What are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and why you need them in Learning and Development
Do you ever feel like you are wading through a sea of mediocre learning and development (L&D) content to find what you need? Do you spend hours choosing the perfect e-learning course, only to find that whoever created it had little subject matter expertise?
If so, you know how important it is to include subject matter experts (SMEs) when creating learning and development content.
SMEs can help make L&D programs more relevant and engaging while also ensuring that the content is accurate and meets your organization's standards.
In this blog post, we'll discuss who SMEs are and why they are essential to effective L&D. We'll also provide tips on how to find and work with SMEs.
What is a Subject Matter Expert (SME)?
A Subject Matter Expert, or SME, is a professional with in-depth knowledge and experience in a particular area or subject. They are often called upon to provide expert advice or guidance on topics related to their expertise.
In the context of learning and development, SMEs can play an essential role in helping to design and deliver training programs that are relevant and effective. They can provide input on the content of courses, help develop training materials and offer feedback on the effectiveness of programs.
SMEs can be a valuable resource for organizations, and it is essential to make sure that they are correctly utilized.
In short, SMEs play an essential role in learning and development, and their expertise should be leveraged to the fullest extent possible.
By working with SMEs, organizations can create training programs that are relevant, effective, and tailored to the needs of employees.
Why are SMEs important in L&D?
SMEs are important in L&D because they offer expert knowledge and guidance on relevant topics. They can help design and deliver training programs that are effective and meet the needs of learners.
SMEs can also help assess employees' competencies. By evaluating the skills and knowledge of employees against the requirements of the job, SMEs can provide valuable feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of employees. This information can be used to develop training programs that target specific areas of development.
Ideally, SMEs should be involved in designing and delivering training programs from start to finish. They can help ensure that courses are relevant, meet the needs of learners and that the training is provided effectively and engagingly.
How can you find and work with Subject Matter Experts in your organization's Learning and Development?
There are a few ways to find and work with SMEs in your organization's Learning and Development.
One way is to identify SMEs within your organization and work with them directly. This can be done by conducting an inventory of employees' skills and knowledge and then matching those skills against the expertise needed. Once you have identified SMEs, you can approach them directly and ask for their help designing and delivering training programs.
Another way to work with SMEs is to use a third-party vendor. Many companies offer services that connect organizations with SMEs who can provide expert advice and guidance on various topics. These vendors can be a valuable resource for finding SMEs knowledgeable and experienced in a particular area.
Finally, you can also use online resources to find SMEs. Many websites offer profiles of experts in various fields, and these can be an excellent resource for finding SMEs who can help with the design and delivery of training programs.
How does Edubrite LMS maximize your SMEs?
Edubrite LMS creates an adaptive learning environment that presents quality L&D content from your SMEs, in a way that meets the needs of learners. This open learning environment goes beyond on-boarding to empowering your employee. With EduBrite’s open learning, employees can engage with subject matter experts and other team members while being able to browse, find, filter and search quality learning content to meet their needs.