How COVID-19 Impacts E-Learning in China and Role of Language Solutions

The global pandemic has changed the way people work and learn. To contain the virus, the government required employees and students to stay at home.

Thus, companies shift to remote work, and schools go for online learning or a blended approach. Although lockdowns end, COVID-19 has made a tremendous impact on the e-learning industry. Everyone embraces digital tools to thrive in the new normal.

As you read this article, you will learn more about how e-learning will change corporate training, academic learning, and online learning. Also, you will learn the roles of translation and localization in this significant shift.

#1 On Corporate Training

Corporate training is essential during these uncertain times to maintain employees’ competence and skills,

In the interim, companies skip on-site learning in meeting rooms or conferences, such as upgrading training materials like presentations, videos, and proprietary software helps them to remain adaptable to the new norm. Then come Chinese translation and localization into the scene.

Since everything is remote learning, companies need to translate and localize materials to Chinese counterparts. The goal is to maintain the quality of the materials and ensure they align with the company’s values.

Poorly written and translated materials in Chinese often result in less retention of knowledge.

Role of translation and localization. It’s not enough for companies to relay the instructions and know what employees should learn. Instead, companies should focus on personalized training through localized Chinese videos to cater to different cultural backgrounds and experiences.

#2 On Academic and Universities

It’s a challenge for students to embrace distance learning, mainly if used to physical interaction with teachers.

But some schools and universities in China are applying blended e-learning, an education program that combines digital tools and traditional classroom setup. This model has been prevalent in K12 programs, and this is also useful in professional training and development of employees.

For instance, Zuoyebang, one of the popular Chinese online learning apps, has catered to K12 students and recently raised $750 million in a fresh financing round. The company’s app helped students solve problems and understand complex concepts through online courses and live lessons.

There’s no doubt that e-learning, whether blended or full setup, is transforming how students learn.

Role of translation and localization. Chinese subtitles in videos, localization of presentations, and learning materials help professors teach effectively to students online. For e-learning app publishers overseas, they can sort to app localization in Chinese if they want to launch it in the Chinese market.

#3 Online learning for consumers and learners

People resort to e-learning platforms these days to learn more and upgrade skills. There are a ton of e-learning platforms where learners can study at their own pace.

Udemy, Coursera, CourseHero, and among others are some popular e-learning platforms that the general consumers and learners can explore to access free and premium courses.

Independent publishers who offer courses in their respective platforms and sites can take advantage of translation and localization to expand their reach to Chinese consumers. Hot topics among Chinese consumers are personal development, finance, coaching services, and more.

Role of translation and localization. Companies can reach out to a broader audience as long as best practices on translation and localization take place. Learning comes with a personalized approach where almost 80% of China’s population is using the internet.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has influenced training and learning methods, and it’s impossible to get back to what we used to do now, such as face-to-face and physical interaction.

But thanks to the internet, it has unlocked opportunities for companies and universities to adapt to the new norm and provide other means of teaching through technology.

Whether you are conducting corporate training or a professional teacher, translation, and localization strategies are indispensable these days.

Let us know how we can help you get started.