10 Localization Tips for e-Learning

Page Localization Tips for e-Learning Hello. Buenos Dias. Ciao. Konichiwa. Zdravstvuite. Annyong ha shimnikka. Ni hao. Al Salaam a' alaykum. There are as many ways to say "hello" as there are different languages. When localizing your e-learning content, it is vital to consider a variety of elements that frequently fall outside the normal scope of an “English only” project. For example, what if you have chosen the wrong words to express what you mean to say? Or, what if there is not enough space to display it? And, what if your images are inappropriate for the other culture? Will your message get across as effectively? Chances are it won't. The key is to invest the extra time and money upfront to globalize and internationalize your training programs. Data suggests that each bug or defect found at the end of a localization QA cycle can cost upwards of 10 times what it would have cost to fix it up front. That’s why we’ve put together the following 10 best practices to help you with this process.

Page Localization Tips for e-Learning 1. Internationalize. Internationalization is the process of neutralizing the English content from the actual e-learning application framework or source files. Build in support for multiple locales from the start: use suitable fonts, design screens for text expansion and text direction, allow users to type in their alphabet, and ensure sorting and number formats are correct for the audience. Using vector objects is one way to easily scale-to-size images to meet the new lengths of localized texts. 2. Design for culture and globalization. Your audience wants to see images, colors and branding that match their culture and beliefs. So get to know your target market and be prepared to adapt to it. If your images and branding are not customized, success of the e-learning project is at risk. Avoid graphics or icons that have specific definitions to the source language, market or culture. For example, your Middle Eastern audience will probably not want to see prices in dollars, recognize an American mailbox icon, or appreciate photos of people that don’t look like them.

Page Localization Tips for e-Learning 3. Write content for 6-8 th grade reading. Write the source content at a 6-8 th grade level, and create translation-friendly content. Examples of translation- friendly content include using bulleted lists versus lengthy sentences and paragraphs, avoiding slang and idiomatic expressions, and breaking up lengthy noun phrases. 4. Customize for the region. In addition to writing relevant content for each locale, sometimes you need to employ other training methods for your audience. Ensure you know the preferred communication method of your audience and adapt to it. For example, Japanese people often prefer instructor-led courses. While this may be a complicated preference to accommodate for global companies that are committed to using e-learning, one option is to include a virtual instructor.

Page Localization Tips for e-Learning 5. Get regional buy-in. Designing a project plan that includes input and review from your in-country stakeholders typically results in a smoother roll- out and better learning for your workforce. Although the collaboration points might add time to the schedule, the process will prevent re-work and save you money in the end. To streamline collaboration, you should define parameters for each milestone including the following: project plan definition, unique training objectives, confirming learning approach, storyboard and scenario reviews, content development and graphic design. 6. To speak or not to speak. Voice overs can be expensive, particularly when using multiple characters, and some audiences don’t even like it. Additionally, localized audio files can become as much as 50% larger than source English files. This consumes bandwidth and lengthens the time the learner is participating in the training, which may not be desirable. You may be able to replace some audio with animations or interactivity, which can be more economical and impactful to your audience.

Page Localization Tips for e-Learning 7. Centralize coordination and budget. Coordinating e-learning internationalization and localization from a central location provides consistency across projects and saves money by supporting efficiencies. 8. Define functional specifications before the work starts. Consider the Internet bandwidth and the location of your audience. Where and how will the e-learning be viewed? Someone's home or work computer? Does it have a sound card? DSL or dial-up? Audio and video consume large amounts of bandwidth; performance may be poor in some areas of the world. Assess the impact and opportunity of available infrastructure before project initiation to ensure the build is completed appropriately.

Page Localization Tips for e-Learning 9. Use Translation Memory. Translation Memory is a software program that stores segments of translated text in order to aid human translators, so the same sentence never needs to be translated, or paid for, twice. Because the database builds up over time, it provides consistency for future translations and provides cost savings for future editions. 10. Reporting. Determine what type of reporting needs your business has and how reporting will be used in other countries. There are a minimum of two reporting decisions to be made: one, how many learners completed the course and how well they did on knowledge checks; two, feedback and questions about the course. Define what will be reported, frequency of reporting and how it will be captured by your LMS.

Summary These tips are certainly not the only factors to consider when localizing your e-learning programs. However, they are important when assessing the cost, schedule and consumption goals of your courseware. Taking care on these issues up-front will give your project a higher possibility of success. Your audience will appreciate it and benefit from the effort. Page 8 Copyright © 2014, All rights reserved. 10 Localization Tips for e-Learning About VIA To learn more about our e-learning programs and how VIA can help your organization reach your global workforce, contact us at or visit us online at