Introduction

As an educator and instructional designer with years of experience in the field, I’ve observed a significant gap in online resources explaining the crucial partnership between Learning Experience Designers (LXDs) and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in e-learning development. Despite its importance in creating effective online educational content, this relationship is often overlooked or misunderstood. In this article, I aim to fill that gap and provide a comprehensive, easy-to-understand reference for both new and experienced professionals in the e-learning field.

My goal is to demystify the LXD-SME collaboration, highlight its importance, and offer practical insights into making this partnership as effective as possible. Drawing from my personal experiences and observations, I’ll present what I consider to be best practices in the field. However, it’s crucial to note that the LXD-SME relationship may vary depending on the specific instructional design model being used, the organizational context, or the particular situation at hand.

As we delve into this topic, I encourage readers to consider their own experiences and contexts. Whether you’re an LXD, an SME, or someone looking to understand the behind-the-scenes process of e-learning creation, I hope this article serves as a valuable resource in your professional journey.

Defining the Roles

Before we explore the collaborative process, it’s essential to understand the distinct roles of the LXD and SME in e-learning development. Each brings a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table, forming the foundation of their partnership.

The Learning Experience Designer (LXD)

An LXD is a professional who specializes in creating engaging, accessible, and objective-aligned digital educational content. Their expertise lies in:

• Applying instructional design principles
• Utilizing adult learning theories
• Implementing user interface and experience best practices
• Employing modern online teaching methodologies

For example, in a project I worked on recently, I decided to use a branching scenario in an e-learning module to allow learners to practice decision-making skills in a safe environment. This approach not only engaged the learners but also provided them with practical, hands-on experience that closely mimicked real-world situations.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME)

An SME brings depth of knowledge and practical experience in a specific field. Their role ensures that the learning content is:

• Accurate
• Relevant
• Up-to-date

For instance, in a cybersecurity course I helped develop, our SME provided real-world examples of recent data breaches. They explained the technical details of how these breaches occurred and, more importantly, how they could have been prevented. This level of current, practical knowledge is something that only an experienced SME can provide, making their role invaluable in creating truly effective e-learning content.

The Collaborative Process

The LXD-SME partnership typically follows a structured process. In my experience, this process can be broken down into five key stages: Define, Design, Demonstrate, Develop, and Deliver. Let’s explore each of these stages in detail.

1. Define (Brainstorm Meeting)

The process begins with a crucial brainstorming meeting between the LXD and SME. In this initial stage, we outline:

• Project scope
• Target audience
• Learning objectives
• Timeline
• Deliverables

For example, in a recent project I led on renewable energy, we decided to focus on solar and wind power for a group of engineering students, aiming to complete the course in 8 weeks. This initial meeting set the foundation for the entire project, ensuring that both the LXD (myself) and the SME were aligned on our goals and expectations.

2. Design (Blueprint)

Following the initial meeting, both parties create initial course blueprints. We then collaborate to synthesize these into a single blueprint outlining:

• Content structure
• Instructional strategies
• Media elements
• Technology requirements

In the renewable energy course, our blueprint included a module on solar panel installation with a mix of video demonstrations, interactive 3D models, and quizzes. This comprehensive blueprint served as our roadmap throughout the development process.

3. Demonstrate (Test Module)

In this stage:

• The LXD builds a prototype module
• The SME reviews it for accuracy and relevance
• Both provide feedback for improvements

For instance, I created a sample module on wind turbine mechanics, which our SME then reviewed to ensure all technical details were correct. This step was crucial in identifying any potential misunderstandings or areas that needed more clarity before we proceeded with full-scale development.

4. Develop

The development stage involves:

• Collaborative development of remaining course content
• SME providing expertise and reviewing content for accuracy
• LXD ensuring instructional design principles are applied consistently

As I created interactive simulations of energy grid management, our SME provided real-world data and scenarios to make them authentic. This back-and-forth collaboration ensured that the content was both engaging from an instructional design perspective and technically accurate.

5. Deliver (Exit/Offboarding Meeting)

The final stage includes:

• Final review of the finished product
• Decisions on delivery methods
• Establishment of:
• Grading criteria
• Communication plans
• Facilitator selection
• Course credits or certifications

For our renewable energy course, we decided to deliver it through a Learning Management System (LMS) like Moodle, with weekly live Q&A sessions facilitated by the SME. This approach allowed for a blend of self-paced learning and real-time interaction with an expert.

Challenges and Solutions in the LXD-SME Partnership

While the LXD-SME partnership is crucial for creating effective e-learning content, it’s not without its challenges. In my years of experience, I’ve encountered several recurring issues. Here, I’ll share some of these challenges along with potential solutions I’ve found effective.

Communication Gaps

Challenge: The LXD and SME may speak different “languages” – one in terms of instructional design, the other in technical jargon.

Solution: I’ve found that regular check-ins and a shared glossary of terms can help bridge this gap. In one project, we created a project-specific wiki where both the LXD team and SMEs could contribute definitions and explanations of key terms. This resource proved invaluable in ensuring clear communication throughout the project.

Balancing Depth and Accessibility

Challenge: SMEs often want to include every detail, while LXDs need to keep content manageable for learners.

Solution: Clearly defined learning objectives can help prioritize content. In my experience, working closely with the SME to identify the most crucial information has been key. For additional information that the SME feels is important but may not be essential for all learners, we’ve successfully used “deep dive” sections or optional modules.

Timelines and Availability

Challenge: SMEs typically have full-time roles outside of the e-learning project, making timely feedback difficult.

Solution: Establishing clear deadlines and communication channels at the outset is crucial. I’ve found success in using project management tools to track progress and send automated reminders. Additionally, scheduling regular, brief check-ins can help keep the project on track without overburdening the SME.

Differing Visions

Challenge: The LXD and SME may have different ideas about how the content should be presented.

Solution: Creating a project charter that outlines the course vision, target audience, and key outcomes has been invaluable in my projects. We refer back to this document when making decisions, ensuring that all choices align with our agreed-upon goals.

Best Practices for a Successful LXD-SME Partnership

Through my experiences and observations, I’ve identified several best practices that can maximize the effectiveness of the LXD-SME collaboration:

1. Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities
   • Define who has final say on different aspects of the course (e.g., SME on content accuracy, LXD on instructional strategies)
   • Document these roles in the project charter for easy reference
2. Set Realistic Expectations
   • Be upfront about time commitments and deadlines
   • Discuss potential challenges and how they’ll be addressed
3. Leverage Each Other’s Strengths
   • As an LXD, I’ve learned to trust the SME’s content knowledge implicitly
   • Equally, I expect the SME to defer to my expertise in learning design
4. Maintain Open Communication
   • Regular check-ins can prevent misunderstandings and keep the project on track
   • Create a safe space for both parties to voice concerns or suggestions
5. Be Flexible
   • Both parties should be open to new ideas and approaches
   • Be willing to adapt the plan if it will result in a better learning experience
6. Document Everything
   • Keep detailed records of decisions made and rationales behind them
   • This documentation can be invaluable for future projects or if team members change

Conclusion

The partnership between an LXD and an SME is truly the cornerstone of effective e-learning development. By understanding and respecting each other’s roles, maintaining clear communication, and following a structured process, each can create learning experiences that are both engaging and impactful.

Remember, the guidelines and best practices I’ve shared here are based on my experiences and observations. Always consider your specific context when applying these insights. The beauty of the LXD-SME partnership lies in its ability to adapt and evolve to meet the unique needs of each project and learner group.

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