Instructional Designers Vs Subject Matter Experts
To the outside observer, it may not be clear where the line is drawn between what an instructional designer does versus what a subject matter expert does. The instructional designer is someone who enables effective learning . The Subject Matter Expert brings their authority on a topic based on knowledge, experience and understanding of the topic conceptual relationships . Both are essential in a successful in creating a solution but roles can get blurred. Process clarity is vital to achieving the outcomes. The dilemma and solution has been delightfully captured by Norman Lamont: The SME Test by N orman Lamont It highlights the tension between the expert’s passion for their topic of expertise; and the instructional designer trying to distil it down to the bare essentials. However, there is no clear cut rule of who must do what. What is clear is that you can’t skip learning desig...