Localization Features within the Field of E-Learning

As illustrated by NETg and Microsoftprojects

The Logrus CompanyMay 2007

New times mean greater demands

The Features of E-Learning• The complexity of technical tools and solutions

Technical: Client-server applications Usage of web protocols Flash programming Multimedia features Different learning and testing modes Branched logic for learning and testing

Organizational: The majority of business administration elements All the aspects of the joint work of a large team An advanced system of user access Role-based resources allocation Enhanced user access system

The following are needed to work with these kinds of materials: specialists in the areas of programming, engineering and software testing, established production processes, the ability to make decisions and established methodologies for working with complex software.

The Features of E-Learning• Complex content

Usage of multimedia materials Sound recordingsVideo clipsGraphic/visual materialsSignificant volumes of reading and other material Complex web programming, structural dataNeed for methodological adaptation

In addition to the specialists in the subject matters concerned, translators and programmers, work with such materials demands the skills of sound recording and mixing specialists, graphic artists and designers.

The Two Kinds of CBT

• Interactive (Off-line) learning (NETg)The option for distance learningAn off-line learning course (without instructor)Multimedia components

• Instructor-Led Training, or ILT (MS)Conventional realizationNon-multimedia components

Thomson NETg Courses

• The process of localizationFamiliarization with the NETg mediaPreparing a glossaryMethodological adaptationTranslation/adaptationEditing and proofreadingFinal verification/alignmentDubbing, audio and video editingGraphics and flash animationAssembly and testingFinalization

MS Dynamics CRM 3.0 ILT Course

• The process of localizationPreparing a glossaryText translationEditing and proofreadingGraphics localizationMake-up and layoutVirtual working environment creation and customization Course assembly and testingDVD shell development and finalization of the course

Learning Material DeliveryLearning process is multifaceted and rich in

scenarios as to how learning material is delivered and learning process is organized:

• Printed format• Interactive sessions with instructors• Interactive sessions according to the specific course• Reference material• Visual media (DVD, CD)• Electronic formats• LMS, LCMS, instructional portals• Practicum (completion of actual work)

Organization of the Learning Process

Organization of the learning process requires the creation of a single, one-stop solution for managing and co-ordinating the work of administration, the instructional staff, students, the instructional process and all activity of the educational institution.

• A single media environment combining ERP, CRM elements, eLearning, information centre

• Client-server web technology• A single informational centre for administration, teachers and

students • Unified tools for cooperative work, storage of materials,

scheduling, courses, news and directives distribution• The working environment for all participants in the learning

process

Microsoft Learning Gateway (MLG)

Microsoft Sharepoint Learning Kit• Learning materials management• Еducators can create an assignment out of any document of

any type in a SharePoint Document Library• Enables students to self-assign content• Support for interactive branching, multimedia, and active

content• Reports on students progress and test results analysis

capabilities• SLK is a solution entirely built on the foundation of

SharePoint Server • Support of learning materials in SCORM and IMS formats

(Class Server)

Unseen Obstacles

• The choice of media determines the technology• The large quantity of diverse original materials • The need for thorough processing of materials for their

adaptation to the market • The variety of qualifications among project participants • The need to attract experts in the course’s subject matter • The integration of solutions from various domains• Implementation of the complex solution within an enterprise

Unseen Obstacles

• Time-consuming and labor-intensive testing• More difficult than normal maintenance of the client’s

terminology; modifications possibly required • Noncompliant (is not compatible) with local standards for

the original product • Implementation and adaptation of the solution are complex• Classifying and restricting internal access are complex• Compatibility and portability of the final product • The modularity of realization requires a uniform approach

Assess the amount of workWhen one begins an eLearning project, it is a good idea first to assess one’s energies and capability and the amount of work.

In the majority of cases, a professional localization company will be able to create a course in less time and for less money, while delivering higher quality.

Successfully carrying out an adaptation project and introducing it into a course of instruction (and this is even more the case with Microsoft Learning Gateway) requires experience in managing complex projects and considerable resources.

Microsoft eLearning Solutions

• Microsoft Learning Gateway (MLG)• Microsoft Sharepoint Learning Kit (SLK)• Microsoft Learning Essentials• Microsoft Learning Network Manager• Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit

Logrus: What We Do

• A full range of localization services (translation, adaptation, multimedia, engineering, porting, editing, testing)

• Development and maintenance of web portals and editing of web-parts

• Content development (text, sound, methodology)• Experience working with Russian clients of all sizes • Logrus is a partner of Microsoft in the field of adaptation and

implementation of eLearning projects and Microsoft Corporation technology

• Task organization and management• MLG adaptation for the needs of educational institutions

We’re the ones you need if:

• You want to convert your educational materials into electronic format

• You want to start up your own electronic course and you need conversion, development, translation and adaptation

• You would like to consider the possibility of introducing Microsoft Learning Gateway to an educational institution, but consultation, development and help with implementation are needed for this

Logrus eLearning Projects• Localization and adaptation of Microsoft Class Server 3.0 и 4.0• Localization of more than 20 interactive NETg courses• Localization of Oracle University ILT courses• Complete localization of the Microsoft CRM 3.0 course• Localization and testing of MLG, SLK 1.0 and LNM 1.0 portals• Сreation of the Microsoft Learning Gateway IT community: http

://www.mlg-edu.ru• Сreation of web-parts and supplementary components for the

expansion of the functionality of Microsoft technology in the execution of projects for Russian clients