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2024.04.02

Know-how

Problem Solving! Localization of e-Learning Content for Engineers

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    When planning e-learning training for engineering positions, do you have concerns regarding the translation of content?

    • ・We want to use the latest overseas materials in fields such as machine learning, data science, and AI (artificial intelligence) for learning, but the content is highly specialized, making it difficult for us to translate it clearly into educational materials for engineering positions on our own.
    • ・I have never requested a vendor to translate e-learning content, so I do not know how to make a request.
    • ・There are various formats such as videos and e-learning, but I would like to know how far I can request work beyond translation.
    • ・I would like you to propose the best approach that fits the scale of the e-learning content, development schedule, and translation budget.

    Human Science supports problem-solving through various methods.


    1. Can highly specialized materials be translated?

    Can highly specialized materials be translated?

    1-1. Proposing the optimal workflow according to the translation field

    E-learning content for engineering positions in fields such as machine learning, data science, and AI has a high level of content specialization, and requires knowledge of mathematics and statistics, making the translation difficulty high. In such cases, a workflow that includes a review by an SME (Subject Matter Expert) is appropriate.

    In a standard review, the original text and the translation are compared sentence by sentence to check for accuracy, whereas in an SME review, after conducting a standard review, a subject matter expert (such as an engineer with extensive knowledge and experience in the relevant field) primarily reads only the translation to check for technical discrepancies and ambiguities, ensure that the use of terminology is correct, and verify whether it is commonly accepted within the industry, providing feedback and corrections as needed.

    Please also see the following blog for an overview of the SME review.

    How to handle translations in the latest fields such as machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence)?

    2. First time handling a translation project and feeling anxious

    This is my first time handling a translation project, and I am anxious.

    2-1. Careful support even for your first localization request

    Some of our clients may be engineers who are handling translation projects for the first time. Our company can provide support tailored to your situation and preferences. For example, we can organize and share data so that you can confirm the translation targets before the project starts, and we can manage the schedule according to your desired delivery date.

    By scrutinizing the data of e-learning content and clearly sharing which files are subject to translation, we ensure that even first-time clients can proceed with confidence. Additionally, we will review the content of the e-learning materials and assign suitable resources according to your desired delivery date.

    Our company also creates e-learning materials, so we have knowledge about e-learning material creation tools. Please consult with us first.

    Human Science | e-Learning Material Creation

    3. Can you also handle localization tasks other than translation?

    3-1. Proposing Tools and Workflows Suitable for Subtitle Translation

    When translating videos included in e-learning content, subtitle editing tasks such as transcribing audio and adjusting time codes are also necessary. Our company has implemented a workflow using the subtitle translation tool CaptionHub as an example, allowing us to provide one-stop support for transcription, segmenting (the process of adjusting time codes while dividing the original text into individual subtitles), and translation while watching the video.

    By confirming the chronological relationship on the same screen as the video, we can significantly reduce the time required for adjustments related to character count and time codes, which can become complicated if done in later stages, while considering the character limit for subtitles during the translation process.


    *Image source: https://www.captionhub.com/blog-post/editor-product-release

    3-2. Bulk support for localization of Articulate content using learning creation tools

    The use of Articulate for creating e-learning content is becoming more common. Articulate offers a variety of features such as Rise and Storyline, and various types of files, including images and videos, are used within the courses.

    While it is feature-rich, we often receive inquiries from customers saying, "We have been tasked with localizing e-learning content using Articulate, but we have never used the tool and do not know how to proceed."

    Our company provides comprehensive support for translation projects using Articulate, assisting clients from translation to editing.

    If you are unsure about how to share Articulate content data with us, we will provide support. Additionally, we can handle the localization of various files such as course text, images, videos, and audio, allowing for a one-stop localization of all content using Articulate.

    It is also possible to make changes that are not present in the original text during the process, so please feel free to consult us regarding any specific requests, such as "I would like to change the answer options for the quiz for participants in the Japanese version" or "I would like to delete or replace part of the original content."

    3-3. Compatible with files other than Articulate

    E-learning content for engineering positions may include sample files and exercises in various file formats such as .gift and .md. Unlike Articulate content, we will handle these formats appropriately and translate them while checking the layout.

    4. I want to proceed with the translation according to the schedule and budget

    4-1. Smoothly accommodating large-scale projects and localization alongside development

    E-learning content for engineering positions may consist of numerous modules and courses due to its high level of specialization. Additionally, depending on the training schedule, there may be a need to proceed with translations in a staggered manner from the content that has already been completed.

    Our company utilizes translation tools with robust status management features, such as Phrase TMS and Trados GroupShare, to smoothly advance large-scale translation projects.

    In addition, to quickly share the progress of the project with our clients, we will utilize the above translation tools, as well as communicate through client-specified tools such as Slack and Asana, and manage status using Google Sheets, allowing us to share information in real-time.

    We will respond as flexibly as possible to schedule changes and additional volume related to e-learning content development on the client side, and by maintaining close communication with our clients, we will ensure a smooth overall progress.


    *Example of schedule sharing in a spreadsheet

    4-2. Various combinations of menus are available to meet your needs

    We offer various options tailored to our clients' priorities, such as "The schedule for the training has been set, so we need a speedy translation with a focus on deadlines" and "We want to prioritize cost for translations aimed at in-house engineers."

    For example, if you are in a hurry, it is possible to replace the standard workflow "Translation + Full Review" with "Translation + Tool Check" (or "Translation + Proofreading and Tool Check") to shorten the schedule.

    On the other hand, when the quality of translation is particularly important for e-learning content aimed at external audiences, we achieve higher quality translations by including a rewriting process in addition to "translation + full review."

    In addition to the above, we can provide proposals tailored to your budget and schedule, such as MTPE (Machine Translation + Post-Editing), so please feel free to contact us.


    * Sample menu proposals (customized according to the client's priorities)

    5. Summary

    As mentioned above, Human Science provides one-stop solutions for the translation of e-learning content for engineering positions.

    You can confidently leave advanced content translation involving the latest technology, as well as subtitle and dubbing support, and even video editing using tools like Articulate to us.

    For details about our video translation services, please refer to the page below.

    Human Science | Video Translation Services