As 2019 comes to a close, there’s no better time to look back at some of the biggest tech industry trends of the year.

One industry that has continued to see colossal growth is the global e-Learning industry. Having been valued at $14.20 billion for 2019, the market is expected to rocket to the dizzying heights of $49.60 billion by 2024.

Indeed, from Forbes to the Financial Times, every news outlet is rushing to analyse the key factors behind the e-Learning boom and what the sector might look like in 2020.

But, for now, let’s get back to basics. What exactly is e-Learning? What does the growth of the global e-Learning industry mean for businesses? And how does translation fit into this exciting future?

Read on to discover the top reasons why translation could be key for the growing e-Learning industry.

e-Learning: What is it?

At its most basic, e-Learning is any type of learning that is delivered digitally. According to its dictionary definition, e-Learning is “learning done by studying at home using computers and courses provided on the internet.”

The concept of ‘distance learning’ is, by now, one that is probably quite familiar to many of us. Universities and educational institutions like the Open University have long integrated digital e-Learning technology in distance learning, and this has now become standard practice for students and teachers alike – particularly since internet access has become so widespread.

In recent years, however, e-Learning has become a mainstay for global companies, too – allowing online courses and modules to become a more cost-effective and time-saving solution to training and educating staff.

But, although e-Learning has already been around for some time, the e-Learning industry of today is almost unrecognisable from its roots – and this is all down to technological advancements.

The Industry Today

Today, the eLearning industry is a paragon of brand new, cutting-edge technology. What’s more, it continues to be driven by creative, innovative trends.

For example, in 2019, AI was cemented as a cornerstone of e-Learning. AI can analyse learner behaviour, such as the learner’s strengths and weaknesses. It can then personalise learning by “recommending certain modules for the learner.” In short, AI attempts to offer modules that will “fill gaps in the learners' knowledge.” What’s more, help and support can be delivered through conversational interfaces like chatbots.

Another e-Learning trend for 2019 is the rise of mobile learning. In our commuter-heavy society, learners are increasingly turning away from computers and laptops towards their smartphones – meaning e-Learning has had to quickly adapt and optimise for mobile devices.

But, the question remains… What do these e-Learning trends and recent innovations have to do with translation?

What can translation achieve?

The e-Learning Industry website predicts that e-Learning is to become “more learner-centric” than ever in 2020, and will “continue to deliver personalised, accessible and engaging e-Learning.”

But, if you’re a global company offering e-Learning to your staff, there is one crucial element you may be neglecting: Language.

No matter how personalised and engaging your e-Learning documents, course material and brochures are, they won’t have the desired impact unless you do adapt this one thing. They must developed with an international learner base in mind ­– and that can only be achieved through professional translation.

Indeed, quality is king in e-Learning translation in particular. The science of learning is complex, but one thing is certain: the learner must be invested and engaged in their learning for the course to be successful in the long term .

This means that, with the objective of winning over your audience’s interest and attention, your e-Learning copy and content should be accurate, idiomatic, and localised ­to the learner’s native language. This is particularly important not only for companies with multilingual teams, but for those that are multiregional too.

Translation and e-Learning: Quality is key

Moreover, in order to achieve this level of quality, e-Learning copy will need time and attention dedicated to it, rather than prioritising prices, urgency or the speed of turnaround. This means investing in an experienced professional translation partner. They should understand the e-Learning industry and its complexities, as well as your company’s own requirements.

Indeed, the first step to achieving international success as a company is building a capable, knowledgeable international team. Translating your eLearning material will ensure that everyone is on the same page with regards to your company’s long-term goals, as well as boasting the skill set required to go global.

Are you looking for an e-Learning language services partner? Do you require your e-Learning material to have the same impact in other languages as it does in the original?

Look no further than Wolfestone, professional language services provider and e-Learning industry experts.

Need advice on translating your e-Learning documents, courses or modules? We can offer you our years of experience and expertise to ensure that your e-Learning content can go global.