Training Best Practices/Use of the Master SME

The Master SME

We use an idea called M-SME (Master Subject Matter Expert) to help in the development of technical training. This M-SME is typically a retired generalist that is experienced in the technical subject matter, but is not an expert on any individual area. After the Instuctional Designers meet with the individual SMEs, the M-SME can help clarify content issues without taking up the SMEs valuable time. This method allows one M-SME to be the single goto point with the designers so the individual SME does not need to get bogged down in the details of the development. Similarly, the M-SME can go to the individual SME to get clarification on a technical point in a much smoother fashion than the non-technical ID or Technical Writer could.