How to Create Flash Training
Adobe Flash, the application platform used by developers to add animation and interactivity to websites, allows training developers to create courses, including animation and demonstrations. You can use tools and resources from the Adobe website, such as Adobe Captivate, or use free tools, such as Wink or OpenOffice (see Resources), to create files in the SWF (Small Web Format) file format to develop training on any procedure, including how to use Flash itself; training on capture screens; training on mouse movements; and provide instructional explanations. Typical courses include content screens, interactivity and summary screens.
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Instructions
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Assess your students' training needs. List the tasks your students need to complete. Identify any prerequisite skills your students should have before beginning your course and provide a reference guide of resources for students who need to obtain these skills. Typical courses include demonstrations (recorded sequences with descriptions in captions about what to click) and interactive simulations that allow students to try the tasks themselves to practice.
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Design your instructional content. Create your content outline and learning objectives. Create a script, which you will use in your voice-over narration during your recording. Provide coaching and hints. Use Flash animation to reinforce concepts. Avoid introducing distracting elements to your instruction.
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Develop your training files. For example, create a software simulation. Select a specific application to record or a specific area. Confirm the area you want to record by capturing events on your computer screen. Typically, the recording windows pans (moves) with your mouse movements. Perform each step in the procedure and describe what actions students should take. For training practice exercises, provide feedback if the student selects the wrong option. Add buttons that students can click to obtain more information in pop-up windows or load websites into a new browser window.
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Publish your file in the Flash format so that it can be used independently or as part of a website. Students view the Flash content, which is quick to download because of its (typically) small size, using the Flash player or web browser plug-in available for free from the Adobe website.
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Program ActionScript 3.0 (a derivative of the JavaScript programming language) code to provide interactivity, such as database and XML connectivity.
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Test your Flash training course by accessing it using different PCs and web browsers to ensure it functions properly.
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Evaluate your training effectiveness by conducting focus groups or obtaining written feedback about your Flash training course. Revise your course materials before completing your final product.
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