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?
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