Developing an e-Learning course for localization
                     Developing an e-Learning 
Course for Localization
By: DTPLABS.COM
Why MNC outsource e-Learning 
course development
MNC’s have offices in multiple countries, and rely on 
localized e-Learning content to maintain the company’s 
missions and values, regardless of which part of the 
world their stakeholders are on. It is time-consuming to 
develop a course with the intention of localizing it for 
various locales. As the probability of the content being 
‘lost in translation’ is high, it is crucial that the 
development of the e-Learning course is done keeping 
localization in view. Here are some significant focuses 
for structuring an eLearning for better localization:
Plan Ahead
This is the most fundamental point for considering localization as getting ready can 
save you from costly and extended efforts that can be avoided. While you may 
choose to develop the course in your local language, with relevant pictures and case 
studies, keep in mind how they will appear when localized. Attempt to make a 
course that isn't focused on one specific locale, or where this appears to be proper, 
rather take into consideration it’s adaptability into a different languages. Remember 
that particular pictures or recordings with inserted content may not be anything but 
difficult to change later!
Make use of Professional Translators
Language plays such a huge role in conveying specific meanings, and when it comes 
to lessons, there should be no cutting corners if you want to see operative results. It 
may seem like a wise idea to cut costs by making use of multilingual personnel or 
online translating tools, but the art of translation is a profession for a reason; to 
ensure the exact same meaning can be understood in multiple languages. One don’t 
want to leave your learner confused or confused by linguistic mistakes.
Design Space for Different Languages
Translating separately, one of the most difficult tasks falls into the hands of the 
e-learning Expert, as they need to take into account appropriate color schemes, fonts, 
text size and interface. Additionally, areas allocated for text may need modifying 
depending on the language used. For instance, Chinese and Korean characters using the 
same font size as English characters are narrower in nature, using less screen space. Yet, 
French, Portuguese, German and Italian translations may take up much more screen 
space due to word length. Effort to find a happy medium, or allow for easy change that 
doesn’t impact neighboring elements.
Finalise in One Language Before Localizing
It may be attractive to plan so far ahead that you try to cover all languages at the 
time of finalising course development, however this can potentially turn out to be a 
nightmare! Imagine your SME informing you of an error that then needs to be 
rewritten in 5 different languages, or a problem that has now been copied over to 
several different courses. Flawless one course in a chosen language before localizing 
in others.
Bottom Line
Once you’ve achieved an effective and appealing eLearning experience for your 
brand, the benefits of localization can help your course reach a wide-ranging of 
audience, build and maintain reliable results for your client, and strengthen the 
company as a single global unit.