I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that we live during a time of uncertainty. With a worldwide pandemic on our hands, we don’t know what the future holds. But I think it’s safe to assume that remote learning isn’t going anywhere soon. That’s why the eLearning industry has such great importance to the future of education and training. We as members of the learning and development field should be looking into how we can make eLearning better for all.
Remote eLearning allows people to overcome obstacles such as geographic boundaries, cost of hosting in-person events, and social distancing. People can learn within the safety of their own home or office. But what else does eLearning have to offer?
What it Means to Localize
Now, more than ever is the time to localize eLearning materials. When I use the term localize, I mean easily comprehensible and accessible to people of all cultures and backgrounds. Making eLearning materials transcribable in other languages so they can be used on a global level.
Every nation is creating content in their own language, but typically not thinking about the hundreds of other languages out there. As just mentioned, remote learning has managed to cut down costs and geographic barriers already. So, why not look to tearing down language barriers, as well?
How Can I Localize in eLearning?
Being able to reach out to clients and potential customers from different countries and cultures will help you to expand your business. It will also create a level of trust and value that will provide your brand with an impressive reputation. Here are some ways you can make your content more accessible to your learners.
Translating Text
The first thought that comes to mind is to offer your content in various languages. You don’t have to make every language available, but selecting some of the most widely used languages would help expand your audience. This can be best done by using reliable translation software that will convert your content to the other languages you desire.
Subtitles and Captions
When using video and images you’ll want to insert subtitles or captions. For example, if you’re showing a documentary that is interviewing a historian that speaks a foreign language, then you can use subtitles. That particular historian most likely doesn’t speak every language, and that’s where subtitles can come in very handy.
As for images, you include captions that are translated to the local language. Often imagery, charts, diagrams, photos, etc. are forgotten about in the translation process. But, adding a caption can fix that with little effort.
Audio Content Production
This can be a bit more costly, but if you have the budget and access to individuals who speak the local language, then have them translate the content verbally. It’s not uncommon for content to be accompanied by audio that reads the text aloud. By offering the audio in various languages, you can assist your learners in comprehending their materials better.
The purpose behind eLearning is to educate others in new content and close knowledge gaps. Well, people learn best when the materials are in their native language. So, this concept of localization must be pursued and put into practice. Especially during a time like we are living in now. Providing educational opportunities should be a top priority and not be forgotten no matter what crisis we face.
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