Forum Discussion
Articulate Localization: Switch languages anytime in localized Rise courses
The problem
Articulate Localization is a great product for working with multiple languages and a large number of courses. However, it has a limitation that prevents some organizations from adopting it: In Rise courses localized using Articulate Localization, learners cannot change their language after their initial selection unless the LMS administrator resets their progress.
The solution
With the help of Claude.ai, I have developed a workaround in the form of an tool (HTML5 app) to address this language-switching limitation. It allows learners to switch languages at any point without losing their progress or quiz results. Please test it thoroughly before using it for live courses.
The tool works with Rise courses that have been localized using Articulate Localization and then exported from Rise as separate LMS packages for each language. These exports share a common course structure and matching lesson IDs, with language-specific content stored in localization tables. Selecting a language changes how the shared course content is displayed. Because lesson IDs remain consistent across translations, bookmarks and progress continue to refer to the same lessons. Saved quiz results are retained when learners switch languages. Learners can also resume on another device when the LMS returns the saved language, bookmark, and progress for the same learner and attempt.
The tool is a standalone HTML file that runs offline in a browser. It is compatible with SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 (all editions).
I have attached a ZIP file containing the tool and a PDF guide.
To get started
1. Unzip the attached ZIP file and open the HTML file in your browser.
2. Publish all languages of the same localized Rise course, or only the languages you need, by choosing “Publish separate LMS packages for each selected language”.
3. Rise will download a ZIP file containing the language packages. Upload this ZIP file to the tool, then customize settings such as the default language and language order.
4. Download the combined package and upload it to your LMS.
I tested the solution on SCORM Cloud, and the results were as expected: learners could switch languages at any point in the course, including during a quiz, without losing progress, bookmarks, or completion data. The course also reopened in the last language used.
Every LMS behaves a little differently, so please test the tool thoroughly with your own courses and LMS.
A sample localized course
Here is a sample localized course, available in 2 versions: SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004, 4th Edition. You can use it to test, as a learner, how the course resumes across multiple devices for the same learner and attempt.
The course is hosted on scormcloud.com. It is available in English, French, and Arabic, demonstrating both left-to-right and right-to-left languages. It also includes a localized voiceover, a localized image, and a quiz.
SCORM 2004, 4th Edition:
https://app.cloud.scorm.com/sc/InvitationConfirmEmail?publicInvitationId=316dc6ca-83d6-419c-b144-a4ec978d8652
Please let me know your feedback. I will be happy to update the tool if needed based on your comments.