How to Use AI for eLearning Localisation: Translating On-Screen Text for L&D Teams

Part 1 of our series on AI in eLearning Localisation

As organisations expand their global learning programmes, L&D teams are under increasing pressure to deliver multilingual content faster and more cost-effectively, without compromising learner experience or content quality.

In this first part of our two-part series, we explore how AI is transforming the localisation of written learning content, including course modules, assessments, on-screen text, and training documents. In Part 2, we’ll turn to video and audio localisation, exploring how AI supports voiceovers and subtitles.

You’ll learn where AI can deliver real value, where human input remains essential, and how to build a localisation strategy that balances efficiency with impact.

💡 For a deep dive into all the AI tools and workflows available for multilingual training content, download our full guide: AI in eLearning Localisation.

When you’re localising eLearning at scale, traditional translation workflows can be slow, costly, and difficult to scale. That’s where AI comes in – especially in the form of machine translation (MT).

AI tools can accelerate translation, reduce costs, and help L&D teams stretch their budgets further. But choosing the right localisation approach is essential.

Machine Translation: Fast, scalable, but not one-size-fits-all

Raw MT (out-of-the-box machine translation without human input) might seem tempting, but it often comes with risks: awkward phrasing, tone mismatches, and even more damaging errors. It’s sometimes used for low-risk, internal-only content, but it’s rarely suitable for anything learner-facing.

For higher-stakes content, there are two smart alternatives:

1. MTAP (Machine Translation + Automated Post-editing)

Best for high-volume, lower-risk content

This combines machine translation with AI-driven post-editing tools, customised using your own glossaries, brand tone of voice, and past content. It’s fast and scalable, especially when budgets are tight.

Pro tip: Allow enough time (up to two weeks) for setup and prompt refinement, this is where you lock in quality.

2. MTPE (Machine Translation + Human Post-editing)

Best when tone, accuracy and cultural fit really matter

MTPE is a hybrid approach where a human linguist edits the AI translation to ensure fluency, clarity, and cultural relevance. It’s the go-to choice for branded content, DEI training, and leadership modules – anywhere nuance is key.

Success tips:

• Choose linguists with subject-matter expertise
• Pre-edit your English source content
• Always run a small sample first for in-market review

3. Human-led translation (with or without transcreation)

Best for complex or culturally sensitive modules

When quality, tone, and engagement are paramount, nothing beats human translation. Native linguists localise your content from the ground up, ensuring every word resonates with your learners.

4. What about built-in translation features in authoring tools?

These in-tool options offer speed and convenience, but typically rely on raw MT. That means:

• No tone control or glossary management
• No translation memory (meaning you have to make the same changes over and over)
• Limited quality review options

To improve the output, you generally have two choices:

• Export your content and localise it externally using a more robust process like MTAP, MTPE, or human-led translation
• Build in a structured human review process inside the tool, using in-market reviewers, glossaries, and clear QA steps

You can find practical tips for both approaches, along with examples of common pitfalls to avoid, in our AI in eLearning Localisation Guide.

AI isn’t about replacing humans, it’s about using smart automation where it makes sense, and complementing it with expert linguists where it doesn’t.

In Part 2 of this series, we explore how AI can accelerate the localisation of eLearning videos and voice content — including synthetic voiceover and automated subtitling — and where human review is still essential.

👉 Want the full picture? Download our AI in eLearning Localisation guide to explore the tools, workflows, and strategies that can make your localisation budget go further.