In many organizations, internal subject matter experts (SMEs) are often tasked with creating training content. However, being an expert in a particular field does not necessarily mean they have the skills or time to develop effective training materials. This common practice can lead to several challenges.
The Expertise Gap
SMEs possess deep knowledge in their specific areas, but they often lack formal training in instructional design. This gap can make it difficult for them to translate their expertise into engaging and pedagogically sound eLearning content. The result is often content that is too detailed and technical, missing the broader learning objectives that are crucial for effective training.
Time Constraints
One of the biggest hurdles is time. SMEs are usually busy with their primary job responsibilities and may not have the bandwidth to dedicate to the content creation process. This can lead to delays and incomplete training materials, which can impact the overall effectiveness of the training program.
Communication Barriers
There can also be a disconnect between SMEs and instructional designers or eLearning developers. Misunderstandings and miscommunications can occur, leading to content that does not fully capture the SME's knowledge or fails to meet the instructional goals. This can be particularly challenging when trying to ensure that the content is both accurate and engaging.
Technical Challenges
Ensuring that training content meets technical standards, such as accessibility requirements (e.g., Section 508/WCAG compliance), can be daunting for SMEs who are not familiar with these standards. This adds another layer of complexity to the content creation process, making it even more challenging for SMEs to produce high-quality training materials.
Engagement and Pedagogy
SMEs might focus too much on the technical details and not enough on making the content engaging and interactive. This can result in eLearning modules that are informative but not engaging, which can hinder learning outcomes. Effective training requires a balance between technical accuracy and engaging delivery, which can be difficult for SMEs to achieve without instructional design expertise.
Continuous Updates
Knowledge in many fields evolves rapidly, requiring continuous updates to training content. SMEs need to be involved in regularly updating the content to ensure it remains current and relevant, which can be a significant ongoing commitment. This need for continuous updates can further strain the limited time and resources of SMEs.
Conclusion
These challenges highlight the need for tools and processes that can help bridge the gap between SME knowledge and effective eLearning content creation. Platforms like CourseAvenue can simplify the conversion of raw content into structured, accessible, and engaging eLearning modules, enabling SMEs to share their expertise without the need for extensive instructional design skills.
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