Thanks to the latest technology, your workforce can be completely globalized. This means that your team could be distributed across the world.
If that’s the case then a “one-size fits all” approach is no longer the right strategy. Instead, you need to make sure that your learning module is suited to individuals who have different languages and cultures.
As such, it is key that you localize your training content from a linguistic, cultural and technical perspective, suited for each and every market.
This doesn’t mean that you won’t face challenges. Indeed, the vast majority of HR and L&D teams face the exact same issues when localizing their e-learning modules.
This includes:
- Inconsistent user experience
- Technical hiccups in SCORM or xAPI packages
- Missing local voice‑overs or captions
- Incompatibility with local LMS setups.
In this article we will explore these key pain points and provide a step-by-step strategy for your L&D teams, taking you from storyboard to deployment.
This will provide you with details on:
- How to handle SCORM e‑learning module translation
- Online course localization
- Multilingual e‑learning voice‑over
- Subtitles
- LMS compatibility
Why localize your e‑learning modules?
There are numerous reasons why localizing e-learning modules will benefit your business.
First, it provides an opportunity for higher learning, engagement and comprehension. Any learner is more likely to find e-learning engaging if it is available in their native language with examples that are culturally relevant. You need to make sure that you avoid poorly translated “english-first” content because this leads to both confusion and a drop-off.
Localization can also guarantee a broad level of accessibility and reach. It opens your training in areas where English proficiency is lower.
It also provides an environment of inclusion by demonstrating respect for a learners’ native language.
This also guarantees that messaging is consistent across every region, regardless of where your team members are located.
By avoiding confusion, you can also guarantee that there is an increased chance of total compliance and a reduced legal risk. This is often essential when training team members in highly regulated industries.
Lastly, when handled the right way, localization enables you to repeatedly use updated content across languages and reduces need for additional work in the future.
Key steps in the localization process
Here’s a step-by-step guide for your L&D team that will mean that you can localize your e-learning modules.
1. Translate the storyboard
The first step is to translate the storyboard. This starts with extracting all the source text which will provide you with a clean version required for your storyboard.
You also need to make sure that you are using a translation memory/glossary which will guarantee consistency in terminology across modules and languages.
It is important to make sure that you are reviewing your cultural adaptation early on. Mark down any culturally specific names, gendered language and region specific references.
Furthermore, you need to approve the localized script and deliver translators the drafts to share with both SMEs as well as any local reviewers.
2. Extract source files
At this stage, you need to make sure that you are taking out every element that is going to be localized. This includes:
- Text / XML / JSON / XLIFF files
- Quizzes / interactions (questions, feedback text)
- Multimedia: ECMA‑script, video (MP4, MOV, etc.), audio, interactive overlays
- UI elements (buttons, labels, navigation)
- Meta files (e.g. imsmanifest, SCORM wrapper)
By taking care of all these elements you can guarantee that nothing is missed and that localized versions are rebuilt correctly with all the key elements included.
3. Linguistic & cultural adaptation
Next, you should make sure that you translate and adapt all the visuals including images, icons, and color connotations that may differ across cultures.
You should also adjust the layout and design to ensure that it matches with the languages or check if you need to expand the layout. For instance, German words are often significantly longer. It’s crucial that you don’t overflow the UI.
Make sure that you also localize the tone and units for the specific region where your team is.
4. Multilingual Voice‑Over or Subtitles
The next step is to make sure that you decide on audio versus subtitles. While some markets will benefit from subtitles, for others a full voice-over is going to be necessary. As such, it’s important to make sure that you conduct your research.
Do make sure that you are syncing the timing and lip-syncing, particularly for any video segments.
You also need to make sure that you are recording voice-overs and you might want to consider using native talent. You do need to make sure that you maintain consistent quality, regardless of who you choose for your voiceovers.
Another point to take care of is embedding subtitles which are synchronized and time-coded for your specific video.
Finally, also make sure that you are including a text transcript to ensure full accessibility.
5. Reintegration, QA testing & LMS deployment
You need to make sure that you are reintegrating localized assets. You should insert the translated text, replace the media and update manifest files, ensuring interactive logic is fully preserved.
You also need to make sure that you are repackaging into SCORM / xAPI to guarantee that each localized version is identical, aside from the different languages.
Technical QA functionality is key including:
- Test navigation, branching flows
- Test quizzes, feedback, scoring
- Validate audio/subtitle sync
- Check tracking & reporting
Furthermore, you need to make sure that your native reviewers are running through the module from end-to-end to check for any discrepancies within the modules.
Localization success checklist
Here’s a checklist to make sure that you can check that every project is ready to go for your specific audience:
- Are all source files available?
- Is the format SCORM or xAPI compatible with your LMS?
- Have you defined your voice-over or subtitle requirements?
- Is text expansion accounted for?
- Have the localized modules been fully QAed for your UX?
- Have tracking and reporting been validated?
- Have you tested your LMS in each locale?
- Is there a plan for future updates?
Ensuring LMS compatibility
It is important to understand that localisation is not just about the translation. You also need to make sure that the technical elements fully align with the LMS.
SCORM 1.2 and its limitations
SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) is the traditional standard for packaging e‑learning modules. SCORM 1.2 is the most widely supported version. It handles basic tracking but it does have limitations.
For instance the data storage for “suspend_data” is limited which will mean longer modules and some variables may overflow.
Tracking granularity is also minimal which means that you won’t be able to easily track fine-grained interactions.
That said, despite the limitations it’s still viewed as the standard because almost all LMSs accept it.
xAPI
xAPI is a more modern standard that enables richer and more flexible tracking of learning activities. It’s often used together with or instead of SCORM.
This system provides several advantages and ensures that you can track more than just the completion. Learning also doesn’t have to happen within the LMS because xAPI is able to record activity from different external systems.
Data is also stored in a learning record store which can be part of the LMS or an entirely separate component.
That said, it is important to note that not all LMSs support full xAPI. Furthermore, implementation requires correct configuration of the xAPI. You will also need to make sure that data flows, statement structure, and LRS integration are correct.
Common issues & concerns
Here are some mistakes to consciously avoid:
- First, you need to make sure that you avoid translating on the fly or directly into a SCORM. Editing text within a SCORM packaging will often break the manifest links as well as the quick logic.
- You also need to avoid ignoring text expansion or overflow. If your translated strings overflow UI boxes you could see text that is truncated or overlapping elements.
- Another issue to be aware of is subtitles or voice-overs that don’t sync correctly. An issue like this can cause learners to lose trust as well as comprehension.
- You also need to make sure that you avoid larger file sizes in SCORM 1.2. If the package size is too large, some LMSs may reject the upload and eventually cause performance issues.
Final thoughts
Localization of e-learning modules goes beyond getting the right translation. You need to make sure that you are planning a coordinated process that includes considerations to the linguistic, cultural and technical integration.
If you set this up correctly, you can make sure that your e-learning modules are compatible, consistent and easily adaptable over time as your business continues to grow.
Are you looking to explore multilingual e-learning modules across regions that will provide the right benefits with your team members?
If so, contact our team of localization and LMS experts.
We can support SCORM e‑learning module translation, online course localization and more.
