Localisation of existing content

Localisation refers to the process of adapting a product, content, or service to make it suitable and culturally relevant for a specific target audience or locale. The aim of localisation is to give a product the look and feel of having been created specifically for a target market, no matter their language, culture, or location.

Localisation of e-learning course content differs from software localisation processes in terms of content type, purpose, user interaction, content complexity, and the specific processes involved:

Localisation vs. reuse and remixing

Localisation and the reuse of online course material are related concepts, but they are not the same.

Localisation refers to the process of adapting existing educational content, including online course materials, to make it culturally, linguistically, and contextually relevant for a specific target audience or region. The goal is to create a version of the content that effectively addresses the unique needs, preferences, and educational practices of the target audience. This may include translating content, adapting cultural elements, and customizing examples, scenarios, and assessments to align with the audience’s background and expectations. Localisation often involves making significant modifications to the content to cater to a specific group of learners, and the changes can be substantial. Localisation aims to save time and resources, while adapting to different contexts.

Reuse involves the practice of using existing educational content, such as course materials, modules, or entire courses, in a new context or for a different purpose without significant modification. Reuse aims to leverage previously developed educational assets to save time, effort, and resources. This practice often includes re-purposing content across various courses, updating materials, or using them as-is in new contexts. The primary goal of reuse is to improve efficiency, consistency, and maintainability by reducing redundancy and promoting a modular approach to course development.

Remixing refers to the process of taking existing content and creating something new by recombining or modifying it. Remixing can involve rearranging, editing, or blending different elements from various sources to create a fresh composition. It often focuses on creativity, transformation, and the creation of something original from pre-existing material.

While there can be some overlap between localisation and remixing, especially in cases where localisation may involve reworking existing content to make it more suitable for a specific audience, they serve different purposes. Localisation aims to retain the core message or structure, make content more accessible and relevant in a specific context, while remixing emphasizes creativity and the creation of something new through the modification of existing material.    

Scoping and form of localisation

The extent of localisation can be influenced by budget constraints. Decisions about the scope, time, and resources for the localisation of an online course are crucial. Not all aspects of an online course may need the same level of localisation and should be prioritized based on their importance and impact.

Additionally, there are various forms of localisation for online courses to consider in the planning of a localisation project to better understand the scope, as well as time and to allocate resources.

• Language localisation - This ensures that learners can access and understand the material in their native language. This involves translating course content, including text, audio, and video, into the language of the target audience. Translation is only one of several elements of the localisation process.
• Cultural localisation - Adapting course content to align with the cultural norms, values, and preferences of the target audience. This may involve changing examples, scenarios, and images to be culturally relevant and sensitive. The process may also include adapting graphics to target markets, modifying content to suit the taste and consumption habits of other markets, adopting design and layout to properly display translated text, converting to local requirements, such as currencies and units of measure, using proper local formats for dates, addresses, and phone numbers, addressing local regulations and legal requirements.
• Geographical localisation - Tailoring content to the geographical location of the learners. For example, including local case studies, regional examples, and addressing location-specific regulations or practices.
• Instructional localisation - Adapting the course delivery methods, teaching strategies, and assessment techniques to match the learning styles and preferences of the target audience. This may involve considering different instructional approaches or cultural expectations in education.
• Technical localisation - Adapting the course platform and technology to work effectively in the target region, such as integrating local payment gateways, ensuring compatibility with local devices, or considering internet connectivity issues.

Before starting the localisation process, it is important to reflect on the points above. Localisation means to adapt only what is relevant to the target group context and the learning objectives. Otherwise, it will be easy to fall into the trap of developing completely new courses, rather than just localising.

Next steps to your localisation journey