Giving a Voice to e-Learning

Our client is the Asia-Pacific operation of a leading e-learning solutions provider.

They needed to localise a variety of e-learning modules which they had produced for one of the world’s largest banks.

The project involved translation of text in XML, localisation of Flash animations, voice-overs, subtitles and linguistic testing.

Each module needed to be localised for three Asian languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese for Taiwan and Korean.

What challenge did we take on?

Because we have plenty of experience localising e-learning modules, the major challenge was the scope of the voice-over work.

We were required to record nearly 800 mp3 files for each language.

In addition, different voices were needed for over 20 separate characters – these would need to be approved by the bank, our client’s client.

How did we select the right team?

Conscientious selection of the right voice talents was essential.

The vocal performers for this project had to be professionals, of course. Plus, each voice had to be approved by the bank’s HR team.

Voice samples were sent to the client for review and approval. Approved primary and backup voice talents who were available for all the scheduled recording dates were then chosen.

What did we do?

As well as a sizeable pool of voice talent, the success of this project required a high degree of planning and scheduling to avoid unnecessary communications and keep costs to a minimum.

The recording studio and performers were booked well in advance. However, the English modules were not always released to us for translation on time.

We kept things on track by assigning additional translators to the team to ensure the audio scripts were translated in line with the original schedule. This meant that the voice talents could receive a copy of each script a week before the recording date and rehearse their parts properly.

The voice recording was spread across several sessions for each language, with additional time scheduled into each session for re-recording of problematic audio files from the previous session.

This saved both time and money for the client, ensuring that all the audio files or each module were completed on time and additional bookings of the voice talents and studio to re-record problem files were not needed.

What Quality Assurance measures did we employ?

As well as having each audio file checked by a linguist for accuracy and completeness, post-recording QA was performed by one of our on-site engineers to ensure all files were error-free before being incorporated into the builds.

The completed builds were released on a rolling basis so that the bank’s employees could begin their training as early as possible.

What was the outcome?

The meticulous approach to optimising the workflow and schedule was instrumental in meeting and exceeding the client’s expectations. The flexibility to absorb the scheduling changes which originated on the client side also played a major role in success.

The selected voice talents correctly fitted the brief, content consistency was ensured throughout, projects were delivered within the agreed timelines and overall costs kept to a minimum.

Giving a Voice to e-Learning