With the rapid rise of AI-powered translation tools, one idea often comes up in our conversations with clients:
“Nowadays, translating an e-learning module is super easy, right?”
In theory, that’s true. In just a few clicks, a text can be translated into another language. But as soon as we talk about high-quality digital learning, the reality becomes far more nuanced.
At eSkills, we regularly design and deploy multilingual e-learning modules. And our observation is clear: translating a module is not just about translating text. It means adapting a complete learning experience, navigating between multiple tools, and coordinating text, images, videos, animations and interactions. Even today, only a careful human eye can ensure overall consistency. And all of this takes (a lot of) time.
AI changes the game… but not (yet) everything
AI tools have made spectacular progress. Within our team, we use them as accelerators in our processes. They help us save time, establish a solid first draft and optimise certain steps.
That said, an automatically generated translation is still only a starting point. At this stage, the text may look correct, while still containing awkward phrasing, terminological inaccuracies or unnatural formulations. In a training module, these details can quickly undermine comprehension and the credibility of the message. AI is therefore an excellent starting point — not yet a turnkey solution.
Giving meaning: the linguist’s still central role
At eSkills, we consistently observe that a high-quality translation always involves expert human review.
Whether the translation is carried out entirely by a translator or initiated with the help of AI, the linguist’s role remains fundamental. It is not just about correcting errors, but about ensuring that the message is accurate, fluent, adapted to the target audience and coherent throughout the module.
This step is what allows the translated version to feel as if it were originally written in the target language — rather than simply transposed.
An e-learning module is never “just text”
Another often underestimated aspect is the very nature of digital learning.
We work on modules that include text embedded in visuals, videos with voice-over and subtitles, synchronised animations, quizzes and feedback. All of these elements must be translated, adapted and then reintegrated into the authoring tool.
And above all: the tools do not communicate with each other.
Even today, text translation, audio, video and subtitles are handled in separate environments. No single tool can, on its own, guarantee overall consistency — at least for now.
It is human intervention that connects these building blocks and ensures everything remains aligned pedagogically, visually and technically.
Preserving the learning experience
Beyond linguistic and technical aspects, translating a module also means preserving the original learning intent. At eSkills, we pay particular attention to the clarity of instructions, the subtlety of case studies and the effectiveness of feedback.
A poor translation can be enough to make a question ambiguous, weaken a key message or disrupt the learning flow. Once again, AI helps — but it does not yet replace a global view of the learning journey.
AI as an ally, humans as the guarantor
Our position is therefore deliberately nuanced.
We do not see AI as a threat, but as a powerful ally that speeds up certain processes and opens up new possibilities.
That said, the final quality of a multilingual training course still relies on human expertise: linguistic, pedagogical, graphic and technical. Translating a digital training course is not about clicking in three places; it is about rebuilding a complete learning experience in another language.
And tomorrow?
Perhaps one day — or perhaps even very soon — a tool will emerge that can seamlessly and coherently handle the translation of text, audio, video, subtitles and their pedagogical integration.
If that tool already exists, we would be delighted to hear about it 😉
In the meantime, and despite the rapid advances of AI, translating a digital training course remains a real project — one where technology accelerates the process, but where humans still make the difference.
