3D Flash

3D Flash

Dynamic Text

As mentioned above, Flash lets you pull text into Dynamic Text fields. You can import variables from a simple text file, or load text from an HTML or XML file. Flash CS3 has expanded its capabilities to handle XML files, with E4X.
You can also use a loader object to bring external text into text fields. Dynamic text can be formatted through an external CSS file, or using simple HTML tags. But any text field that will be accepting dynamic text should have all font characters embedded or set to a system font.

The major advantage of using dynamic text is flexibility. When the content of your application changes, it’s much easier to change an external text file than to change text embedded in a Flash file. Text that is imported dynamically is cached by the Flash Player, so be sure to clear your cache when you update the content of your app.

Built-In Quiz Templates

In addition to its built-in learning interactions, Flash also offers Quiz templates. Simply go to File, then to New, and in the Templates section, select the Quiz category.

There are three Quiz styles to choose from. You can make adjustments to the entire Quiz and choose result options. Each frame in the Quiz template has its own set of learning interactions for you to choose from. So when you need a multiple-choice question, you can copy and paste the frame for multiple-choice questions and modify it as needed.

Built in SCORM/AICC Supports

Flash supports the SCORM 1.2 and 2004 standards, as well as AICC. Any application that you develop in Flash (that needs to communicate with the Cyber Works LMS) must be “published” using these templates. Go to the File menu, and then to Publish Settings.

In an HTML file that has been published by Flash, you will find a large JavaScript file, containing all of the functions and variables necessary to populate the Application Programming Interface for the LMS. There are also functions for connecting Sharable Content Objects with the LMS.

(A manifest file is a library of all of the assets required for a course, including SCO’s, HTML, SWF, and other files.) The Cyber Works LMS supports all SCORM 1.2- and AICC- compliant courses, and our customer-service representatives can help you configure your manifest files, for hosting on our LMS.

Summary

If you want to give your courses a lot more zing, Flash is a perfect tool for building richer learning experiences. Custom Flash development may take longer than traditional course development, but the extra time it takes is more than offset by improved, more interesting learning experiences for students.

Built-in components, learning interactions, and quizzes, plus support for SCORM and AICC standards, make a Flash an attractive choice for creating compelling e-Learning courseware.