Having designed and developed sales and marketing digital academies before Covid, the majority of which were in English, we have been extending the reach of some programmes by translating them into multiple languages.

The benefits to any global organisation and employees are well documented by research and LMS providers, but as a content design agency, we thought we would share some of our own insights.

A Local World

Any type of content, whether marketing or employee-based, functions best when you think and feel local. Why should a social post or a training module be any different?

One language rarely works and successful global organisations recognise this fact, given that they are familiar with different cultures, social norms, working practices and most importantly of all - communication preferences. Technological advances in recent years help to minimise costs because you can easily localise learning objects such as using subtitles for video films or using Articulate Storyline to separate text from graphics or animation sequences.  

So, stay away from using screen grabs or other images with text where the language cannot be translated. Any reference material, i.e. white papers or worksheets outside of Storyline, should also be created in multiple languages.

Focus Friendly

Learning anything new is challenging, especially when it is not your main language! Whenever we design online training we endeavour to remove any potential distractions for the learner to ensure the experience is smooth and simple to complete. We want them to focus on the learning, which means our focus is a localised programme that should consider the language, culture, workplace and devices available to access the learning.  

When this is done, it will improve the learner skills effectively, increase the desire to learn more, aid creative thinking, generate improved working consistency, and facilitate better informed decisions.

Testing Times

Test, Test and Test again is even more critical when translating learning content. The performance of e-learning programmes can differ from one country to another due to a variety of reasons – different devices, mobile connectivity, LMS functionality, familiarity of digital learning and cultural assumptions. We suggest you invite new users in for a fresh perspective and invite them to complete the programme with a new mindset using a variety of different devices.

It is a huge opportunity for TAP with a strong knowledge of different LMS platforms, digital content and publishing software to advise clients on how best to develop multi-lingual e-learning hubs.

If you are planning to localise more e-learning content and you’re developing a business case, we’ve outlined some of the key benefits to your employees and organisation here...

Benefit Summary

1. Reduces learning time because the learner understands the content better

2. With the help of new technology, the cost of translating programmes is 70% cheaper

3. Learners are more likely to complete the programme and adopt the new skills, ensuring stronger compliance

4. Supports the global benefit message, whilst being sensitive to local needs

5. Assessment / testing is more accurate

6. Ensures training / learning consistency for everyone

7. Finally, it reduces the organisation’s environmental impact