Tips for Delivering and

Designing effective global

e-learning programmes

10 tips for success

Tip 1

Ensure you engage a global stakeholder group at the outset

Invite global stakeholders to initial workshop

Agree source language version and first release version (they may differ)

Agree review points (e.g. art direction, concept, framework)

Use group as local champions to promote the programme

Ensure the content and treatment approach are appropriate and engaging for a global audience

Avoid personal perspectives

Avoid ‘realistic’ photo treatments

Don’t get carried away with complex treatments

Games-based approaches may not work across different cultures

Tip 2

Ensure the subject matter experts, designers and developers consider global requirements at the outset

Write in “international” English

Art direct in more than one language

Consider space restrictions (vary font sizes)

Make it editable

Use ‘universal’ graphics to convey messages

Avoid text on graphics

Tip 3

If you use memory techniques then consider how they will translate

Don’t allow meaning to get lost in translation

Use metaphors, mnemonics and acronyms with caution

Tip 4

When aiming for consistency – don’t be inflexible

“Make it relevant for the local market but

don’t change the essence of the course.”

Tip 5

Create a network of authoring capability for localisation support

Use standard tools and templates

Set up best practice communities globally

Consider having a super user network

Tip 6

Create a set of Global standards for learning delivery

Brand guidelines

Style options

Delivery options

Working approach and processes

Tip 7

Have a realistic plan for global rollout

Avoid multiple releases (if possible)

Create and test a master version first to save time and money

Run a pilot in source language (if possible) and ideally with global pilot group representatives

Plan, plan and replan

Tip 8

Select the right translation and localisation resources

Don’t just focus on the tools

Avoid shortcuts - cheap translations are expensive

Utilise local expertise that can understand the context

If using team who created source version provide feedback in their local language

Use a glossary to define global terms

Tip 9

Have a central role/team responsible for global learning programmes

Provides input to global standards and approaches

Establish frameworks for delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Has sight and input to overall strategy

Business perspective

Learning delivery perspective

Technology perspective

Global L&D specialist/

team

Regional L&D

specialist

Regional Business Sponsor

Regional IT Stake-holders

Regional Project teams

Tip 10

Final thoughts: Designing for global

Audience Culture

Effective (Global) Design

Translation and

Localisation Adaptability