Coursera is calling on volunteers. The MOOC platform has launched The Global Translator Community (GTC) program that will attempt to add translated subtitles to the 600 plus video courses on the site. Coursera observes that only 40% of "Courserians" live in English-speaking countries.
Translated video courses will immediately open up educational opportunities to a wider swathe of people around the world. Once the program kicks off, translated subtitles will be displayed for all students through a “closed captioning” tool at the bottom of the video player.
According to Coursera, the demand for translated subtitles for the video courses is a much requested feature. Subtitle translations can increase course enrollments among speakers of the translated language by up to 200-300%. Volunteers who want to help the learning community can join up via a simple form. Participants in the program will become part of a worldwide community and will be able to interact with each other and the Coursera staff on the community portal.
To volunteer for the program, you only need a high degree of fluency in both the source and the native language. There is no specific time commitment. GTC members will be fully supported by trained Language Coordinators. Coursera will also acknowledge the contribution of the community by inviting them for special events and awarding them special translator certificates.
The Global Translator Community program could also be a way to expand your personal learning while playing a positive role in making great educational content accessible for all. Does this crowdsourced project appeal to you? Tell us.
Source: Coursera Blog
