The 5 Types of SMEs Every Instructional Designer Should Know

Not all subject matter experts (SMEs) are created equal—and treating them like they are can derail your instructional design process. In this short but impactful video, Dr. Chuck Hodell breaks down the five distinct types of SMEs:

• Technical – Deep content knowledge

• Hybrid – Content expertise + teaching experience

• Instructional – Strong facilitation and delivery skills

• Functional – Behind-the-scenes technical contributors

• Sentinel – Strategic influencers and decision-makers

Whether you're designing a course, leading a training project, or building out a team, understanding these SME roles will help you work smarter and create stronger learning experiences.

✅ Leave a comment to share your experiences working with SMEs—we’d love to hear from you.

#InstructionalDesign #SMEs #LearningDesign #ChuckHodell #ISDFromTheGroundUp #EdTech #SubjectMatterExpert📌
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We bring you real-world conversations on instructional systems design, ADDIE, SMEs, and more—whether you’re just starting your instructional design career or looking to sharpen your skills.

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