The Synergistic Advantages of Instructional Designers Collaborating with Higher Education Subject Matter Experts
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, collaboration between instructional designers and subject matter experts (SMEs) has become increasingly vital. This partnership leverages the unique strengths and expertise of both professionals, leading to the creation of effective and engaging learning experiences. Advantages arise when instructional designers and SMEs work together.
Enhanced Pedagogical Expertise: While instructional designers possess a deep understanding of learning theories and instructional strategies, it is the SME that possess subject-specific knowledge. SMEs bring their expertise in the field, giving designers valuable insights into the nuances of the content, but may have trouble reducing their knowledge down to the need-to-know information free of jargon. This collaboration ensures that instructional materials are not only accurate but also pedagogically sound.
More Engaging Learning Experiences: Instructional designers possess a range of skills in instructional design, multimedia development, and technology integration. SMEs offer input on relevant practical applications of the subject matter, enriching the content. This collaboration allows instructional designers to concentrate of selecting the correct mix of varied instructional strategies, multimedia elements, and assessment techniques that resonate with learners, resulting in enhanced learner engagement and knowledge retention.
Maximized Cost to Benefit: SMEs possess firsthand experience in their respective fields, but engaging a SME to spend time developing content without the expertise of a designer can be cost prohibitive. An instructional design expert can work with multiple SMEs on multiple courses, decreasing costs while increasing value. Utilizing the right mix of expertise allows an institution to move forward with multiple curriculum projects at the same time for less cost.
By leveraging the subject matter expertise of SMEs and the instructional design skills of designers, higher education institutions can create more impactful learning materials that cater to the diverse needs of learners, preparing them for success in their academic and professional journeys.
