A definition of Localization is: “adapting an OER for a specific locale including translation, modifying the formats of dates and currencies, and recontextualizing the OER to be more meaningful for the learners in the local context.” Internationalization is concerned with: “preparing OER for adaptation by others in multiple locales (taken from Adapt).”
I would like to remove the word OER from these definitions and substitute it (adapt) it for the words learning materials.
After reading through this week’s section I am reminded of a project where I localized a series of books for school children in India. Specifically children living in rural vilages. Since the series of books was actually developed for children in Africa I localized the books by changing the characters’ clothing to that of the traditional village Indian garb (the Saree and Lungi).
Additionally, I placed bindis on the children’s foreheads and changed the hairstyles and composition to more closely suit that of children from India. The project manager definitely had a firm understanding of the importance of localization and made certain that the wording (characters’ names, stories and examples) were adjusted as well.
The team that initially created these books did not think much about the “Internationalization” of the series, most of the photos had to be redrawn (I believe the tool I used at that time was Xara).
As I finish this walk down memory lane I look to see how I can incorporate “Localization” and “Internationalization” into my soon to be developed OER.
I have determined that the OER (I will not call it “mine” as that would defeat the purpose of OERs) will cover the career development process. The hope is that this will become a benefit to job seekers and other career development practitioners.
I imagine that the career development process is viewed differently in each country, region and culture and, no doubt, there would be elements of the OER that would benefit from localization (if someone chose to usee it in another country or provine).
However, there are also elements of the content that would be universal, for example: steps to successful goal setting. My assumption is that portions of what will be developed will be suitable for use globally. Other portions would provide Manitoba specific information and would need to be localized.
In order to allow other users in various locales to adapt this work to their needs (Internationalization) I would not include flash object, I will make videos downloadable and ensure that the HTML code is accurate (to describe only a few examples). The "accessibility" of the OER is important as it can allow for others to reuse, recreate, and localize it.
Initially, I will focus on the creation of the OER and not worry about translation, dubbing, or subtitling (facets of localization). Perhaps, if the OER garners enough interest then interested persons will attempt to localize this for their location (I would of course provide whatever assistance I could).
This topic is crucial to think on and the advice given is that localization and internationalization must be taken into account at the beginning, before one starts developing the OER.
Loved the examples you provided about localizing the books for use in rural India. To be honest I seem to be hung up on thinking that an OER [learning material] has to be something online or in a digital form but you reminded me otherwise. You also reminded me that the changes required to localize content do not need to be complicated [although they can still be time consuming].
ReplyDeleteYour point about the considerations required [appropriate HTML, not using proprietary software like FLASH, etc.] is also well taken. I agree that we don't need to worry about all of the details but instead we consider the major things that will allow others [those industrious individuals] to do what is required to adapt the content to their context. This sort of approach, along with the notion of providing as much information as possible about the development of the OER [as explained by Damien Clark in his posting this week [http://damosworld.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/week-6-oers-reusereviseremixredistribute/] will provide those who wish to localize "your" content as much of a heads-up as possible.
Stu
Jonathan, I am glad you mentioned your experience localising the books for India that were initially developed for Africa. Making the characters identifiable to the audience is key to making the work meaningful and engaging. It has also caused me to reflect on my past activities.
ReplyDeleteSome might remember a movement online around 43things (http://www.43things.com/). A spin-off idea was created by some librarians around professional development and promoting the use of Web 2.0 technologies. This was known as 23Things (http://plcmcl2-things.blogspot.com.au/). I was asked by my then supervisor to consider ways of contextualising the 23Things program designed for Library Staff to Academic teachers in learning and teaching. It meant taking the same or similar activities but basing them on application to learning and teaching, rather than for library patrons. Sadly other organisational priorities meant it was never completed, but many others have gone on to recontextualise 23Things for their own context.
I do like your reference to the India project. I have worked for ten years in overseas schools so the concept of localization really has an impact. As a chemistry teacher, i used a local textbook, seemingly a carbon copy of the standard American textbook but with local references. This is an important concept and in today's society where everyone can publish I think it is mostly forgotten in the YOU TUBE world of video profiling.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, in a flat classroom world, every student should respond to the challenge of collaborating with student in different cultures to bring greater appreciation to the localization culture. This will reinforce the concept of diversity and engender greater understanding of the need to move towards customizable OER content.
Finally a remark to Damian's comment regarding about 23Things. I had four teachers participate in this program last year and they are now our leaders. It is a great exposure to not only Web 2.0 tools but also the self-creation of their own artifacts. It was a great experience.