| Here is some of the globalization features included in IBM Workplace Collaborative Learning (IWCL) Language support.
IWCL is available in 24 languages including English.For these 24 languages, on-line help information, product documentation and the user interface are translated as well as the numerous reports generated by the system.
In addition, the IWCL supports another 23 languages.Software products that are "supported" are in English but have been engineered to run on foreign-language-based operating systems such as Windows. Companies can install and use the English product on an operating system in another language and that the product is fully enabled to allow input and output, display, and sorting for the other language or locale. For example, when installing the IWCL in a Thai environment, the product user interface is in English, but users will be able to input, sort, and display Thai characters and will see dates, times and other locale-specific items in Thai format.
The IWCL system was designed from the outset to be implemented in a multilingual environment.All translated and enabled languages ship with the product -- including the authoring tool -- and are immediately available when the product is installed. Supporting unicode, the IWCL allows multilingual data to be stored in a single database.
Locale and language configuration
By simply configuring language and locale preferences via a user pull-down menu in the preferences dialog, a learner selects the language in which the interface will be presented, as well as format for date, time, currency, etc. This means that while English may be chosen as the language of preference for the U.S., U. K., or Australia, the regional formatting of dates, times, and currency will be reflected. In addition, the IWCL supports multiple calendars (Gregorian, Muslim, and Hebrew, for example) out of the box and supports bi-directional languages such as Arabic. It is so simple to configure the system, a user can even switch language or locale settings on the fly.
Off-line client
The IWCL includes an off-line client that allows disconnected users -- those traveling or employees in locations with slow connection speeds -- to download a course, complete it off-line, and then update the records by logging onto the IWCL when a high-speed line is available.
Standards
E-learning standards are important because they ensure interoperability between technology platforms and content. IWCL supports all major industry standards; in fact, IBM Lotus is a member of major standards bodies. Standards compliance ensures that courseware written to industry standards can be delivered via any e-learning software that is standards compliant. This commitment to standards gives global organizations the flexibility to move content among various e-learning delivery platforms and protects their content investment.
Authoring content
The architecture of the IWCL ensures that content is kept separate from the course functionality. This enables maximum portability of content from country to country and language to language. Authoring tools, such as the built-in authoring tool for subject matter experts that is included as part of IWCL or other more robust tools like Content Producer and Simulation Producer available from IBM, allow for the development of courses that can be distributed to many countries, where the on-screen text can simply be exported for translation automatically. Automated translation services and tools then allow for cost-effective translation of up to 75% of the text, with the final translation performed manually. No re-developing or re-writing the course code or content is required -- a manual, expensive process that would require a programmer with IT or HTML skill and proficiency in the local language. By keeping content separate from IWCL, and by using smart instructional design (see below) at the outset, maximum flexibility for future ease of course translation is ensured.
In addition, porting content from one language to another is greatly facilitated by our authoring tool's use of templates for designing navigation and UI layout. A course composed of a template and specific subject matter content can be easily switched to another template, leaving just the content to be translated.
Unlike some of our competitors, IBM Lotus architects our products with globalization in mind from the very outset. We consider and plan for regional and linguistic requirements for multinational organizations as part of the core feature set of our software. For example, we support GB18030, the Chinese character set. With a team of employees researching country-level requirements, we are able to leverage this research to ensure specifications for different languages and countries are met. We take these steps so that our customers who do business around the globe don't have to.
Global e-Learning design considerations
Most enterprises who are realizing the real cost savings associated with e-learning are those with a geographically-dispersed workforce, making face-to-face learning a delivery method that must be used judiciously. In light of current security concerns and the increasing costs of travel, more and more businesses are investigating alternatives to conducting in-person classroom training. Being a global business brings with it the requirement of accommodating the diverse needs of employees in multiple countries, speaking multiple languages -- which often means that training content must be constructed in a way that is appropriate for a variety of cultures, races, religions and ethnicities. This brings a unique set of challenges to organizations seeking to implement a consistent, broad-based learning curriculum. IBM Workplace learning software provides a flexible, configurable user interface, where users select their language and location preferences. The ability to select from 24 languages means that users across the globe can access learning using an interface and documentation in their native language. Supporting this multilingual, multinational framework on a single server greatly simplifies the overall administration of enterprise-wide learning, allowing for multiple front end interfaces and a single back-end system that manages and reports on all learner activities.
Once the language and locale considerations of the learning platform have been addressed, a challenge remains for global organizations: that of creating content that is acceptable and reusable across a variety of cultures. To maximize return on investment of content development, it is important to design for global delivery from the outset; re-designing content to make it appropriate for use in different cultures can be an expensive proposition.
The following are general design guidelines for content that is to be delivered globally:
- Respect cultural, ethnic, sexual, and religious diversity
- Avoid historical or political references
- Be aware of cultural taboos and customs
- Include a balance of different cultures and societies in graphics and text
- Use universal icons and avoid text on icons that must be translated or that might require additional space once translated
- Use international symbols that are easily recognized
- Keep text and graphics separate to simplify content translation in the future
- Choose colors carefully; the meaning of colors differs across cultures
- Create text that is clear, concise, in active voice, in present tense, and in short sentences
- Allow 30% more space for translated text
- Do not use abbreviations or slang, jargon or colloquialisms
IBM Workplace learning solutions empower global organizations to increase workforce productivity, accelerate employees' time to performance, and maximize human capital across the entire organization. They provide competitive advantage by enabling organizations to recruit, retain, and re-skill employees -- no matter where they're located -- while at the same time shortening sales and product development cycles.
Recognized in two 2004 Gartner e-learning Magic Quadrant reports for our strong performance, clear vision of market direction, and active dedication to building competencies to sustain a leadership position in the e-learning market, IBM and Lotus have a long history of delivering learning solutions to our global customers. |
