Dynamic. John Bellingall.

26 June 2023

Using translation services and the importance of localising elearning content

As the world becomes increasingly globalised, translation services have become more widespread. Certainly in elearning, it is essential to cater to clients with a global presence. So we need to localise elearning content. This involves adapting and translating content to successfully communicate with audiences in multiple languages and from multiple cultural backgrounds. However, without compromising on quality or learning experience that may mean more than simply using a translation services company.

At Dynamic, we understand the importance of accurately adapting elearning content to different audiences. Consequently, we have tackled the challenges of localising modules with different approaches to provide a high standard final product to our clients. Rather than simply going directly to a translation services company, understanding the nuances of what the elearning is aiming to achieve is key.

The importance of localising elearning content

Localising content means taking a piece of content created in one language and adapting it to be relevant and understandable to other audiences. This means not only translating the written content but also considering the graphics, formatting dates and units of measurement to what the audience is used to. And, as well as modifying audio and video elements, this may mean taking cultural aspects into account. This is crucial for elearning content, as it directly affects a better learning experience. Consequently, that means better learner retention. Above all, users who feel more connected to the content they experience are more likely to retain the information presented to them. Therefore, it’s not always just a case of defaulting to a translation services company, without working in partnership with your elearning provider.

Working in partnership with your translation services company is key

Localising content requires working with third-party translation services companies who can translate written content and provide necessary amends. This can create a new step in the development process, leading to numerous rounds of quality assessment and project management. Additionally, translating audio and video can pose a significant challenge. That’s because it requires high-quality narration and editing to ensure the content resonates with the target audience. Therefore, it’s paramount that you get your elearning provider and your translation services company around the same table.

A good elearning company will have a trusted translation services company (or indeed a network of trusted providers) they can call upon to make the process easier for you.

A translating services company is one thing; trusted partners another thing entirely

At Dynamic, as well as the range of actors we use as presenters in modules, we also have a network of translation services companies that we’ve worked with over the years. They understand it’s not just a case of simply translating elearning content, but getting to the nub of what the content is aiming to achieve.

Not only that, we use the latest AI technologies to create audio and video narrators for our elearning modules in multiple languages. Using AI presenters and narrators helps us create engaging and personalised content that is just as relevant to non-English speaking audiences as any other content we produce. We have also implemented a feature that allows users to choose their buddy, the person who overlays the content and talks to the user throughout the module. Using AI presenters, we are able to offer multiple buddy options in different languages without the need for extensive recording, editing and individual scene creation.

Our localisation experience with industry-leading clients

We’re privileged to have worked with a variety of brilliant clients to localise their elearning content. Some of our past clients include the International Cricket Council (ICC), jewellery brand Pandora and vehicle glass repair and replacement company, Belron. We’ve also helped aerospace manufacturing company GKN Aerospace and financial services company IP Finance translate elearning content. By working with such diverse clients, we’ve gained valuable experience in adapting our processes to suit a range of industries and learning objectives.

Choosing the correct authoring tool for your elearning to make localisation easier

Another reason that it’s not just a case of solely reverting to a translation services company: the right authoring tool can make a big difference. Certain authoring tools are more suited to localisation than others. Which can save time and money during the translation and adaptation process.

Some authoring tools, such as Articulate Storyline and Adobe Captivate, have built-in features that allow for easier localisation. For example, they offer the ability to export and import translation files, making it easier for translators to work on the content outside of the authoring tool. They also offer features, such as text-to-speech narration, which can be particularly helpful when it comes to creating audio and video content in multiple languages.

It is important to consider the specific needs of your elearning content when choosing an authoring tool. If you anticipate needing to adapt the content to different languages and cultures, it is a good idea to look for an authoring tool that offers features to make this process easier. Speak to your elearning provider about localisation as early as possible as it may influence how the solution is created.

Working with authoring tools

An authoring tool that stands out for having great localising solutions is Evolve. Once the original module has been signed off, it allows us to export a text file that can be easily shared with translators. Once these files are translated, it’s just a matter of importing them back into the module as new language versions. Additionally, since Evolve is a web-based authoring tool, its content is responsive, which saves time and money from a resourcing perspective. Unlike other authoring tools, once translated, developers don’t need to resize and remake interactions to fit the new text. Rather, they just require a quick overall check over. An added bonus is that different versions also allow for other elements to be changed, so if graphics or videos need to change according to their language, the different versions will reflect this accordingly. At Dynamic, we have experience working with a range of authoring tools and can provide advice on which tool would be best suited to your elearning content and localisation needs.

Don't just rely on translation services, localise your elearning content to benefit your learners

In conclusion, localising elearning content is essential for reaching a global audience and providing a high-quality learning experience. By understanding the importance of localisation and the challenges that come with it, we can take the necessary steps to ensure that our elearning content is accessible and relevant to different cultures and languages.

Working with professional translators and using advanced AI programs can help to streamline the localisation process. Additionally, choosing the correct authoring tool for your elearning content can make the localisation process easier and more efficient.

If you want to better understand how we have localised modules or see examples of our work, please select the arrows on the left. If you have any questions about our process or want to find out how we can create engaging elearning packages localised to the relevant languages for your company’s global audience, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

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