust of SMEs and faculty members. Some ways to establish credibility include:

• Demonstrating knowledge of Instructional Design theories and principles
  Instructional Designers should have a deep understanding of Instructional Design theories and principles. This knowledge will help them design effective courses that align with learning objectives and engage learners. Instructional Designers should be able to explain these principles and theories to SMEs and faculty members in a way that is easy to understand.
• Communicating effectively
  Instructional Designers should be able to communicate effectively with SMEs and faculty members. This means explaining complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. Instructional Designers should also be able to listen actively to SMEs and faculty members and understand their needs and concerns.
• Being adaptable
  Instructional Designers must be adaptable and be able to work with SMEs and faculty members with different communication styles or teaching philosophies. Instructional Designers should be able to adjust their approach based on the needs and preferences of the SME or faculty member.

Strategies For Working With SMEs That Have Never Worked With An Instructional Designer

Working with SMEs that have never worked with an Instructional Designer can be challenging. However, there are several strategies that Instructional Designers can use to establish healthy working relationships with these SMEs. These strategies include:

• Building rapport
  Instructional Designers should take the time to build rapport with SMEs. This means getting to know them professionally and understanding them. Building rapport can help establish trust and make it easier to work together.
• Being patient
  SMEs who have never worked with an Instructional Designer may need extra time to understand the Instructional Design process. Instructional Designers should be patient and take the time to explain the process and answer any questions the SME may have.
• Collaborating
  Instructional Designers should collaborate with SMEs throughout the Instructional Design process. This means involving SMEs in the design process and listening to their feedback. Collaboration can help ensure that the course meets the needs of the SME and the learners.

Project Management Strategies To Keep SMEs On Schedule And Budget

Project management is an essential component of Instructional Design. Instructional Designers must keep SMEs on schedule and on budget to ensure the timely delivery of courses. Some project management strategies that Instructional Designers can use include:

Creating A Project Plan

Instructional Designers should create a project plan that outlines the tasks that need to be completed and the timeline for completion. This plan should also include milestones and deadlines to help keep SMEs on schedule.

Communicating Regularly

Instructional Designers should communicate regularly with SMEs to provide updates on the project's progress. This can help SMEs stay on track and address any issues.

Monitoring The Budget

Instructional Designers should monitor the project's budget to ensure it stays within the allotted amount. This can involve tracking expenses and identifying potential cost overruns early on so that adjustments can be made before it becomes a bigger problem.

Establishing Clear Roles And Responsibilities

Instructional Designers should establish clear roles and responsibilities for all team members involved in the project. This can help ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them and can help prevent confusion or miscommunication.

Other Relevant Factors

In addition to the strategies outlined above, there are several other relevant factors to consider when working with SMEs in higher education. These include:

• Understanding the institutional culture
  Instructional Designers should be familiar with the institutional culture of the higher education institution they work with. This can include understanding the institution's values, priorities, policies, and any specific guidelines or requirements for course development.
• Ensuring accessibility
  Instructional Designers should ensure that the courses they develop are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. This can involve using accessible design principles, such as providing alternative materials formats or using video captions.
• Considering different learning styles
  Instructional Designers should consider different learning styles when developing courses. This can involve using various instructional methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, or group discussions, to accommodate different learning preferences.
• Maintaining quality
  Instructional Designers should maintain high-quality standards when developing courses. This can involve conducting quality assurance checks to ensure the course meets the learning objectives and is free from errors or technical issues.

Conclusion

Establishing credibility and developing healthy working relationships with SMEs and faculty members is crucial for Instructional Designers working in higher education. By demonstrating their expertise, communicating effectively, and being adaptable, Instructional Designers can build trust with SMEs and faculty members. Strategies such as building rapport, being patient, collaborating, creating a project plan, communicating regularly, monitoring the budget, and establishing clear roles and responsibilities can help ensure successful project outcomes. By considering other relevant factors such as institutional culture, accessibility, different learning styles, and maintaining quality, Instructional Designers can develop courses that are engaging, effective, and meet the needs of all learners.