Flash animations It can be used to create a wide range of rich content containing text, graphics, audio, video, animation that can run from a web browser, CD, or on the desktop of computers and hand-held devices.
Working with Flash Whenever you work with Flash remember that it has some basic components like Stage, Timeline, Media Objects, ActionScript code, and other elements Stage.
This is the main working area. This is where you will work with visual aspects of your project.
Timeline.
It represents the rows representing layers and columns and time by individual frames.
Media Objects.
They can be graphics, audio, and sound which are imported into the Flash Library. In the library they can be dragged onto the Stage in different keyframes or layers.
ActionScript code.
It has the power to add interaction, and control in the project.
A course could be divided into six sections Part 1 Exploring Flash products a. b. c.
Flash applications Flash approaches Evaluation of Flash products
Part 2 Basics of Flash software a. b. c.
Working with Flash Working with graphics Building graphic elements for a Plash product
Part 3 Flash Animation a. b. c.
Frame-by-frame Motion tweening Shape tweening
Part 4 Flash Interactivity a. b. c. d.
Types of Interactivity Active Learning ActionScript in Flash Components in Flash
Part 5 Flash Multimedia a. b. c. d.
Power of Multimedia Sound in Flash Video in Flash Visual Elements in Flash
Part 6 Planning and Producing a Flash Project a. b. c. d. e.
Audience, purpose, architecture Design Issues Accessibility Testing and usability Packaging & publishing a Flash product
Flash is an effective, efficient, and appealing tool for designing materials to meet the diverse needs of your learners, patrons, or clients.
Key Elements Although Flash contains many great features for producing informational, instructional, and persuasive materials, three key elements stand out: Animation, Interaction, and Multimedia. a.
Animation Movement is an effective way to communicate
concepts, processes, procedures, and other ideas. The animation features of Flash allow developers to create engaging visual presentations. b. Interaction. Rather than merely reading, watching, or listening, the interactive features of Flash allow developers to integrate dynamic functionality through questioning, feedback, branching, and user tools. c. Multimedia. Enriching a Flash project with sounds, speech, music, graphics, scanned images, photographs, and video allows developers to reach varied interests and learning styles.
Reasons for Using Flash 1.
Differentiate.
2.
Engage. The combination of movement, multiple media, and
The use of animation, interaction, and multimedia elements can accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of all ages. You can use audio, visuals, and movement in your projects. interaction immerses users in a virtual experience.
3.
Teach. Flash can be used to develop effective instructional materials and learning environments.
4.
Versatile. Flash can be used to create web pages, tutorials, games, simulations, and many other applications and tools.
5.
Quality. Flash produces high-quality files that play well on all browsers and operating systems.
6. Technology. Once the Flash plug-in has been installed, end users rarely have difficulty with the technology associated with Flash.
Difficulties while Using Flash a. Technology. Flash requires the usage of specific technology. Some will find difficulties accessing materials for example, the Flash plug-ins are necessary for simple animations. b. Ease of Use. Some end users have difficulty using technologyrich materials and you as the instructions be sure to provide clear instructions. c. Accessibility. The multimedia aspects of Flash can cause problems for some users with special needs.
Flash Approaches Information Focus Some projects examine a concrete topic while others are more abstract. Projects may focus on one idea in-depth, a range of ideas, a process, or some combination of ideas. Ideas examples:
Artifact Focus Art and Architecture Focus Autobiographical Focus Custom Focus Document Focus Event or Experience Focus Life Focus Literature Focus Myth and Misconceptions Focus Person or People Focus Place Focus Song Focus Symbols, Signs, and Marker Focus Theory Focus Value Focus
Information Organization Users must understand any information from any source of date in order effectively. Data must make connections with existing information so whenever you are designing Flash projects; you need to consider the needs and interests of your audience. The information has to be organized in an easy manner so it will facilitate critical and creative thinking about your topic. Within a single Flash project, you may use many of these approaches. Alphabetical Cause/Effect Change Chronology Comparison Connection Criticism Geographical or Regional Linkages: show metacognitive processes Movement
Information Presentation Elements most often incorporated in Flash projects include animation, interaction, and multimedia. These elements can be applied in different ways to create interesting, informative projects. The following links can be used to explore ways that animation, interaction, and multimedia elements can be applied in order to build effective information presentations: AIM (Animation, Interaction, Multimedia) Text AIM Illustrations AIM Maps AIM Slide Shows AIM Timelines AIM Tools
Evaluation Whenever you are creating a project, questions like these come to your mind; what makes great projects effective? Why are some projects more engaging than others? Although you may wish to create your own criteria, consider using the questions below to help in your evaluation process. Some items may not apply to the project you're exploring.
Name of Flash Project Summarize the audience, purpose, and contents if they can be established URL (Web Address) or Access Point (CD, DVD) Operating System and Web Browser Version for Testing (i.e., MacOSX Internet Explorer 8.1) Version of Flash plugin recommended and used Date of Evaluation
Evaluation Criteria Overall Impressions Audience and Purpose Content Organization Design Navigation Technical - Overall Technical - Animation Technical - Interaction Technical - Multimedia Accessibility
Keys to Usability Remember that the key component when evaluating a website is the usability and a question comes to your mind; does the Flash resource really meet the needs of the end user? A quality project should focus on addressing the interests and needs of the user so you have to avoid unnecessary, lengthy introductions and splash pages and you have to use animation and sound for specific purposes. THE BEST FLASH PROJECTS provide logical navigation, meaningful interactivity and consistent elements that increase ease-of-use.
Interaction with ActionScript Although Flash creates excellent animations, it’s also possible to make your project interactive or it can change its behavior or appearance in response to user actions. By pressing a button may trigger music to play or an animation to start.
Components in Flash Components are pre-built pieces that make Flash easier, faster, and more effective. They include User Interface, media, and data components but keep in mind that many of these components require knowledge of ActionScript to implement, so they may be overwhelming for beginners.
Multimedia Developers can easily incorporate audio, video, and visual elements into their Flash projects.
Packaging & Publishing Much of the fun of Flash is enjoying the reaction of others. Be sure to share your projects with others