Web-based training software and the language barrier
Though eLearning has encompassed the field of training, both in the workplace and to offer higher education- there are still some challenges that exist in the offering of this form of learning. The language barrier, without a doubt, is one of the major problems which must be overcome to use web-based training software without any inhibitions. 21 cfr part 11 examples the language barrier is something that individuals have been struggling with for centuries and despite the modernized world we live in, it is something that many of us still struggle with when living or moving abroad.
Today, most large-sized
companies are multinational, with their branches present in different parts of
the world. Similarly, online education providers such as Courser aim to offer
high-quality education to everyone who has access to the internet. However,
people still question the effectiveness of such courses, saying that many of
them are still just accessible to those who can speak English. The same issue
exists with training offshore employees, who might be able to perform their
jobs adequately without being completely fluent in English but, because
training is such an essential part of every company, they might not be able to
truly excel when it comes to transforming their training into action.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways by which this can be overcome.
Subtitles:
This form of eradicating the
language barrier is one that has been around for decades, most commonly used
for entertainment purposes. However, it can just as easily be adapted in
offering online training. When subtitles are used to offer training, those who
are better at reading the English language compared to hearing it, such as
those who aren’t accustomed to the accent of the instructor, can easily grasp
the course material.
Furthermore, it gives them
the chance to go through the course at a slower rate than the other learners,
or to go over it repeatedly to completely understand what is being taught.
Either way, comprehension and retention capabilities are markedly increased.
The use of subtitles has already been incorporated in several online education
programs and can easily be used by companies to offer uniform training to their
employees. However, this form of overcoming the language barrier cannot always
be employed and other methods must be used in conjunction with this one.
Using a translator:
Google translator is an
invention that has made the lives of thousands of people much easier.
Translators- both humans and machines, can be used to overcome the language
barrier when it comes to using web-based training software to
train employees. From employees using online translators during the course to
understand the difficult bits of the material to companies hiring translators
to completely translate the entire course material, several options are
available.
While subtitles are also an
effective method, hearing someone (or something when it comes to using online
translators) instead of reading them has a huge impact on how much the trainee
understands. One of the main reasons for the adoption of online learning is so
that students and employees can learn from instructors regardless of their
location. Relying solely on written material is not even close to being just as
effective and translating important course material is the way to go- for both
training employees and the provision of education to students all over the
world.
Using modern methods of training:
Web-based training software was
a breakthrough when it came to the world of training but fortunately, there
have been several breakthroughs in the field since that time, all of which have
bettered how training is provided.
A new method of Learning
Management System training
that has become quite popular is Gamification. This method uses gaming as the
backdrop of the training, allowing trainees to engage with the course material-
showing a marked improvement in the effectiveness of the course material.
Similarly, another method that has been developed is the use of virtual reality
which allows employees to virtually deal with problems and learn concepts thus
again, increasing the degree of understanding when it comes to the course
material. Initially, this method of online learning was thought to be specific
to the fields in which it could be used, such as medicine. However, as time has
progressed, trainers have realized that they can use it in other fields as
well, such as retail- showing good results.
These newer methods of online
learning can be modified specifically and as these methods are based more on
action rather than passively absorbing information, there is a lesser chance of
trainees misunderstanding or not understanding the course material.
The modern era of we live in doesn’t allow for problems such as the language barrier acting as a hurdle when it comes to effectively training employees or educating students and the ways mentioned above are just some of the many options available to trainers.