Developing an eLearning program for a globally distributed workforce presents several unique challenges. For it to be effective and cost efficient, you’re going to need to do more than just find a good translator (or a good eLearning provider).
By following a few simple best practices you can easily sidestep the usual mistakes and avoid the common pitfalls that lead to high costs for global eLearning. The key is to consider localizing for design and delivery upfront, allowing you to maximize cultural adaption and increase roll-out speed in a way that can be replicated across any locale.
Nate-Remember to frequently mention to guests to send questions through chat function.
Nate
Nic (next slide is a POLL)Do they learn well enough in English to assimilate policy, grasp new processes and change behavior and performance? Localization improves retention and performance of your global training initiatives Studies show that learning in one’s second or third language is generally not as effective as learning in one’s first language. As a result, comprehension is reduced and meanings are misinterpreted. The research indicates that even fluent individuals are susceptible to comprehension difficulties, which reduces training effectiveness and global performance. In my experience, if you are not going to translate, consider how well your learners learn in English. Remember, fluency does not mean that someone uses the full breadth of their vocabulary.
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NicDiscussion PointsEach challenge is multiplied by the number of languages involvedThe later the problem is discovered the greater the impactProduction challenges have a much bigger impact than translation only challenges
Nic and Darrenloc & elearning companies pushing and pullingKey issues: Understanding learning objectives – not just translating them Asset control and readiness Applicable content for a global audience Time to market and speedGlobal elearning carries a different perspective – combines cultural and course design concepts. Adapting the course for every country and cultural nuance is rarely feasible. However, one can design web-based training from the start with multilingual and multicultural audiences in mind, staying reasonably neutral yet improving training effectiveness for all. Darren: Localizing to get it across…don’t just translate it. Oregon Dept of Education Example- Nursery Rhyme
Nic - Proliferation of Devices, Global Platform & Multimedia Issues- affect your capability and time when going global with eLearning Balance form and function Prolif of Devices:Technology does not always lend itself to be global friendly. Be intentional when deciding where a learner will consume the course. Will they access it on a mobile device? Will it be played on a computer (desktop or laptop)? Know this to build for the appropriate platform(s).
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Nic - -Asset ControlBalance form and function Multimedia Issues:Design with the target market and technical infrastructure in mind (internet bandwidth, screen resolution, processor speed). As with text, sound can expand as much as 50%, impacting dubbing and lip-syncing times. Voiceovers may not sync with moving mouths.
DarrenA creative agency working on an intel product: : A 3d Max Product: there are various ways to produce a text effect. They built a series of fast moving screens to handle this. “1 word” =X number of screens to translate.
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Nic & DarrenDon’t disentangle learning and language (apTalking Points:InternationalizeLocalizeTranslation Memoryplepie concept)
Niclook out for the language multiplier ($ x Languages) Limit by thinking about internationalization upfront, develop on global platforms
Nicexpecting $$ results from going global. Placeholder content for Nic’sAdjustements.
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Example QA:Q&A: Review Cycle is a big point of pain – when my learning goes out to review to my local markets it is a nightmare…how do I reduce the pain? Vendors assets – if my vendor got rid of my assets what are my options? Global Audience – Apple versus Coca Cola – how much do I invest and what sort of return can I expect when applying a global approach to learning? Corporate Culture – How can I cost effectively address my corporate culture? (formal vs informal)Efficiency – HQ vs CostUpdating-ongoing/maintenanceRapid development- Arabic issue (rapidly create your product and rapidly create your issue)Global content versus local content (some content absolutely needs to be localized) (leaderboards, informal assessments in Europe) – When you say some content does not need to be localized, can you give me some examples? Products aren’t actually available in the market