Popular Multimedia and Localization Techniques Used for Global Learning
Multimedia technologies have impacted our daily lives, particularly in terms of how we learn. Providing training and development through virtual, online environments has made global learning possible. Multimedia offers different forms of media, which enable learners to control and adapt the knowledge they receive, often in a fun and entertaining way. Certain multimedia techniques are now being used more frequently for global learning programs:
Increased Use of Video
Cisco predicts that 80% of all internet traffic will be streaming video content by 2019, up from 64% in 2014. In a survey by research firm Demand Metric, 74% of B2B marketers reported that video converts better than other content types. Video can present learning content in motion and multimodal forms, so learners can visualize concepts easily. With interaction, viewers can control the learning process.
Social Media-Based Learning
Social media-based learning establishes groups and communities so information – articles, videos, blog posts, opinion pieces – can be shared and the social interaction supports learning wherever the learner is located. Humans learn better in groups and networks and social media platforms allow learners to collaborate, even if they aren’t located in the same place. Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn enable learning organizations to push out content and allow learners pursuing similar goals to discuss concepts.
Gaming + Interactive Learning
Use of games and interactive technology in learning, such as online quizzes, cartoons and tests, is very popular for many global brands and learning organizations. Use of entertainment makes learning fun, which for many increases the attention and retention rate of knowledge.
In our digital age, these techniques are increasingly popular ways to provide a deeper learning experience and to reach wider audiences across the world. A key challenge for many Chief Learning Officers and global organizations is to ensure any content pushed out on these platforms are in the right language and correctly targeted to the right groups.
Key to successful global multimedia is to consider localization when developing the source materials. When developing the original video or gaming files, consider some basic design principles that will enable learning content to reach wider, multilingual audiences. Good typography and layout of video text and graphics will accommodate any text expansion in localized versions. Apply basic color theory so prominent colors do not alienate certain cultures. If other target languages are already identified while the the source is being developed, it will save time and money. Translation and localization of multimedia must be part of the planning stage and not an afterthought.
For social media localization, groups set up by learners and learning organizations must be monitored and translated accordingly. Many social media accounts generate he volumes of digital content and therefore some form of translation automation or machine translation (MT) is a good solution.
There are many translation and localization techniques provided by Welocalize that deliver high quality multimedia learning content that suit a wide range of budgets and resources. Some of the latest techniques used by the multimedia team include: Text-to-speech, green screen live action shooting, at-home recording, automated transcription and transcription tools, subtitling and on-screen text.
