eLearning Localization: In-Depth Tutorial

eLearning is one of the fastest-growing segments of the educational market. Want a piece of that pie? Why not make it even bigger with eLearning localization?

What is eLearning localization?

eLearning localization is the adaptation of eLearning content to suit the linguistic, cultural, and educational preferences of specific target audiences. Localization starts with translation and extends to the adjustment of images, video, audio, and UI elements, allowing learners to understand and retain the material.

Is worth it? Absolutely! Do it right and reap the following benefits of eLearning localization:

• enhanced engagement
• higher comprehension
• inclusive learning environment
• competitive advantage
• increased global reach

eLearning content requiring localization

Educational content requiring localization varies based on the language pair and might not carry over from one eLearning platform to another. However, by localizing most of the elements below, you can provide a great user experience for your international students.

Course title and description

These are pretty similar to your meta title and meta description, but instead of Google, they are displayed on your website or eLearning platform.

Downloadable resources

Localize lecture notes, presentations, handouts, study guides, and other downloadable resources.

Video and audio

Many international learners would hit the back button if your video and audio materials aren’t localized. To gain a wider audience, localize all multimedia content.

Pro tip: To make your content suitable for international learners, localize images, numbers, currencies, and formats.

Subtitles

Subtitles aid learners with hearing impairments. They can also serve as a cost-effective alternative to video localization. However, if your budget permits, localize both videos and subtitles to create an enhanced user experience.

Tests and quizzes

To create a level playing field for international students, translate tests and quizzes.

Certificate of completion

If you offer a certificate of completion, localize it so your international students can share it with their potential employers.

How to localize eLearning course materials

Copy-paste your eLearning course into Google Translate and hit Enter—poof, you have created error-ridden materials hardly suitable for effective learning.

To properly translate eLearning materials, use a localization management platform, like Centus. With Centus, you can generate automated translations, arrange their professional review, and run QA—all in a single browser tab. It goes like this:

1. Sign up to Centus
2. In the Project dashboard, click New project

3. Enter project name

4. Select Ad hoc documents as your project type

5. Select base languages

6. Click Create project

Now you have a localization project where you can orchestrate the localization of your eLearning course, assign editors for review, and monitor the project progress.

Let’s start by adding your educational materials.

1. In the Centus dashboard, open your project
2. Go to the Imports section and click Select a file

3. Add HTML, DOCX, PPTX, PDF or other files for translation
4. Click Upload a file

Now to the fun part: eLearning content translation.

You can try your hand at it using built-in machine translation tools: Google Translate, DeepL, or Microsoft Translate. For the best quality though, nothing beats a professional translator. Here’s how to add them to your project:

1. In the Contributors section, click Add people
2. Enter the translator’s name, email, and other details
3. Choose the translator’s role from the dropdown menu

That’s it. Your translator can now localize the eLearning materials leaving comments for you or project editors. To improve the quality of their translations, you can provide them with handy screenshots:

1. In the References section, click Upload reference
2. Write a description

3. Click Upload reference

When translations are ready, assign them to an editor for extra polish. And when they are done, export the project in a preferred file format.

As you can see, with the right tool at hand, eLearning localization isn’t that complicated.

Parting thoughts

Congratulations! Now you know how to translate eLearning materials to share your knowledge with the world.

To avoid localization faux pas, make sure to check our guides to UI/UX localization and social media localization.