3 Reasons Why Webinar Interpretation Should Be a Priority for Elearning Providers

 

Elearning has exploded in popularity in recent years. Although the coronavirus has been the main driver of this shift in the educational industry, the growth of elearning predates the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, programs such as MasterClass demonstrate the immense public appetite for elearning solutions that existed before the emergence of COVID-19. Clearly, people enjoy elearning solutions for their functionality and unique self-paced approach to education. Given the fact that many societies across the world access elearning programs for their education needs, it is important for elearning content providers to take the needs of foreign language speakers into account, especially for elearning content providers who conduct webinars. Here are three reasons why webinar interpretation is essential.

 

Webinar Interpretation Provides Accessibility

At the most basic level, webinar interpretation provides accessibility for foreign language speakers. Although in 2017 the National Center for Education Statistics estimated that 10.1% of American public school students were English language learners (ELL), some public school systems have reported a decrease in ELL students, including in California. This fact makes it imperative for elearning companies and public school systems to invest in webinar interpretation solutions (especially in the age of remote learning) to make online education options more accessible. 

 

Webinar Interpretation Leads to Better Education Outcomes

Creating an accessible online classroom leads to student success. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fact that educational barriers can hamstring a student’s ability to effectively learn. For instance, The Washington Post reported on December 3rd, 2020 that in Montgomery County, Alabama, “nearly 45 percent of [students] with limited English proficiency failed the first marking period in ninth-grade math.” The Post noted that this was a “stunning figure” given that “only 8 percent of the same students failed math in the first marking period” the previous fall. Clearly, without adequate webinar interpretation for remote learning, students cannot perform to their full potential.   

 

Webinar Interpretation Increases Your Company’s Audience

Finally, webinar interpretation expands your company’s audience. The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the education industry. More students than ever are now accessing remote learning options, opening up opportunities for elearning companies to export their products abroad. Therefore, when conducting elearning content development, elearning providers must properly invest in webinar translation (including closed captioning and voiceover services) for their custom elearning content.