This is the slide deck from our eLearning localization presentation at ATD.

1. How to Create Localization
Friendly E-Learning Programs
W103

2. • Projects recreated specifically for target
market – unique visuals, unique script,
unique objectives.
So what do companies do when considering global learning?
• Projects customized for target market – some
graphical, scenario and script changes, minor
objective “tweaking”.
• Projects opt for Cultural Neutrality –
common global script and visuals, just
translated.
5%
30%
65%

3. Global eLearning Magic Triangle
Engagement
Frequency
of Learning
Cost
Level of

4. Words that drive
GLOBAL ENGAMENT

5. Germans
Scandinavians
Anglo-Americans
English
French
Italians/Spanish
Latin Americans
Arabs
Japanese
Content
(sharedvs.transmittedinformation)
High
Low
Swiss
Communication StyleExplicit, direct,
written
Indirect,
symbolical
Global eLearning & cultural relevance
Know and involve your audience to increase relevancy
Engagement
Global
High

6. Adapting a course for every country and
cultural nuance is rarely feasible. However, you
can design training from the start with
multilingual and multicultural audiences in
mind, staying reasonably neutral, while
maintaining training effectiveness.
The Big Picture
Plan early for effective global training
Engagement
Global

7. Understanding Global Learning Impact
Intel Example
“Inside” – how does the linguist know
it’s a $100m marketing investment?
Anti Theft Technology – How does the
linguist know which product names
don’t get translated?
Technically right doesn’t cut it –
• “Get up in as little as 3 seconds”
• “Activated within 3 seconds”
• “Wake {from bed} up very quickly”

8. Create process & structures that support global engagement
• Document context of intent
and objectives
• Consider the relationship
between words and visuals
• Store and manage source
files
Global
Engagement

9. • Regional
Objectives and
Approach
• Regional Voice
• Regional
Success
Metrics
• Tech Specs by
region
Elements of A Global Learning Design Doc

10. • Global Schedule
• Visual style
• Language Handling
(numbers, dates
etc.)
• Regional theming
• Pre-flight checklist
Global
Engagement
Elements of A Global Learning Design Doc

11. Global
Engagement
In-Country Collaboration
• A virtual team kickoff that
establishes clear roles and
responsibilities.
• A process for facilitating input
• A process for obtaining fast
review and approval of
deliverables
Collaboration and buy-in from local markets are critical to
effective learning and performance, but they can be challenging
to get.

12. Anti-Corruption Training
Walmart Example
Global
Engagement

13. Global Compliance eLearning
Intel Example
Global
Engagement

14. Global Sales Enablement
Autodesk Example - Localized
Global
Engagement

15. Global Anti-Bribery
Trace Example - Localized
Global
Engagement

16. • Identify a responsible in country learner
• Review English source and gather feedback
• Create a Global Design Doc
• Create Global Learning Pre Flight-Checklist
Global
Engagement
Global Engagement

17. Global eLearning Magic Triangle
Engagement
Frequency
of Learning
Cost
Level of

18. Global
Engagement
Translating and Localizing
Tips for smart design and delivery
• Identify region-specific localization content.
• Design for text expansion/contraction by providing ample
space in graphical elements, columns, frames, and text
input fields.
• Minimize video, and use animations instead where
possible.
• Minimize the number of characters in a script.
• Neutralize or culturally adapt ethnocentric graphics,
icons, photos, and colors.
• Don’t limit font size.
• Design with the target market and technical
infrastructure in mind.

19. • Keep code as streamlined as
possible by defining and using
consistent file structures and
tags.
• Use due diligence with
concatenation, or building
sentences from text strings.
• Define the font properties for
each language in one central
settings file.
• Use comments in code to
provide context for
translators.
Optimizing your course materials for translation.
Global
Engagement

20. “Continue Button” Example
Asset Control: The Value of Source
Layered Source Image: $6
No Layered Source Image: $35
Cost

21. • Re do 1200 layered Images :
$1850
Work in 3DMax to recreate
animation in Russian: $65
Asset Control: The Value of Experience
Animation Example
Cost

22. Well designed global courses cost 30% less to produce and
take 50% less time to complete.
*Data pulled from over 500 global eLearning projects
seen by more than 100 million people completed by VIA
Cost

23. Templates provide:
• Consistent Learning Hierarchy
• Consistent Visual Themes
• Adult Learning Theory Drive Objective
Models
• Simplified Cost effective Localization
enablement
Effective VOD Templates Control Global Production
Costs
Cost
First 15min QLM Video - $12k
Each Additional QLM Video - $6k
Loc costs for 15 min video $1.5k

24. Localizing an additional 1 min audio script per production
into 10 languages costs $300 of translation costs.
Localizing the same 1 min post audio production costs
$5000 in engineering, QA and translation costs across the
10 languages.
*Data pulled from over 500 global eLearning projects
seen by more than 100 million people completed by VIA
Cost

25. • Enforce Global Learning Asset Management for source
and application efficiency.
• Set change and review milestones to reduce cost impact
• Create Global Content Templates
Cost

26. Global eLearning Magic Triangle
Engagement
Frequency
of Learning
Cost
Level of

27. • Distance is not just physical;
consider cultural and Language
levels too.
• The more distant the learner the
more frequent the learning
contact that will be needed.
Consider distance to global learner
Frequency
Of Learning

28. The Long Tail of Learning
Frequency
Of Learning

29. The Long Tail of Learning
Pre-course
Foundation
modules
Concept
Building
Modules
Application
modules
Spacing
Events
Split budget and approach across multiple phased learner interactions
Frequency
Of Learning

30. • Map effort to distance – greater distance will need
greater contact
• Focus on Shorter Modular content stretched over a
longer engagement
• Incorporate and adapt to the learners feedback
Frequency
Of Learning
Frequency
of Learning

31. Global eLearning Magic Triangle
Engagement
Frequency
of Learning
Cost
Level of

33. Additional Resources
Get our Localization Friendly eLearning Content Checklist:
http://www.viadelivers.com/elearning-localization-checklist.php
Download The Guide to Effective Global Training:
http://www.viadelivers.com/learning-going-global-with-elearning-
brief.php
Read 10 Localization Tips for eLearning:
http://www.viadelivers.com/learning-10-localization-tips-for-
elearning-brief.php

34. Questions?
Email us at:
info@viadelivers.com
Follow us at:
@viadelivers
Visit us at:
www.viadelivers.com