Ever wonder how those online courses manage to keep you glued to the screen, soaking up information like a sponge? It’s all thanks to the magic of instructional design! In today’s fast-paced, interconnected, and globalized world, the art of instructional design isn’t just about slapping together some PowerPoint slides. It’s about crafting immersive and impactful learning experiences that resonate across diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes.

As technology evolves and shapes educational practices, instructional designers must stay abreast of emerging trends. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the ever-evolving world of instructional design and explore how it’s shaking up the global learning scene! We’ll examine how scenario-based learning, storytelling, and learner-centric methodologies revolutionize learning worldwide. Additionally, we’ll dig into the essential role of translation and localization in bridging cultural divides and ensuring inclusive learning experiences for all learners, regardless of their backgrounds.

Topics covered in this article:

• Scenario-Based Learning: Engaging Across Cultures (with best practices)
• Learner-Centric Methodologies: Adapting to Diverse Learner Needs
• Bridging Cultures: Translation and Localization in Instructional Design
• Global Future Trends and Considerations

Scenario-Based Learning: Engaging Across Cultures

Alright, let’s paint a picture. Imagine learning a new concept not through a boring lecture but by diving headfirst into a real-world example. That’s the beauty of scenario-based learning!

But here’s the kicker: things can get tricky when designing scenarios for a global audience. What might seem like a no-brainer in one culture can totally miss the mark in another. A translated joke lands or falls flat. That’s why it’s crucial to do your homework and consult with cultural experts to make sure your scenarios resonate worldwide.

Best practices for translating and localizing scenario-based learning content include:

1. Cultural sensitivity training for instructional designers and translators to understand cultural nuances and avoid potential misinterpretations.
2. Utilizing culturally diverse teams to review and validate scenario content from different perspectives.
3. Incorporating authentic cultural elements and references into scenarios to enhance learner engagement and relevance.

Impact of Storytelling in Learning

Now, let’s talk storytelling. Nope, we’re not tucking you in for bedtime just yet! Storytelling isn’t just for fairytales – it’s a secret weapon in the world of learning, having been a fundamental aspect of human communication since ancient times. It’s in our DNA to pass  down knowledge through stories! When it comes to learning, stories aren’t just entertaining – they’re like a magnet for your brain. They grab your attention, tug at your heartstrings, and stick like glue in your memory.

In the context of learning, storytelling is a powerful tool for capturing learners’ attention, enhancing retention, and fostering emotional connections with the content. Stories transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, making them a versatile instructional strategy for diverse global audiences.

When adapting storytelling for diverse linguistic and cultural audiences, it’s essential to consider the following:

1. Cultural context: Tailoring stories to reflect cultural values, traditions, and beliefs ensures relevance and resonance with learners from different backgrounds.
2. Linguistic nuances: Adapting storytelling techniques to accommodate linguistic variations and idiomatic expressions enhances comprehension and engagement.
3. Visual storytelling: Incorporating multimedia elements such as images, videos, and animations enhances the storytelling experience and accommodates diverse learning preferences.

Learner-Centric Methodologies: Adapting to Diverse Learner Needs

Alright, let’s focus on you – the learner. In today’s world, it’s all about you as a eLearning developer, technical writer, or eLearning course manager! And rightfully so. Learner-centric methodologies are like a tailor-made suit for your audience’s brain. They cater to your unique learning style, pace, and interests. But here’s the twist: when you’re designing personalized learning experiences for a global audience, you’ve got to juggle a whole bunch of different balls. It’s like trying to plan a party where everyone’s got different tastes – talk about a challenge! That’s why it’s crucial to serve up a smorgasbord of learning options, from videos to quizzes, to adaptive learning algorithms and microlearning modules; it requires flexibility to keep everyone engaged and included.

While these methodologies offer significant benefits in enhancing learner engagement and outcomes, they also present challenges in translating and localizing the content to accommodate diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. So, how do we ensure inclusivity across cultures?

To ensure the inclusivity and effectiveness of learner-centric methodologies across cultures, consider the following tips:

1. Multimodal content delivery: Offering instructional content in multiple formats (text, audio, video) accommodates diverse learning preferences and literacy levels.
2. Cultural relevance: Integrating culturally relevant examples, case studies, and references into learning materials enhances relevance and resonance with learners from different backgrounds.
3. Collaborative learning communities: Facilitating peer-to-peer interaction and collaboration among learners from diverse cultural backgrounds fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Bridging Cultures: Translation and Localization in Instructional Design

Now, let’s break down some language barriers. Translation and localization are the unsung heroes of instructional design, especially for eLearning courses. They’re the ones making sure that everyone, from New York to Nairobi, can access the same knowledge. But here’s the thing: translating isn’t just about swapping out words – it’s about capturing the essence of a message and serving it up in a way that makes sense to different cultures. That’s why it’s crucial to have a crack team of translators and cultural experts on board to make sure your message lands loud and clear worldwide.

Best practices for effective translation and localization in instructional design include:

1. Contextual translation: Translating content in context to preserve the intended meaning and instructional integrity.
2. Cultural adaptation: Adapting instructional content to reflect cultural norms, values, and preferences, and to resonate with diverse audiences.
3. Quality assurance: Implementing rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and cultural acceptability in translated materials.

Global Future Trends and Considerations

Let’s peer into the crystal ball and see what the future holds for instructional design. Spoiler alert: it’s looking pretty darn exciting! We’re talking AI-powered learning platforms, immersive virtual reality experiences, and a whole lot more. But here’s the catch: with great power comes great responsibility. As we dive headfirst into the brave new world of instructional tech, we’ve got to make sure we’re not leaving anyone behind. That means staying on top of the latest trends, keeping our finger on the pulse of global learning needs, and collaborating with experts from all corners of the globe to create a learning landscape that’s culturally diverse, inclusive, accessible, and downright awesome.

Recommendations for staying ahead of the curve and adapting instructional design practices to meet the needs of an increasingly-global audience include:

1. Embracing technological advancements: Leveraging AI and machine translation technologies to streamline the translation and localization process and improve efficiency and scalability.
2. Continuous learning and adaptation: Staying informed on emerging trends and best practices in instructional design and translation to remain adaptable and responsive to evolving learner needs.
3. Collaboration and cultural exchange: Fostering teamwork among instructional designers, translators, and cultural experts from diverse backgrounds to create inclusive and culturally-relevant learning experiences.

Instructional Design is Understanding Your Learners

From scenario-based learning to the power of storytelling, we’ve explored how instructional design is shaping the global learning landscape. But here’s the bottom line: instructional design isn’t just about creating courses – it’s about understanding diverse learners and crafting experiences that speak to them. By embracing evolving trends such as scenario-based learning, storytelling, and learner-centric methodologies, instructional designers can create impactful learning experiences that inspire, engage and empower learners worldwide. Furthermore, integrating translation and localization considerations into instructional design practices is essential for ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all learners.

Ready to translate a course for a global audience?

1. Follow the recommendations under “Global Future Trends and Considerations” to ensure you are continuing to stay on top of instructional design trends.
2. When you’re ready to translate, partner with a company that understands your needs to adapt to a culturally diverse audience. Interpro offers complimentary localization consultations to help you create translations for your global audience.

Let’s keep pushing the boundaries, breaking down barriers, and creating a world where knowledge knows no bounds!

The post Global eLearning Trends for Instructional Design: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

A Background of the Training Landscape

Overview of Training Methodologies

In professional development, the journey of training methodologies spans decades, reflecting the dynamic nature of education and the workforce. Traditional training methodologies were rooted in conventional classroom settings, where instructors delivered content to a physically present audience. This method, known as Instructor Led Training (ILT), had been the primary modality for many years.

As technological advancements began to reshape various industries, a paradigm shift occurred in how organizations approached training. The advent of computers, the internet, and digital technologies paved the way for innovative learning methods. eLearning emerged as a transformative force, allowing learners to access educational resources and courses online, breaking away from the confines of traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms.

Moreover, the rise of eLearning brought about the concept of virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT), where instructors could conduct sessions remotely through online platforms. This transition marked a significant shift from the traditional face-to-face model, offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility to learners worldwide.

Evolution of traditional training to technology-driven methods

The evolution of training methodologies is intricately linked to technological progress. The shift from traditional to technology-driven methods was driven by recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches, especially in the face of changing demographics, globalization, and the need for continuous learning.

Traditional methods often struggle to keep pace with the rapidly changing demands of the modern workforce. With its asynchronous and self-paced nature, the emergence of eLearning addressed some of these challenges, enabling learners to acquire knowledge at their convenience. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of training methodologies, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and personalized learning experiences.

Importance of adapting to changing learning environments

The importance of adapting to changing learning environments cannot be overstated in the current professional landscape. The rapid evolution of technology, coupled with shifts in work structures and communication methods, requires a proactive approach to training. Organizations that embrace new methodologies demonstrate an understanding of the diverse needs of their workforce, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

As the workplace becomes more globalized, diverse, and digitally connected, training methodologies must evolve to accommodate these changes. The ability to leverage both traditional and technology-driven methods allows organizations to create a balanced and effective approach to training that caters to the varied preferences and requirements of modern learners.

In the following sections, we will explore the intricacies of Instructor-Led Training (ILT) and virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT), delving into their definitions, benefits, challenges, and the potential for a blended approach that optimizes the strengths of both modalities.

Understanding Instructor-Led Training (ILT)

Definition and Characteristics of Instructor-Led Training

Instructor-led training (ILT) is a conventional approach where a qualified instructor leads a physical classroom session. The characteristics of ILT include real-time interaction, immediate feedback, and hands-on experiences.

The Benefits of Instructor-Led Training:

1. Personalized instruction: ILT offers a unique advantage of personalized instruction. Instructors can tailor the pace and depth of the material to the specific needs of individual learners, fostering a more customized learning experience.
2. Immediate feedback: Participants benefit from immediate feedback in ILT sessions. This real-time assessment enhances the learning process by addressing questions and concerns promptly, ensuring a more thorough understanding of the subject matter.
3. Interpersonal connections: The interpersonal connections forged in ILT sessions contribute significantly to the learning experience. Participants can engage in discussions, collaborate on activities, and build a sense of camaraderie with both the instructor and their peers.
4. Hands-on experience: A hallmark of ILT is the emphasis on hands-on experience. Through activities, demonstrations, and interactive exercises, participants gain practical insights and skills that are immediately applicable in real-world scenarios.

Challenges of Instructor-Led Training:

1. Geographical limitations: One of the primary challenges of ILT is its geographical limitations. Participants from different regions may find it logistically challenging to attend in-person sessions, limiting the accessibility of the training.
2. Scheduling constraints: Coordinating schedules for both instructors and participants can be intricate, especially in large organizations with diverse teams. This constraint can hinder the seamless execution of ILT programs.
3. Resource-intensive: ILT can be resource-intensive, demanding physical classrooms, travel arrangements, and printed materials. The associated costs and environmental impact can be substantial, posing challenges for organizations seeking cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Embracing Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT)

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (vILT) harnesses online platforms to deliver training sessions, allowing participants to join remotely. Key features include live interactions, multimedia content delivery, and virtual collaboration tools.

The Benefits of Virtual Instructor-Led Training:

1. Accessibility and flexibility: vILT offers unparalleled accessibility and flexibility, including offering virtual interpreting for training in multiple languages in real-time. Participants can join sessions from the comfort of their homes or offices, overcoming geographical barriers and ensuring inclusivity in training programs.
2. Cost-effectiveness: Eliminating travel costs and venue expenses makes vILT a cost-effective alternative to traditional ILT. Organizations can allocate resources more efficiently while providing high-quality training experiences.
3. Global reach: vILT allows organizations to reach a global audience. This global reach enhances diversity and inclusion in training programs, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences.

The Challenges of Virtual Instructor-Led Training:

1. Technical issues: Technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity or platform glitches, can disrupt the learning experience in vILT. Overcoming these challenges requires robust technical support and contingency plans.
2. Lack of face-to-face interaction: The absence of face-to-face interaction is a significant challenge in vILT. While virtual tools facilitate communication, the depth of interpersonal connections may not match the experience of traditional classrooms.
3. Engagement and attention concerns: Maintaining participant engagement in a virtual environment poses a challenge. The abundance of distractions and the potential for disengagement require innovative approaches to ensure continuous attention throughout vILT sessions.

Blending ILT and VILT for Optimal Training

Recognizing the individual strengths of instructor-led training (ILT) and virtual instructor-led training (vILT) is pivotal for organizations seeking an optimal training strategy. ILT excels in providing personalized interactions, immediate feedback, and hands-on experiences. The physical presence of an instructor fosters a dynamic learning environment where participants can engage directly with the material and their peers.

On the other hand, vILT offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. It goes beyond geographical boundaries, allowing participants to join sessions from different locations and time zones. The digital nature of vILT provides cost-effectiveness, eliminating the need for travel and venue expenses.

Developing a hybrid training approach

A strategic approach involves blending the strengths of ILT and vILT to create a hybrid training model. This approach combines the benefits of both methods, providing a dynamic and adaptable learning experience.

In a hybrid model, foundational concepts and hands-on activities that benefit from in-person instruction can be delivered through ILT. Simultaneously, vILT can be employed for portions of the training that emphasize flexibility, such as theory-based sessions or collaborative discussions. This hybrid model recognizes that not all content requires the same mode of delivery and allows for a tailored approach based on the nature of the material.

Best practices for a seamless transition between ILT and vILT

Implementing best practices ensures a seamless transition between ILT and vILT. Organizations can consider the following best practices:

1. Comprehensive instructor training: Equip instructors with the skills needed to navigate both in-person and virtual environments. Training should cover effective use of digital tools, virtual engagement strategies, and methods to adapt content for different modalities.
2. User-friendly platforms: Select user-friendly platforms that facilitate easy navigation and engagement for both instructors and participants. Platforms should support interactive features, breakout sessions, and real-time communication.
3. Cohesive curriculum design: Develop a curriculum that seamlessly integrates ILT and vILT components. Ensure a logical flow between in-person and virtual sessions, maintaining consistency in content delivery and learning objectives.
4. Flexibility for learner preferences: Allow participants flexibility in choosing their preferred learning modality for certain sessions, accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences.
5. Robust technical support: Establish a robust technical support system to address any issues that may arise during vILT sessions. This includes troubleshooting technical difficulties, ensuring stable internet connections, and providing guidance on using virtual tools.
6. Evaluation and feedback mechanisms: Implement evaluation and feedback mechanisms to continuously assess the effectiveness of the blended approach. Gather input from both instructors and participants to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

By incorporating these best practices, organizations can create a hybrid training approach that maximizes the benefits of ILT and vILT, offering a flexible and impactful learning experience.

The Role of Translation in Training Programs

As businesses operate in increasingly globalized environments, addressing diverse language needs in training programs is paramount. Language diversity within teams necessitates a proactive approach to ensure effective communication and understanding.

Challenges of language barriers in Instructor-Led Training

Language barriers can impede the effectiveness of training programs. Miscommunication and misunderstandings may arise, hindering the transfer of knowledge and skills. By integrating translation and interpreting services into ILT and vILT, these language barriers can greatly reduce or disappear altogether. Here are the best solutions we’ve found to address these challenges.

Real-time translation tools: Addressing language diversity in training programs is pivotal for fostering effective communication. Real-time translation tools, including Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI), are pivotal in overcoming language barriers.

RSI enables the provision of almost real-time interpreting for participants in different locations. This technology facilitates live interpretation of spoken content, allowing individuals with diverse language preferences to engage seamlessly in both ILT and vILT sessions. RSI platforms connect participants with Subject Matter Expert (SME) interpreters who possess in-depth knowledge of the training content, ensuring accurate and contextually relevant interpretations.

Organizations can allocate SME interpreters to specific sessions, enhancing the quality and precision of language interpretation. This human-centric approach ensures that nuances and industry-specific terminologies are accurately conveyed, contributing to a more comprehensive learning experience.

AI Options through RSI: Additionally, RSI can leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to augment language interpretation capabilities. AI-driven features, such as language recognition and translation algorithms, work alongside human interpreters to enhance efficiency and address language diversity in a dynamic and technologically advanced manner.

Preparing translated training materials: Providing translated training materials goes beyond language interpretation and involves a comprehensive approach to content adaptation. In addition to language translation, consider the following aspects:

1. Desktop Publishing (DTP)/Formatting: Ensure that translated materials maintain a professional and cohesive appearance. Multilingual Desktop Publishing (DTP) or formatting services should be employed to adapt layouts, fonts, and graphics to accommodate different languages. This enhances the visual appeal and ensures clarity and consistency in the presentation of information.
2. Video Localization: In the context of vILT, where video content is often utilized, video localization becomes crucial. Videos can be localized in many different ways – subtitles, burned-in captions, voiceover, or any combination of the three. A truly consultative language partner will also tailor the video translation around the target language, dialect, culture, and other creative decisions, such as using human talent or AI for voiceover. Localization ensures that video materials resonate effectively with diverse audiences, creating a more engaging and inclusive learning experience.
3. Adaptations for Cultural Sensitivity: Consider cultural adaptations to align training materials with the cultural contexts of diverse audiences. This may involve adjusting examples, case studies, or scenarios to ensure relevance and resonance across different cultural backgrounds.
4. Diverse Media Types: Recognize that training materials may span various media types, including presentations, documents, and interactive elements. Tailor the translation approach to suit each medium, addressing specific challenges and opportunities associated with different formats.

By incorporating DTP, formatting, video localization, and cultural adaptations, organizations can ensure that translated training materials are linguistically accurate, culturally relevant, and visually appealing. This holistic approach contributes to a more effective and inclusive training program.

Ready to offer a multilingual Instructor-Led Training course?

The synergy of ILT and vILT, complemented by effective translation strategies, represents a holistic approach to training in the digital age. This comprehensive strategy addresses the challenges posed by geographical constraints, scheduling conflicts, and language barriers and paves the way for a future where learning is truly borderless and inclusive.

We hope you’re ready to begin your multilingual training either in-person or remotely!

The post Navigating Multilingual Instructor-Led Training (ILT): A Guide to Success appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

From understanding the significance of Learning Management System translation for global inclusivity to exploring effective strategies and future trends, this guide offers valuable insights for educators and organizations. With a focus on promoting accessibility and engagement, it emphasizes the importance of embracing LMS translation to create a truly inclusive learning environment. Explore the article for actionable tips, case studies, and resources to enhance your educational initiatives in the digital age.

Topics covered in this article:

• What is a Learning Management System?
• The Importance of LMS Translation
• The Global Reach of eLearning with LMS Translation
• Challenges in LMS Translation
• Strategies for Effective LMS Translation: Selecting the Right Translation Approach
• Identifying Key Content in Your LMS for Translation
• Benefits of LMS Translation: Improved Learning Outcomes
• Best Practices for LMS Translation
• Future Trends in LMS Translation

What is a Learning Management System?

In the digital age, Learning Management Systems (LMS) have emerged as powerful tools for education and training. These platforms provide a digital environment where organizations can create, deliver, and manage learning content. LMSs have transformed how we approach education, making it more flexible, accessible, and efficient.

The Importance of LMS Translation

LMS translation is pivotal for more effective and inclusive online learning. It involves converting the content of an LMS, including course materials, quizzes, discussions, and more, from one language into another to help bridge the language gap, making learning accessible to a wider audience.

Furthermore, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not just about translating the core eLearning course content, but also localizing course descriptions and titles. When a user switches the language of choice within the LMS user interface, they should see course descriptions and titles that are translated and culturally adapted, ensuring that learners can easily navigate and select courses in their preferred language. This approach further enhances language access and inclusivity, creating a more welcoming and accessible learning environment.

The Global Reach of eLearning with LMS Translation

The internet has made education and training accessible worldwide. eLearning has gone beyond traditional classrooms, reaching every corner of the globe. As a result, learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access courses from prestigious institutions and organizations irrespective of their geographical location. This transformation has revolutionized education, enabling lifelong learning and skill development. However, this global reach also introduces a challenge – the need for multilingual support.

Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility

In a world with over 7,000 languages, not everyone speaks English or the primary language of a course. LMS translation promotes inclusivity and accessibility. It ensures that individuals who speak languages other than English can access and benefit from the online course(s). This is particularly crucial for non-native English speakers and individuals with varying levels of language proficiency.

Imagine a talented student or a skilled professional who is fluent in their native language but faces significant barriers when trying to learn a foreign language. When done professionally and accurately, LMS translation eliminates this barrier, providing equal learning opportunities for all.

Data and Statistics for Why Translate Your LMS

The importance of LMS translation is underscored by data from esteemed organizations. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the number of students enrolled in tertiary education abroad more than doubled from 2 million in 2000 to 6 million in 2019. This internationalization of education highlights the urgent need for multilingual educational resources.

Moreover, research conducted by the World Bank Education shows a strong correlation between language accessibility and learning outcomes. Students who learn in their native language perform significantly better in tests and assessments. This is a powerful indicator of LMS translation’s role in the educational success of a diverse global population.

The post LMS Translation: Bridging the Language Gap in eLearning appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Seeking eLearning translation solutions but are unsure where to begin? Have you been tasked with translating eLearning courses for a multilingual audience?

In today’s interconnected world, eLearning has revolutionized how we acquire knowledge and skills. However, to unlock its potential and connect with a diverse audience, eLearning courses must be effectively translated and localized. Throughout the article, we will delve into eLearning localization, highlight its benefits, address common challenges, offer tips for file preparation, outline the components that may require translation, and present diverse translation solutions tailored to different types of eLearning courses.

Topics covered in this article:

• What is eLearning Localization?
• Benefits of eLearning Localization
• Why Invest in eLearning Localization?
• Localizing Common eLearning Platforms
• Challenges of eLearning Localization
• How to Prep eLearning Files for Translation
• Components That May Need to Be Translated for eLearning Courses
• Translation Solutions for Different Types of eLearning Courses

What is eLearning Localization?

eLearning localization is the process of adapting educational courses to meet the linguistic, cultural, and contextual requirements of diverse target audiences. This comprehensive process involves not only translating text but also adapting voiceover narrations, videos, documents, assessments, and user interfaces to ensure they are culturally relevant and appropriate. By localizing eLearning content, organizations can significantly enhance learner engagement, comprehension, and overall learning outcomes, providing a more effective and inclusive educational experience for learners from different cultural backgrounds.

The Benefits of eLearning Localization

eLearning localization benefits organizations aiming to expand their reach and cater to multilingual audiences. We have an introduction to eLearning translation here, but generally speaking:

• Accessibility & Wider Audience Reach Localized eLearning courses are accessible on-demand, allowing learners to study at their own pace in their native language, thus reaching a global audience and accommodating diverse schedules. By making courses accessible in multiple languages, organizations can reach a wider audience and tap into new markets. This fosters inclusivity, enhances engagement during the course, and encourages knowledge retention after completion.
• Increased Learning Retention, Comprehension, and Engagement Learning in one’s native language through localized eLearning enhances information retention, comprehension, and engagement, leading to better completion rates and more consistent learning outcomes across an organization.
• Scalability & Cost Effectiveness Localized eLearning courses are a cost-effective solution for businesses, reducing the need for multiple language instructors and saving employee time, while also being scalable to accommodate any number of learners. eLearning translation opens doors to global markets, empowering organizations to reach new customers and boost their revenue streams.

Why Invest in eLearning Localization?

eLearning localization is not just a luxury. It’s a necessity for organizations aiming to expand their global reach. Localizing eLearning courses allows for effective communication and knowledge transfer and helps employees overcome language and cultural barriers.

Localization ensures that learners can fully engage with the content, understand complex concepts, and apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. By investing in eLearning localization, organizations demonstrate their commitment to providing meaningful and impactful learning experiences to a diverse learner base.

Why is localization a game-changer to successful translations? This article will help you gain some insights into the importance of localization efforts.

Localizing Common eLearning Platforms

Before getting into the details of content localization, it’s essential to be familiar with some popular eLearning platforms widely used for course development. Storyline, Rise, Captivate, and Vyond, offer powerful tools and functionalities for creating engaging and interactive eLearning content. Understanding the capabilities of these platforms will help you better strategize and plan for the translation and localization of courses.

Localization always involves adapting content to meet the linguistic and cultural needs of diverse learners. However, each eLearning platform will have it’s own nuances that your translation company should understand.

For example, translating a course on Moodle involves not only converting written material into the target language but also ensuring that all multimedia elements, such as videos and audio recordings, are culturally appropriate and accurately localized. This might involve recording new voiceovers with native speakers and adjusting visual elements to reflect the cultural context of the target audience.

Additionally, every eLearning platform will have a different user interface, navigation, and interactive elements. It’s important to make the content intuitive and familiar in every langugage, reducing cognitive load, and allowing learners to focus more on the content. By localizing these platforms, organizations can improve learner engagement, comprehension, and satisfaction, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes and a more inclusive learning environment.

Challenges of eLearning Localization

While eLearning localization offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. Understanding these challenges will help you navigate the translation process more effectively:

1. Complicated Translation Process

The eLearning Translation Process can be one of the most complicated, with text, graphics, buttons, menus, supporting PDFs, narrations, voice overs, subtitles, dubbing, captions, assessments, quizzes, games, cultural adaptations… the list goes on and on. Finding experienced and skilled translators and localizers who understand the intricacies of e-learning content is just the beginning of the translation process.

2. Experienced translators and localizers

When translating and localizing an eLearning course, certain aspects might need to be reworked or adapted to suit the target audience. This can be daunting and require effort to overcome any resistance or concerns about starting from scratch.

We often recommend finding a translation agency that is ISO Certified with a proven project management process they can share with you.

3. Managing the sheer size of a project or course

Translating an individual file isn’t impossible. (We should know, we do it all the time.) But eLearning courses can be extensive and complex, requiring careful management of various components such as multimedia files, assessments, interactive elements, and more. A single video can have captions, on-screen text, voiceover, and several other components that may need to be translated. (And eLearning courses usually have multiple videos.) Dealing with the extensive scope of a project or course can be a significant challenge.

4. Preventing leaked content

In the process of eLearning localization, ensuring that confidential or copyrighted content does not get leaked or shared improperly becomes a crucial concern. Safeguarding the integrity and security of the content throughout the localization process is essential.

To address this, organizations should turn to experienced translators and localizers who possess the necessary expertise, safeguards, and cultural knowledge. These professionals ensure accurate and to prevent content leaks and maintain confidentiality.

If you’re worried about sensitive or confidential content, our process is to use an NDA. We also never recommend placing sensitive content into machine translation software such as ChatGPT.

5. Strategic Investment from Leadership

Organizations should view eLearning localization as a strategic investment that yields long-term benefits. However, deciding where to invest – which courses you’ll translate and the languages you’ll translate them into – is not easy.

We recommend starting with gathering data from your audience with a survey. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but working with a language expert can help you determine how to make the most out of your translation investment.

Partnering with the right translation team is crucial in other ways as well. You can consider different types of translation agencies depending on your translation needs. Some agencies offer more affordable machine translation but lack the localization quality that an eLearning translation needs to create successful learners.

Look for professionals who provide detailed quotes, have  references who can speak to the professionals’ ability to deliver projects on time, and possess ISO certifications to guarantee quality and prevent costly errors. Investing in a reliable translation partner ensures a smooth and efficient translation process, saving time and resources.

6. Verification of Translation Quality

One of the challenges in eLearning translation is that it’s often difficult to assess is a project’s quality until the very end of the project. Espeically if you are producing

To mitigate this risk, work with a translation partner who provides a clear plan and regular updates throughout the translation process. This enables stakeholders to monitor the progress and quality of the translation, ensuring that any necessary adjustments are made promptly.

Many companies are opting to translate microlearning as a solution to address these challenges effectively. Microlearning refers to short, bite-sized learning modules focusing on specific and crucial topics. By first translating the most important microlearning content, organizations can assess translation quality and address any issues before tackling larger eLearning courses.

And now, let’s examine the intricacies of the eLearning translation workflow.

How to Prep eLearning Files for Translation

To streamline the translation process, eLearning files need prep work. Here are some best practices to consider:

1. Source Files: Instead of copying and pasting content into a Word document, best practice is to provide complete English source files that your translation team can edit. For an eLearning course, examples could include PowerPoint presentations, Premiere Pro video files, or InDesign files – instead of MP4 and PDF. It isn’t impossible to work with exported file types, but access to the source files allows translators to work more efficiently and maintain consistency across the translated content.

2. Planning and Research: Effective eLearning localization requires careful planning and execution. This includes researching the cultural norms, language usage, and instructional design preferences of the target audience. Understanding the target audience’s learning preferences and incorporating culturally-relevant examples and scenarios will enhance the effectiveness of the localized eLearning course.

Resources to help with research:

• What is Localization? [28 Practical Localization Tips, Examples, & FAQs]
• Translation Glossary vs Translation Style Guide: What’s the difference? Do you need them?
• 8 Tips for Writing with a Multilingual & Cross Cultural Audience in Mind
• How to Choose a Translation Company (Ultimate Guide + 4 Must-Haves)

3. Get an Accurate Quotation: This leads back to #1 (providing source files) but providing the detailed files is a crucial step for an accurate eLearning course translation quote. As we covered previously, they are a financial investment. Providing source files when getting a quote for translation services is essential to receive an accurate quotation from translation service providers. Quoting from output files alone (like MP4 or PDF files) can lead to an increased quote once the source files are received, confusion, delivery delays, and surprise costs.

(And because you’re providing these source files, that’s again why we recommend an NDA.)

Components That May Need to Be Translated for eLearning Courses

eLearning courses consist of various components that may require translation. Each component will undergo Translation, Revision, and Proofreading (TRP) to ensure accurate translations and localization quality. Understanding these components will help you better navigate the localization process. Some common components include:

1. Text: Translating written content, including course scripts, instructional text, reading materials, assessments, and on-screen text.
2. Multimedia Elements: Translating and recording solutions for multimedia elements may include audio narration, voice overs, video subtitles, dubbing, voice acting, and captions in the target languages necessary. Syncing the translated audio with the course content ensures a seamless learning experience.
3. Visual Elements: Visual elements such as images, graphics, charts, diagrams, and icons need to be localized to align with the cultural context of the target audience. This may involve adapting visuals, replacing culturally-specific examples, or modifying user interactions to match the target audience’s preferences.
4. Interactive Elements: Navigational menus, buttons, labels, tool tips, forms, simulations, games, drag-and-drop activities, and clickable diagrams.
5. Videos: If the eLearning course includes videos, translating subtitles or captions is a common approach to make the content accessible to multilingual learners. Alternatively, voiceover translations can be used to provide a localized audio track.
6. Documents: Document translation is usually an easier process, but it’s an important consideration that can be forgotten. Documents such as resource materials, user manuals, FAQs, job aids, work books, privacy policies, terms of use, legal disclaimers, and other supplementary materials should be translated alongside the eLearning course to provide comprehensive learning resources in their native language.
7. Assessments: Quiz questions and answers, feedback and explanations, surveys, test instructions
8. Technical Components: Such as software code and scripts, email confirmations, error messages, and system notifications

But components vary dependent on the eLearning platform – or if you need to translate a custom LMS. Be sure whatever your requirements, choose a translation company that can work with the file types you have.

Translation Solutions for Different Types of eLearning Courses

Different types of eLearning courses require tailored translation solutions to ensure effective localization. Here are some solutions for different types of eLearning courses:

1. Subtitling, Captioning, or Voiceover: This is one of the more traditional video translation solutions. Adding translated subtitles and captions alongside the visuals or providing voiceover recordings in the target language and for videos only. It allow learners to read or hear the content in their preferred language while retaining the original message.
2. Instructor-Led Training (ILT) or Virtual ILT (VILT): Specific to the learning and education industry, this newer newer video solution provides a faster turnaround time than traditional video translation. For instructor-led training or virtual training sessions, record the training in English with Google Meet, Teams, or Zoom. Then translating and localizing the recording can be an efficient, more affordable approach to video transaltion. Remote interpreting services can also provide real-time translation during webinars or virtual meetings.
3. Video Overlay: A video overlay technique can be employed in cases where the course primarily consists of videos, and the eLearning course owner needs the video translation fast and more affordable than traditional translation. It’s very similar to ILT/VILT, except the original video does not have to be a recording of a presentation. The video can be authored on any platform. This involves superimposing a video of an interpreter translating the content over the video itself without translating any of the embedded content in the video.
4. Cloud-Based Platforms with Custom Translation Services: Many popular eLearning platforms, such as YouTube, Rise, Udemy, Coursera, Kajabi, WordPress, and HubSpot, offer built-in translation services. While these platforms often provide automatic translation features, it is important to note that they may not fully address localization needs. While we encourage you to take advantage of these automatic translations if they work for you, we find the best outcome often involved combining custom translation services integrated within these platforms. This is the best way to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate translations.
5. Custom Learning Management Systems (LMS Translation): If your organization uses a custom, home-grown Learning Management System (LMS), our experts are equipped to work directly with your platform. We can tailor translation services to fit the unique structure and functionality of your LMS, ensuring that all content and user interfaces are accurately and effectively localized.

Embracing eLearning localization as a strategic investment allows organizations to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, paving the way for effective knowledge transfer and meaningful learning opportunities on a global scale. By understanding the challenges involved, adequately preparing files, considering essential components for translation, and selecting appropriate translation solutions, organizations can optimize learning outcomes and foster inclusive and impactful learning experiences.

Continue Learning about eLearning Translation and Localization:

The post eLearning Localization Guide: Best Practices for Localizing eLearning Courses appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Plus, how will your employees uphold the company’s expectations if they can’t understand these documents? Translating your human resources documents can also protect the company from claims that the employee did not understand their rights and responsibilities.

But how do you find credible human resource translation services that you know will translate your HR materials accurately with a reasonable turnaround time?

Don’t worry! This is your Ultimate Guide on how to find a Professional Human Resource Translation Service to translate anything – from employee manuals and handbooks to codes of conduct and company policies.

Step 1: Determine what human resource documents you want to translate.

A professional translation agency can complete the translation process with any file type, format, software or platform available. Whether you’re translating PowerPoints or Word Documents, PDFs, video files, captions, training courses, or employee surveys, the format you work with shouldn’t be a problem for your translation agency.

If you find yourself getting stuck, a great translation service will also provide advice and be a resource you can consult with on the best way possible to tackle your translation projects. They will be able to answer any questions you have during the translation process.

When quoting your project, a translation agency will need your source documents and materials that you want to be translated.

Types of Human Resource Documents that Can be Translated:

Human Resource’s Mandatory Paperwork at the Start of Employment

• Employment contracts. If your industry uses contracts for employment, translating these documents may be a legal requirement.
• Employee manuals and handbooks. Many company policies and codes of conduct are included in the manual. Translating employee manuals can critically help a company’s multilingual employees.
• Insurance documents. Make benefits accessible for all employees by translating employee benefit policies.

Human Resource Training and Safety Materials

• Compliance documents. Certain industries might have compliance documents that employees must be able to read and understand (this includes other languages).
• Workplace safety documents. Material safety data sheets, evacuation routes, and other safety documents should be translated to ensure safety is thoroughly understood.
• Training programs and videos. Translation is not just for paperwork! Don’t forget to provide access to any multimedia like videos, slide decks, and audio recordings.
• Performance review materials. Help them get the maximum understanding of feedback from their performance review and translate their copy.

Day-to-Day Tools for Human Resources

• Tip sheets and planning tools. Any resources that make it easier for employees to perform their job duties should be available to everyone.
• Guides for managers and employees. Employee development materials and guides should be translated for both parties.

Corporate Communications (Sometimes for Human Resources or Internal Marketing Department)

• Corporate websites. From the website content to the user interface, websites should be translated for all employees (as well as any markets you do business in!).
• Company-wide emails or memos. Anytime communications are sent to employees, these should be translated for all to understand.

Again, your translation agency should be able to handle any file type or format that you work in.

Step 2: Five questions to ask a potential translation agency.

When selecting a translation agency service to translate your human resources documents, there are a few crucial questions you should understand and ask your potential translation agency. You should feel more confident in moving forward if your translation agency can answer these questions.  Plus, you can always ask for a sample translation!

Do you have ISO Certifications?

You’re looking for a company that will deliver services in accordance with ISO Certifications 9001 (Quality) and 17100 (Translation). Learn more about why you want an ISO-Certified Company here.

Do you use machine translation?

Ideally, your translations will be completed by human translators, but some companies use machine translation, which is notorious for making errors and bad translations. You’ll want to do the following:

• Ask more questions to ensure they have proofreading and revision processes to catch any errors.
• Ensure that pricing reflects that Machine Translation is being used, and not a human translator.

Do you include proofreading and revision in your translation process? What is your translation, revision, and proofreading process?

Not only should your translation agency include proofreading and revision as part of their translation workflow, but they should also:

• Ensure that the translator and revisor are two separate people. Just as you shouldn’t proofread your own work in English, your translator and proofreader should be two separate people.
• Look for how they will resolve any errors you find in the final translation. The translation agency should have a policy to resolve any errors that occurred during the translation process quickly.

Are your translators Subject Matter Experts in human resources, and are they located in the country where the target language is spoken?

Your translation agency should try to pair your translation project with:

• the language and
• the topic being translated. If you’re translating complicated medical instructions or a binding legal contract, you want to ensure that the crucial message is translated, not just word-for-word. And by ensuring the translator is located in the target country where the language is spoken, you’ll get a Subject Matter Expert in the language (resulting in the most accurate translations).

What is the turnaround time for the average translation project?

Project turnaround times depend on the number of words you’re translating, the number of languages, if it’s simple document translation or if you need voice-over for videos. But your translation agency should be able to let you know if your project will take days or weeks.

Step 3: The translation agency should provide a project quote and Project Manager.

Once you receive and approve a quote, it’s time to start the project! Good translation agencies will provide a dedicated Project Manager.

Ultimately, you’ll save time and money using a good translation company that provides a dedicated Project Manager for your translation projects. Your Project Manager takes on all aspects of translating a document once you provide them the finalized version in English.

Your Project Manager will be your single contact for all your language needs. They will organize your language team, communicate project updates, and ensure your project is delivered on time. Here is an example of what a translation team could look like for a simple document that needs translated into two languages:

As you can see a Project Manager is critical to keeping your work load at a minimum and getting the most for your investment when working with a translation agency.

The translation agency will then match your translation project with a subject matter expert (SME) who understands the content in your target language.

An SME will examine the content in English and localize the content to the target language. This is an example of an English to French document translation for a company that repeatedly used the phrase “as easy as pie” in their English onboarding materials.

Or another example of an SME…

• You’re translating human resource benefits plans, employee manuals, and employee contracts from English into Spanish
• A good translation agency will then provide you with a translation team that will include a professional translator who is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) of translation documents from English to Spanish.
• Depending on the complexity of the material being translated, your Spanish translator may also be an SME in legal jargon. This helps ensure any legally binding agreements are localized to the target language and fully understood.

Step 4: Human Resources receives the final translated documents.

The translation agency will deliver the final translation, exactly as you sent it, just in a new language! The goal is for the person reading the translated material to never know that the content was translated – just that it was written for them, in their native language.

English to Spanish Document Translation Example

It’s crucial to ensure that all of your human resources documents, materials, and communications are translated accurately and with a reasonable turnaround time.

A Warning about Machine Translation

Companies that use Machine Translation (also known as MT) can be more affordable but are often more inaccurate. They are incapable of taking tone and circumstance into consideration, which can lead to potentially damaging miscommunications. Protect both employees and your company by partnering with an expert human resources translation services firm.

Have more questions about translating for human resources that we didn’t cover? Let us know! Contact us today!

Get a Professional Translation Service for Your Human Resource Translation Materials

HR professionals can find a partner in Interpro Translation Solutions. No matter the number of items that need to be translated, the number of languages, or the timeline, Interpro has an expert team to meet your translation needs. Our proven expertise in human resources translation services quickly delivers accurate information to support your employees.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Translation for Human Resources: Tips and Best Practices appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Why You Should Choose Credible Resources

As Interpro’s name suggests, I am a language professional. That language, of course, is English. It’s not that I haven’t experienced others, though. My first non-English encounter lasted nine years in the form of Spanish during Catholic school. One might think I would have become fluent given that length of time. But the problem was that I learned from a source that, although once a native of a Spanish-speaking country, had now been living in the United States for several years. Of course, the Spanish language, as all other languages, music trends, and fashion do, had changed in that time. Not only that, but it often felt that the textbooks I was using dated back to before the Columbian Exchange.

Now, it might seem that this is no big deal. After all, we don’t see the English language change, right? Check with your great-great-grandparents and get back to me on that. We see computer software updates several times a year because Mac OS 9 just won’t cut it anymore. Why should we assume that languages are different, remaining functional while sitting stagnant for years at a time?

It’s hard enough for adults to work on old software. But imagine being a child with a voracious and rapidly-developing brain not being pushed to its fullest level. Children are meant to benefit from learning languages.

Children who speak a second language are found to have better problem-solving, critical thinking, and listening skills, as well as improved memory, focus, and multitasking.

If parents want their children to be more creative and flexible, they’ll need to consider looking across the world, and choose a language learning tool that is credible (and fun).

3 Resources for Learning a New Language

Modernity, with its all flaws, has given us more tools than ever to help children reach their language potential. But now, it’s easy than ever to grow your language knowledge with the click of a button. Many apps will even remind you to practice your language daily! Here are three ways to help your child learn a new language.

1. Duolingo

I’ve seen my 55-year-old mother and 20-year-old sister both benefit equally from Duolingo, a fun app with worldwide translation resources from native speakers. As the website itself says, “We use…results to develop new and better courses, expand our universe of language-learning tools, update our materials as languages evolve, and ensure we’re continuing to offer the best language education in the world. Like language, we never stand still.” An adaptable app for a necessarily-flexible type of learning!

2. Stories by Gus on the Go

Or how about Stories by Gus on the Go, an app in which your kids can learn beyond English with some classic fairy tales in a new language? Old stories combined with cutting-edge interpretation technologies make for a truly well-rounded childhood experience. As the website notes, “working with language educators and native speakers around the world, Gus on the Go has become an invaluable tool to help young kids nourish their love for language and inspiring them to become future global citizens.” A truly noble goal!

3. The Movie Method

This is best used in combination with another language-learning strategy. Simply watch your favorite family movies in other languages, and your previous knowledge of the story, combined with the dramatic facial expressions and creative scenes of the films, will help your child pick up on a new language much more easily. This can be paired with occasional “speaking the language” periods at home throughout the day. Think of it as a mini cultural immersion!

With all the disagreement over our children’s curricula, we can all at least agree that foreign languages should be more accessible. At Interpro, many of our employees know a second, third, or even fourth language! If you want what’s best for your children, use the resources we can provide for you today.

Sources:

1. elearningindustry.com/top-5-language-learning-apps-for-kids
2. leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages/early-childhood-elementary/#:~:text=Feed%20Their%20Brains,enhanced%20creativity%20and%20mental%20flexibility
3. kumon.co.uk/blog/is-learning-a-foreign-language-good-for-kids-at-a-young-age/
4. duolingo.com/approach
5. gusonthego.com/meet-team-gus/

The post Language Learning for Children: 3 Methods for Success appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

If you are curious about what is involved in subtitle translation, read on to learn more about how beneficial they are, how translating them can help your business, and how to ensure the job is done right.

What are subtitles?

You very likely come across subtitles at some point in your day-to-day life. You may even be among the growing group of people who watch everything with subtitles turned on. Subtitles are the on-screen text that displays the dialogue, voice-over, or audio commentary of a video. This text-based supplement is a cost-effective solution that helps people around the world understand and process on-screen content.

Uses for subtitles

Subtitles aren’t just for foreign language television shows and movies. They can be placed on just about any type of video, including:

• Video ads on social media
• eLearning content
• Organizational training videos
• Instructional and how-to videos
• Music videos

If it’s a moving image with audio, it can likely be enhanced by including subtitles.

Advantages of adding subtitles

Why go through the effort of including subtitles with your video? Let’s explore some of the most important benefits.

Reach More People

According to the World Health Organization, around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. Subtitles make your content accessible to those who may not be able to clearly hear the audio.

Subtitles aren’t just about making videos accessible to those with hearing disabilities: they make the medium more accessible to everyone. In fact, a 2019 study by Verizon Media and Publicis Media reported that 80% of people who use captions aren’t deaf or hard of hearing.

That’s because in today’s multitasking and mobile society, not everyone watches videos with the audio turned on. The Verizon Media study showed that 69% of people view videos without sound when in public places, and 25% view video without sound in private. A staggering 80% said that they are more likely to watch an entire video when captions are available.

By subtitling your video, you tap into an entire audience of viewers who prefer watching over listening when online.

Improve retention and engagement

Subtitles are an excellent way to make video content more engaging and informative, especially in the eLearning space. Having another medium to convey the information at hand can lead to higher retention rates over a longer period of time.

The same theory applies to video marketing. In the Verizon Media study, experts found that there was an 8% improvement in ad recall, a 10% increase in ad memory quality, and a 13% boost in brand linkage when captioning was utilized.

SEO: Search Engine Optimization

If you want your website to rank higher on Google’s search engine result pages, subtitling can help you do that too, directly and indirectly. Since Google’s algorithm can’t yet process audio or video, the transcript of subtitles allows search engines to crawl and index your video content. A higher ranking on Google leads to more website traffic, which results in increased conversions and sales.

Google also takes note of how long visitors stay on a webpage, rewarding those who keep the attention of their audience for a longer period of time. Because subtitles can increase the time a person watches a video, it indirectly impacts SEO.

However, adding subtitles isn’t enough to connect with your audiences if they can’t understand the language the subtitles are written in. This is where subtitle translation becomes important.

Subtitle translation

Subtitle translation is the process of translating a video’s audio script to another language. Videos can be subtitled in any language, giving audiences the opportunity to watch and understand, even if the spoken audio is in a different language.

Take all the benefits of source language-to-source language subtitles, and add to that the ability to connect with a multilingual audience. This is how subtitle translation significantly enhances the reach of your video content. Translated subtitles allow your video content to be understood by anyone, regardless of the language spoken in the video.

Voice-over recording is another effective video translation option, but isn’t always feasible. Sometimes, organizations opt not to use voice-over because of the increased costs as compared to subtitles. Other times, it simply doesn’t make sense depending on the type of video, such as music videos. Subtitle translation is the perfect solution in these situations.

How subtitle translation works

Although subtitles are text-based, the process isn’t as simple as replacing existing words with their translation. To get a better understanding of how subtitle translation works, it’s important to know something about subtitle formats.

Subtitle formats

Subtitles can be open or closed captioned. Open captions are integrated within the video itself, and cannot be removed or changed without modifying the source video. These are often called “burned” captions, because it is like they are burned onto the moving image.

Closed captions on the other hand, give the viewer the option to turn them on or off. Closed captions can be created with different file formats, including SRT and WebVTT.

SRT translation

This text file format stands for SubRip Subtitle. SRT is the most common subtitle file format, and consists of four components:

• an order number
• the time that the subtitle appears
• the caption and
• a blank line indicating the end of a subtitle.

Using SRT is advantageous, because it is supported on a wide variety of platforms. However, it lacks control over certain features included with the WebVTT format.

WebVTT translation

VTT or WebVTT stands for Web Video Text Tracks. This format was modeled after – and is similar to – SRT. Although they share many of the same features, WebVTT is a more robust solution, giving developers options when it comes to subtitle placement, font, color, and format. WebVTT also contains metadata that isn’t displayed on-screen, but contains information about authors, dates, instructions, and more.

Subtitle translation process

No matter which type of text file is used, the subtitle translation process can be broken down into seven general steps.

1. Script transcription: If there is no script available, the audio will first need to be transcribed.
2. Subtitling: The transcribed script is time-coded and formatted for VTT or SRT.
3. Translation, editing, and proofreading: Once the transcribed text is available, translation can begin. This process includes the editing, proofreading, and quality assurance of the transcribed content.
4. Translated script approval: Once the translation process is completed, the deliverable is sent to the client for final approval.
5. Sync text with audio: Translated text is synced with the source audio so that dialogue and on-screen visuals are harmonized.
6. Translated video validation: The final product will be reviewed by a native speaker for clarity, accuracy, formatting, and functionality.
7. Deliver target language video: The subtitled video and/or subtitle files are delivered to the client ready for use.

Ensuring High-Quality Translations

If you’re considering adding subtitles to your video, hiring a professional translation company is the best way to ensure a high-quality translated product. Not only do language professionals accurately translate the material, but they also take special care to localize the content. This means that all text will be culturally appropriate and formatted correctly, making it easily read and understood at a normal speed without detracting from the visuals on the screen.

Professional translation services go through a multi-step process that includes quality control checks by native speakers throughout the workflow. They are aware of the challenges and obstacles commonly encountered with subtitle translations, such as text display issues, and know-how to resolve them.

Conclusion

Subtitles are a helpful tool that allows your videos to effectively reach a larger audience. Subtitle translation takes that a step further, expanding your reach to those who speak other languages. When done by a professional translation company, high-quality subtitle translations can help make your video content accessible to all.

The post Subtitle Translation: How to Boost Video Content Reach and Engagement appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

You can expand your audience even further by considering eLearning localization for your course.

Ponder this:

• In 2020, nearly one-third of students at U.S. public colleges and universities were enrolled in online courses. Forty-six percent of those institutions offer eLearning options to students outside the U.S.
• Nine out of 10 employees prefer online job training they can fit into their schedules at any time.
• Learn-on-your-own websites Master Class, Futurelearn, and Skillshare net more than 20 million visits a month combined from people exploring new hobbies and skills.

There’s no question the Internet is shrinking the world, making information from far-flung places as accessible as the corner library. But cultural divides are as big as they ever were.

In the U.S. alone, more than 67 million people speak a primary language other than English at home. And while English may be “the language of business,” it’s inaccessible to at least 75 percent of the world’s population.

With so many non-English speakers in play, the reasons for translating eLearning courses are clear. But “translating” is not as simple as it might seem. Localization plays a key role in translating eLearning courses.

Why eLearning Localization is Critical

The eLearning boom has created exponential growth in the availability of robust, user-friendly tools like Rise 360. These applications make it easy to build high-quality courses with little technical background.

One thing many of these elearning platforms can’t do, however, is accurately translate your course into a different language. And to be frank, that’s probably a good thing.

Today’s course creators have learned to look beyond translation and search for eLearning localization. Human translation (HT) has been proven to be far superior to machine translation.

If translation converts material to a target language, localization converts it for a target culture. It takes translation to the next level. For example, say you want your online class to be available in French. D’accord.

But wait. Do the French speakers you’re targeting live in France? Senegal? Haiti? Canada?

One language, four very different cultural lenses.

Localization considers cultural nuance. A translated course may be grammatically correct, but a localized course is culturally correct. The colors, symbols, date formats, units of measurement, and colloquialisms in localized material all make sense to the viewer and convey the intended message of the course.

Elements Of Quality Localization

Localization is critical to ensuring learners get the full benefit of your eLearning course. Quality localization ensures all eLearners have the same experience regardless of which version they use.

Relevant Cultural Examples

Your localization partner should be well versed in the regional dialect of the area you are targeting. If a company promises they can translate your course into Spanish, be sure to specify whether their translators are familiar with all the nuances between European, Mexican, and Puerto Rican dialects.

Some eLearning material, like technical training, requires little cultural interpretation. Other material, like sales training, can be heavily dependent on cultural context. You need a translation partner who not only understands how the language differs between the Netherlands and Suriname, but also variations in norms and customs.

You might not think about the importance of localizing things like currency symbols or units of measurement. But telling eLearners in Europe that a machine part is rotating at 150 miles per hour probably won’t make the impact you’re hoping for. Learners who have spent their lives using the metric system may have a limited frame of reference for whether “150 miles per hour” is fast, moderate, or slow.

Text Expansion and Contraction

When your eLearning course includes written material, video, or both, you need a translation partner with multimedia capabilities (often called Multilingual Desktop Publishing). Text often expands or contracts in translation, and if you don’t account for this, video images won’t match the narration and written material may run off the screen.

Choose a translation partner who offers the ability to work with various project source files (multimedia project files, eLearning course authoring files, etc.) allowing all of your eLearners to have the same high-quality experience and positive outcomes.

Visual Elements

Even if the translation is pristine, unfamiliar visual elements can leave eLearners confused or feeling like outsiders.

When localizing your eLearning course, take care to use imagery with diverse people so learners see someone who looks like them.

Some symbols are universally understood, but other images and even colors can take on very different meanings in different parts of the world. Your translation partner should work with you to make sure the visual elements in the translated course all align with the intended messages.

User Experience

A conscientious translation partner will take care to localize all parts of the user experience. Date and time formats, hover-over text, and navigation buttons are some of the little details that are easy to miss in the translation process but are hard for eLearners taking the course to ignore.

The eLearning Localization Process

For the fastest and smoothest experience, look for a partner who can shepherd your entire project through localization from beginning to end.

Multilingual Glossary

Depending on the course subject, your partner might suggest developing a multilingual glossary before the project starts. The translation provider will review any previous translations you’ve had done and any internal glossaries you use to familiarize translators with words, terms, and acronyms likely to come up in your material. If a client has a linguistic SME (Subject Matter Expert), it is key for your translation partner to work in tandem with your linguistic reviewer(s) to establish the baseline for the approved glossary terms.

Establishing a multilingual glossary of your preferred terms before the project starts keeps your translated eLearning course on brand and reduces the need for revisions later in the project.

If you are likely to have ongoing needs for translation, work with a partner who uses translation memory (TM) technology, which stores your translations in a database so the same terms can be easily retrieved for future projects. Working with TM tools ensures consistency of terminology from project to project, and allows for efficiencies which enable the work to get faster without compromising quality.

Visual Content

The eLearning localization process begins with localizing the visual content of the course, including navigation and interactive content. If your translation provider uses in-country translators, you have an extra layer of confidence that the finished course will be culturally appropriate.

Audio Content

The audio content is next to be localized. Professional translators translate the script and review pronunciations before native speakers trained as voice actors record the audio. Voiceover recording should be conducted in a professional studio-setting with a director, and sound editing work engineered into the eLearning course files prior to delivery.

Validation

Once the audio and visuals are synchronized, the course is validated. Validation should be a key part of a professional localization process. Once the course is published, native speakers fully QA the course by actually taking it from start to finish – including quizzes and assessments – to make sure that nothing has been missed.

Finally, the course is published to your specifications, ready to be presented to your multilingual audience of eLearners!

Other Related Articles to eLearning Localization:

Translating Your Rise Course is Easier – and More Important – Than You Think

The post eLearning Localization Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success appeared first on Interpro Translation Solutions.

Rise does, nevertheless, support eLearning translation. You can export all the written content of your course into an XLIFF file, translate it, and import it back into the course with all formatting intact.

How you translate your Rise 360 course is an important consideration. While automated translation tools have come a long way, the nuances of language make using them for something as complex as an online course a roll of the dice. Idioms like “take a rain check” or “leave on a cliffhanger” confound them, and a phrase that makes perfect sense in one part of the world can be downright offensive in another.

Why is Rise translation so important?

One of the biggest benefits of eLearning is how easy lessons are to remember. But that diminishes when online learners are presented with material in a foreign language. Having to mentally translate the information as it’s presented reduces their ability to absorb and fully comprehend it.

Providing eLearning courses in multiple languages also allows you to reach more people. If you distribute online courses to a diverse group of learners with varying native languages, take a look at your LMS (Learning Management System) analytics. It should come as no surprise to see greater engagement among learners whose primary language matches the language of the eLearning course.

Ninety percent of people prefer learning in their native language. Think of the millions of opportunities you could be missing by not offering courses in the languages learners want.

What does the Rise translation workflow look like?

Many course developers choose Rise because it is easy to use. Fortunately, Rise translation is also a pretty straightforward process.

1. It all starts with your course. Create your complete course, including visuals and multimedia elements, in your primary language.
2. Next, duplicate your course and export the duplicate’s content to an XLIFF file. XLIFF is an XML-based file format that standardizes the exchange of information between tools.
3. A professional translator will translate the content of the XLIFF, save it in the same format, and send it back to you. You import the translated XLIFF into your duplicate course, and Rise does the rest.
4. To protect the quality of your eLearning course, it’s important to use a Rise translation partner that specializes in localization and to provide your translator with the original course as well as the XLIFF file.

A partner who specializes in localization will know when a phrase should be adjusted into a regional dialect to make it understandable to the intended audience. A good translation provider will also review the visuals in your course to make sure they are culturally appropriate.

How do you engage learners?

The best eLearning courses keep learners engaged with interactive elements. These complex, layered elements are far easier to translate if the translator is able to see them in action. That provides context for each layer and how they fit together to move the course along.

After translation comes validation – making sure the translation is accurate once the course is published. Again, this goes beyond just the words. You’ll want to choose a translation partner experienced in working with Rise to make sure the details you carefully planned in English still work. Publishing settings will match the English (i.e., SCORM).

For example, many languages cause translations to expand or contract. Let’s say a text box on one slide of your course is sized just right to house the word “science.” But in German, “science” is “Naturwissenschaft” – more than twice as many letters need to fit into the same text box.

Designers involved in your Rise translation project will be able to catch such issues and address them, so your course is accurate no matter the language.

Localized text changes impact timing. Slides with more text need more reading time, videos might require subtitles, and audio needs re-recording. All visuals must be timed accordingly.

A Rise translation partner who offers voiceover services will ensure spoken material, even if it uses technical language, is clear and unambiguous. Voiceovers are best recorded in a studio environment by native speakers who understand how tone, pace, and inflection can affect the meaning of content. An engineer will then adjust the timings in the course to ensure the audio and visuals are in sync.

Quality courses aren’t just about the content. The details of how the content is presented make a tremendous impact on the user’s experience and what that experience leads them to think about your company.

The future of learning is now

In 2019, Research and Markets predicted the eLearning industry would be worth about $325 billion by 2025 – almost three times what it was worth in 2015. And that was before COVID-19 sent our lives online. The pandemic condensed a decade of digital transformation into a matter of two years.

Online learning is no longer the future of training and education, it is the present. Savvy businesses are making the most of it by creating digital courses to train their workforce and educate their clients.

Rise 360 is a great tool for creating these courses. It’s easy to use, even for people with little to no course-building experience. The ready-made templates pull courses together fast, and its media optimization and fully responsive design keep your assets functional and high quality.

To fully maximize your investment in eLearning, don’t limit your Rise course to a single language. As of January 2020, only about a quarter of online content was in English. There are 854 million Internet users in China, 149 million users in Brazil, and 118 million users in Japan. Rise translation unlocks millions of opportunities for your course to reach people in the language they know – and learn in – best.

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