Local to Global: How We Can Transform Your E-learning Course

By Rachel Lambert for Atlas Translations

At Atlas Translations, we believe that we’re more than just a translation company. We’re firm believers that language shouldn’t be a barrier to learning. Our expertise in translating e-learning courses is a cornerstone of this belief. We’re here to show you how we can transform your e-learning course from local to global, regardless of language or geography.

So, how do we navigate this complex linguistic landscape? And why is the work that we do so vital to the future of global learning?

Key Factors in E-Learning Translation

Here’s a (sort of) fun scenario: You’re a part of the Learning and Development (L&D) team at a large global organization. You’ve been tasked with making sure that employees complete an e-learning course as part of company compliance. The employees are located all around the world, speaking many different languages. These team members all need to access and understand the e-learning course in their own native language.

After the sweat has dried and the initial panic has worn off, you set about finding a translation agency with proven experience in e-learning translations. Obviously, you’ve heard of Atlas Translations (haven’t you?), but now you need to know how Atlas Translations can meet your needs.

Accuracy in Translation

For us, accuracy is the linchpin of translation, and each of our translators follows that creed. Every term, every phrase, is carefully converted to maintain the course’s original integrity and value. This ensures that learners, regardless of their native language, will get an education that is both authentic and comprehensive.

We pay close attention to the nuances of technical terminology. This ensures that learners will be able to grasp complex concepts in their language. This level of precision helps to bridge educational gaps and create a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Cultural Sensitivity

Our approach to your translation project is also deeply rooted in cultural sensitivity. We’re not just here to translate some words and send you on your way. We’re cultural ambassadors, and we care about the content that your e-learning course covers. Our project managers and translators adapt their processes specifically to resonate with your learners’ values, beliefs, and customs. This sensitivity ensures that your courses are not just understood but also embraced by diverse audiences.

Tailoring examples and scenarios to fit cultural contexts is a critical part of our process. It’s about making learners feel seen and understood, ensuring that the educational material is not just accessible but also relatable.

Technical Compatibility

Our commitment to a successful e-learning course translation extends to the technical realm. We tackle the challenges of multimedia content, interactive quizzes, and dynamic presentations. This means you get a fully functioning, flawless experience every time in every translated version.

Consistency in terms and phrases is crucial to avoid confusion and maintain professional integrity. At the same time, source and target languages must be natively understood to preserve the learner user experience.

Benefits of Translating E-Learning Courses

Expanded Reach

Our e-learning course translation services are key for you to unlock new markets and opportunities. By making your courses available in multiple languages, we’re not just expanding their reach; we’re amplifying their impact. This means that you get to connect with learners across the globe who are eager for knowledge.

Increased Accessibility

When done correctly, expansion isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Education, scholastic or professional, is a powerful tool for growth. By increasing accessibility to it, we’re helping you to empower individuals and communities worldwide.

By providing that access in a learner’s native language, we’re doing our part to help you build bridges to new opportunities. Enabling people to reach their full potential in a globalised world? Yeah, we’re 100% onboard with those kinds of things.

Enhanced Learning Experience

There’s a definite difference between learning in a second language and learning in your native tongue. Our translations ensure that learners engage with content that speaks directly to them. This enhances comprehension, retention, and, ultimately, the success of the learning experience.

This enhanced learning experience leads to higher completion rates and better outcomes. This proves that when education is accessible and engaging, learners thrive. It’s a testament to the power of learning in your own language.

Challenges in E-Learning Translation

The path to effective e-learning translation has its challenges, but with Atlas Translations in your corner, you’ll be learning with honours in no time.

Linguistic Challenges

Language is complex, possibly the understatement of the year. Filled with nuances and subtleties, it can make or break a learning experience. Our team of native translators are not only experts in their languages but also in the subject matter involved. This ensures every translation is accurate, engaging, and effective.

This understanding allows us to communicate the original content in a way that is culturally and contextually relevant to the learner.

Technical Issues

The digital nature of e-learning presents you with unique technical challenges. From ensuring platform compatibility to maintaining the integrity of interactive elements. Our team will work tirelessly alongside you to address these challenges, leveraging our expertise for a smooth, accessible learning experience for all.

Maintaining Consistency

Consistency is the lesser-known element that is key to a cohesive learning experience. We use comprehensive glossaries and detailed style guides hand-in-hand with our native translators and with you.

We do this to make sure terminology, style, and tone remain consistent across all course materials, providing your learners with a seamless educational journey.

This attention to detail allows your learners to focus on course content, not course confusion.

Legal and Compliance Issues

Legal requirements and standards in each of the countries where the e-learning will occur must be considered. This includes privacy laws, data protection, and accessibility standards.

Atlas Translations will work with your team to make sure all boxes are ticked, and no loophole goes unnoticed.

Best Practices for Successful E-Learning Translation Projects

At Atlas Translations, we’ve worked hard to perfect our approach to ensure the success of every e-learning translation project:

• Understanding the target audience’s linguistic and cultural background
  • Guiding our translation process
  • More than content translation
  • Adapting to meet the needs and expectations of learners
• Having an audience-centric approach
  • Create a connection with the learner
  • Make each course feel like it was designed just for them
• Remembering that e-learning course translation is a team effort
  • The best translators, localisation experts, and project managers
  • Each holding a deep understanding of e-learning and its benefits
• Receive and incorporate feedback
  • Get input from your native language translators
  • Look at e-learning course translation as an iterative process
  • Push boundaries to achieve the best outcome for the learner

Conclusion

Earlier in this post, we asked why is the work that we do so vital to the future of global learning. At Atlas Translations, we’re not just translating e-learning courses; we’re doing our part to transform online global education.

Our dedication to accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and technical compatibility is about providing a service to you and your company. We’re proud to be a part of the mission to make e-learning accessible to all.

Moving Forward with Atlas Translations

Atlas Translations has been delivering top-notch translation services for over thirty years.

From certified translation to interpreting services, we have the experience and know-how to produce quality work, whatever the context.

Are you looking to take the next step on your translation journey? Our top-of-line team is always on hand to help.

Give us a call at +44 (0)1727 812 725 or send us an email at [email protected] to find out more today.