Subject Matter Experts and Instructional Designers

What is a "subject matter expert, or SME?"

In the course creation process, the subject matter expert, or SME, plays a critical role in providing the content of the course. The SME "possesses a deep understanding of a particular subject (ISIXSIGMA, 2022)." Further, an SME is "considered an expert on particular subjects (Techopedia, 2022)." At JSU, you, the instructor, are the SME. As an SME in the course design and build process, you (the instructor) perform the following vital functions:

  • Determine the course learning outcomes
  • Outline course learning objectives (based on the course outcomes)
  • Identify and adopt textbooks, articles, websites, videos, and other resources
  • Identify and adopt any technologies, apps, or other materials
  • Determine the content that will be taught, and to what level, breadth, and depth
  • More

What is an instructional designer, or ID?"

Before we answer this question, let us discuss, briefly, the concept of "instructional design." There are several types of instructional design processes: ADDIE, SAM, Dick and Carey, and more. Each framework seeks to accomplish the same goals: to provide a systemic process that allows instructional designers to create learning experiences and course materials. ID frameworks help instructional designers (IDs) perform the following functions:

  • Assess student learning needs in a course (Conduct a Needs Assessment)
  • Create the course design
  • Develop course materials (handouts, tutorials, job aids, etc)
  • Assist in selecting the appropriate teaching strategies, methodologies, and technologies to maximize the student learning experience
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of course design, or learning experience
  • More

At JSU, instructional designers with Online@JSU will perform these tasks during the course creation process. IDs will support faculty in this endeavor.

Together, the SME and the ID work together, as partners, to create an engaging, interactive, and effective online learning experience for students at JSU. 

Resources

Association for Talent Development (2022). What is Instructional Design? Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-instructional-design

ISIGMASIX (2022). An overview: What are subject matter experts (SMEs)? Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.isixsigma.com/dictionary/subject-matter-expert-sme/ 

Techopedia (2022). Subject Matter Experts (SME). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/30084/subject-matter-expert-sme