Top Reasons for Localization of E-Learning

It has been widely recognized that geo-targeting of content enhances its utility by multiple times. This is not limited only to offer translated content as per the geographical location of the target audience. This involves much more- like the concept of e-learning localization.

What does it mean?

E-learning localization refers to the adaptation of content as per a specific location and its culture. It helps to-

• Get rid of cultural differences
• Enhance retention and boost acquisition of knowledge

For effective use of this process to prioritize E-learning Localization:

• The need for localization must be identified in the early stages of e-learning development.
• The target audience must be determined.
• Content must be made location friendly.
• There must be a focus on localizing the total design of content.

Thus, E-learning localization services are different from mere translation. Though it does include changing content into a new language as in translation, it also involves adapting courses for suiting the target culture. Thus, it includes adapting:

• Symbols, photos, and images.
• GUI (Graphical User Interface).
• The tone of audio narration.
• Abbreviations and Idioms.
• Units of currency, dates, and measurement.
• Fonts

Benefits:

Localization of content comes with multiple uses and benefits. Here are some of them:

• Enhances engagement:  You cannot expect foreign customers to engage with materials that are not presented in their native language. When you localize e-learning content for international employees and marketing content for customers, this implies that they find it better to engage with training materials, products, and services offered to them.

• Inclusivity: Being left-out is an unpleasant feeling. Additionally, all businesses desire to appeal to the maximum number of clients. Through the localization of material for e-learning, you can gain access to the best of talent from speakers of foreign languages and customers belonging to other cultures.
• Making formal goals of learning: The goal of developing e-learning materials is to streamline the process of training. But, if you don’t have localized education for some employees, they may not receive adequate training compared to other staff. After proper translation and localization of training material, you can be sure that all employees in all locations are getting the same training. 

• Elimination of cultural differences: The same objects, colours, and symbols may have varying meanings in different cultures. While purple is a symbol of mourning in Brazil, white is the same in France. Red is a sacred colour in India while linked to death in Africa. Green is linked to national freedom in Mexico while frowned upon in Indonesia. Even practices for greeting may be different: handshakes in the US while it may be bowing to each other in Japan. Thus, localization implies designing content as per local culture, whether in terms of colour, font, or images used. This helps in melting cultural differences and makes content more relevant and effective across geographical and cultural boundaries.

Thus, it must be kept in mind that localizing of e-learning content is not simply about translating content language but also tweaking and customizing total design and GUI, including choice of colours and fonts. There is, of course, a strong link between translation and localization services, but the latter is much more comprehensive.