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There are generally four common methods used to build eLearning contents using Flash.
First Method: HTML
A simple and first step for any eLearning developer to produce online content using Flash,
will arrive from HTML pages. Creating individual flash elements or objects and integrate them
to the HTML pages is the only process in this method. This method also allows or enables the
content to be SCORM compliant and hence meeting two goals of simple creation and easy deployment
of the course. Many instructional designers, Content Developers and Technical Writers having
minimal knowledge with FLASH prefer this simple method for producing eLearning Course
using Flash / HTML.
Second Method: Single .SWF file
Many developers prefer to have one single .swf file to have entire eLearning contents, keeping
each frame of the movie as a page or a screen. This method is really useful for people who needs
frequent change with the contents, as there is only one flash .swf file it is easy to maintain and
easy to edit. The major drawback of this method is that the entire eLearning program is contained
in single .swf file, so the size of the file will be huge and will be a trouble when distributing
the eLearning program via internet, as the user needs to wait long-time for the file to load on
their computers.
Third Method: Loading multiple .swf files from Main/Index .swf file
Majority of the Flash Developers of current generation prefers this method. Normally keeping a
template or user interface with navigational controls as a main/index .swf file and loading all
the individual .swf files from the main .swf file. With AS3 coding features this method is has
become very simple and adaptive to many eLearning Developers. The navigational controls in the
main .swf file loads a new .swf file in the front-end as the user navigates through the eLearning
Program. The advantage of using this method includes smaller file size which results in quick
loading.
Fourth Method: Loading contents from external XML file:
This method comes handy for Advanced Flash Developers with good background of programming.
Loading XML revolves around two functions. One of these functions is a pre-existing function
that you simply call yourself in the main coding. However, the other is a callback function that
you have to define which will automatically be called by Flash depending on the occurrence of a
certain event. XML can act like a database, having all the required eLearning content in a
structured format which can be easily read by Flash.
There are many advantages in producing eLearning Program using Flash with XML:
1. Once the XML file has been created and Flash able to read data from XML, then anyone can edit the text inside the XML and produce great learning contents
2. XML file is easy to edit and can be opened with any simple text editor.
3. Localization of the content becomes much easier, create the learning content in XML in primary language and get the translation done for other languages and simply replace the primary XML with newly translated XML, your course can be easily promoted as multi-lingual.
4. Course maintenance made really easy, if you need to change any outdated images or text or video, you can simply change the reference point in XML and replace the suitable images, text or video without a need to open the FLASH source file. With XML/Flash you can simply locate the assets and replace it.
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