Localization in eLearning -Top Tips

E-learning localization is all about modifying a product to suit a specific culture, language, and is an effort directed and adapting the “look-and-feel” to match a locale. E-learning localization is the approach of translating e-learning content to match the location in which the maximum target audience would be located. The idea is to reach the entire geographical spread of the target audience, and through E-learning localization, the possibility of engaging with a local audience is a lot higher. Despite all the advantages associated with e-learning localization, it is not an easy task, except for an expert. We at Codoid have been providing top-class e-learning localization services and have a large number of happy clients to our credit.

Why Work with an Expert for e-learning localization? Enterprises are expanding and branching out globally and there is also a rise in immigrant communities across locations. These factors necessitate that companies remain aware of the need to make websites and content that is inclusive, which further adds to the need for localizing training content, and e-learning testing plays a decisive role. E-learning domain testing is important to ensure that content localization does not cause any defects or hitches in the smooth working of the content for users across the globe. The demand for globalization means that companies must comply by ensuring their e-learning content is accessible and understandable to suit the needs of the target audience based on location.

As experts in this realm, we endorse the view that localization must never be afforded secondary status but must be part of the development phase of e-learning content. This is so because localizing content transcends the mere translation and or integration of the audio to a different language. Preparing e-learning content for global consumption is definitely no mean task, and there are several aspects to be kept in mind to ensure that localization hits the mark and is a smooth process.

Tips for Enhanced Localization of E-Learning ContentAs an ELearning Testing Company, we know and understand the many benefits that localization in eLearning brings. The two most important benefits are being able to reach employees and a specified target audience across countries in the language they understand and would be at ease when learning the courses. Through localization, a business would gain access to a broader audience and wider market – those that might not have been accessed so far.

Our experts offer some relevant and important tips to accelerate and enhance localization in e-learning content:

Make localization a part of the design phase – This is important since translations can expand the content by up to 30%, and it is necessary to ensure flexibility in design to accommodate these changes. The onscreen content and videos too must be taken into consideration – localization would be a lot simpler and effective when incorporated in the design stage.

Incorporate the Best Practice of Single Worldwide Binary – This is the technical theory of the language-neutral model of testing any localized technology-based training programs. By using this model one of the major issues associated with localization testing can be done away with – that is, to create distinct versions of the source code for each language for the target audiences in varying locations. Through this method, the core functionality of the e-learning material, including support for individual languages and globalization, would require only one round of testing. This in turn is a great way to save time and is highly cost-effective too. As experts in the realm of software testing, we affirm that time and cost savings can prove to be game-changers.

Share All Source Materials with the Software Localization Partner – It is important to view your e-learning testing vendor as your partner in success. By providing a complete set of files, storyboard information, and every workflow process, your vendor partner would be able to present you with proper costs, fixed timelines, and resource requirement details. This is beneficial for a business since it eliminates ambiguities and any unpleasant surprises – irrespective of the industry within which the business operates.

Easy to Adapt and Translate Content – The fact is that words, colors, and even images have different connotations in various countries and regions. If neutral content is not a possibility, there must be enough flexibility to ensure that all these features can be adapted in a manner that would be culturally and by way of language, suitable for the target audience.

Use pseudo-localization – This is a test run within the website or application to ascertain whether the content in the target audience language is being displayed properly. Additionally, this will enable thorough checking of whether there are any issues with contractions and expansions and character encoding in the pages.

Finalize Course-Source Version First – As experts, we know that launching localization through several languages must never happen prior to finalizing the source version of the course. Course content should be properly developed, tested, and finalized in the main language such that any bugs would be restricted to a single language, rather than dealing with the same problem multiple times.

Important to Automate GUI test – Automation testing software is extremely useful for testing GUI components in any language and this significantly reduces the cost of GUI testing while elevating the efficiency of localization. As experts we recommend the use of contemporary cloud-based automation testing tools since they are scalable and well-suited for agile projects, eliminating the need for a full-fledged in-house IT infrastructure for a business.

Combine Recurring Elements – Elements/components such as next or back buttons should be part of the page template such that localization is a one-time activity for these elements. This cuts down on turnaround time while reducing effort on desktop publishing since the elements would function properly across the module in several languages.

Managing Audio Considerations – Localization would be incomplete without taking into account both text and lip-synch VO and developing a complete and meticulous pronunciation guide with the translation terminology. It is necessary to make a final assessment, smoothen out changes and ensure that the voice-over script is adjusted as per the language before the final approval and recording. As experts, we highly recommend this process since we know it saves costs and time-consuming retakes.

Partnering with an Experienced Partner – Despite all the tips provided, there are no absolutes, and issues are bound to crop up. As an experienced and expert partner, we will manage every part and step of the project, taking out the guesswork of the critical localization projects. In addition, our team will provide guidance on how to elevate organizational workflow and help your business to manage cultural issues such that the brand image and goals of your business remain at the fore.

In Conclusion

When e-learning was fairly new, creating top-quality content alone was an onerous, manual, and lengthy process, and hence localization was an insurmountable task. However, now with automation, tools, and several strategies localization of e-learning is a lot simpler. We at Codoid are your go-to partner to ensure that you reach the global audience without ‘any loss in translation’. Connect with us to stay ahead of the crowd.