Notes from September 26, 2007 Chat Session

I was very pleased with what I have learned from the chat sessions. I learned many very important things about the needs of Subject Matter Experts. I have posted the notes and chat transcript to the website. You can view the information by going to: http://www.upenn.edu/researchservices/SME/

Below are points to ponder that I pulled from the chat sessions with SME’s. I will present each of these points at the meeting tomorrow and ask the group if they have any ideas that would help

Training Value and Challenges

· Online training is valuable because it can reach large audiences

· Online learning allows users to learn at their own pace

· Helpful to have a LMS to track training results and records

· Training resources need to be better marketed so that SME’s know what is available to them

· Boomers developing training but also think they may need training if they continue to work

· How to measure Return on Investment “ROI”

· Value of training and results

· Mandatory training for faculty and staff but not for SME’s

Discussion Point/ Where to Start:

Measuring ROI, marketing training resources, mandatory training

Educational Resources Needed

· Website with Information about developing training. SME can access when they have a “Need to Know”

· Guidance about where to start (One on One instructional helpful at the beginning)

· Templates

· Examples of successful training modules (see what others are doing successfully so that they know what they are working towards)

· Tips and Tricks – List of questions to consider before developing training

· Techniques on how to reach a large audience

· Use visual aides to convey technical knowledge

· Training modules for SME should only be 10-15 minutes definitely no longer than 30 minutes.

· The Basics of Adult Learning Principles

· Price list / guidelines – Helps SME’s and upper administration

Discussion Point / Where to Start:

Website resources, resources available, resources that need to be developed

SME Constraints

· Time! Time! And Time!

· Support for training from higher administration – Organization needs to be committed to training. Can the SME and ID work together to get buy at the organization?

· Training is not always a priority

· Need to understand what is driving the need for training

o New Regulations – Small time frame to get people trained

o Implementation of new system – Some time to plan and get people trained

· Embed training responsibilities into job description

· My priority is “My Real Job”

· Many SME’s are comfortable developing content but are unfamiliar with how to convert the material into a online training module

· Getting Financial Resources can be challenging

Discussion Point / Where to Start:

SME Time constraints, making training a priority, getting financial resources

SME Needs

· “Training” mentors

· SME listserv

· Student worker to help with technical and formatting issues

· Online social network

· Guidance via website and demo’s

Discussion Point / Where to Start:

What resources can be established for SME’S?