CBT Engineering

SimulTrans has built-up a significant level of expertise and infrastructure for multimedia and CBT engineering. Working with applications such as Macromedia Authorware, Director, and Flash Professional, in addition to IconAuthor and clients’ proprietary tools, SimulTrans is able to provide full localization engineering services for training titles. Not only does SimulTrans know these tools inside and out, we have even translated training materials and exams for Macromedia’s certification program.

Internationalization

SimulTrans can provide internationalization advice about source materials (such as externalizing text into easily translatable XML files). We have helped a number of eLearning developers improve their engines, content, and processes.

Screen Captures

Many eLearning titles require the insertion of screen captures, both still and moving. SimulTrans is experienced in creating software simulations, both through animation of still screen captures and through screen recording software. We maintain libraries of localized operating systems and common applications (such as Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes) to facilitate the authoring process and ensure we translate commands consistently with the applications to which they refer.

Testing

In addition to providing a platform for screen captures and terminology, the localized operating systems are useful for testing the localized titles. SimulTrans has a full software quality assurance department skilled in reviewing functionality and user interface layout. The QA engineers also work with linguists who review terminology to verify translations are correct and display properly in context. SimulTrans takes the QA process very seriously, segregating the QA staff from engineers, logging all bugs, and performing regression testing after defects have been corrected. With eLearning titles, testing is important to verify hotspots are in the correct places, animations display properly, terminology is consistent, and user input is handled appropriately.

Sound Recording

Many CBT titles require accompanying sound recording. SimulTrans provides voice-over work for clients in two ways: 1. Working with professional voice talent in external studios, and 2. Internally recording less formal passages using linguists in our offices. We find both approaches work well and the appropriate method is chosen based on client requirements.

SimulTrans previously used only external professional voice talent for sound recording, until requested by a client to reduce costs by adopting a less formal approach for a project. At that time, we invested in high-end recording equipment from one of our clients (Shure Brothers, a well-known microphone manufacturer) and software. Using these tools and in-house linguists, we have been able to produce well-accepted, near-professional-quality recordings which have suited the needs of our customers looking for a less expensive approach to multilanguage voice-over work. Over half of SimulTrans’ voice recording work is now done internally.