Re: Use of Flash?

[elecimag -at- att -dot- net]

I've had to use Flash to encode video embedded into training materials. In addition, Flash can be used to send video over LAN-limited IT departments., especially when daily videos have to be delivered to desktops every morning (multicast)
Marketing and Technical Consultant


-------------- Original message from Geoff Hart <ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca>: -------------- 


> Deepali Potdar wondered: <> wanted to take a quick generalized poll of tech writers. Do you use 
> Flash on the job? What do you use it for?>> 
> 
> At a previous employer, our graphics guy used Flash to produce self- 
> running educational presentations on a range of topics. These seemed 
> to be well received by users of the products, but we performed no 
> formal testing to determine whether the learning outcomes were 
> favorable. In effect, we were producing the equivalent of PowerPoint 
> presentations, but for situations where our experts could not be 
> present in person to deliver the presentation and answer questions. 
> 
> If you want to consider using these materials in your own work, you 
> need to perform an instructional design exercise: define what your 
> learning goals will be for the users of the Flash presentations, 
> determine how Flash can support or undermine attainment of these 
> learning goals, then redesign the presentation accordingly to 
> maximize support and minimize undermining. For example, it's tempting 
> to overuse animations in Flash. Animations work great to show 
> movement, but tend to be less effective for other purposes because 
> they can distract students from focusing on what is really important. 
> Similarly for cool soundtracks. 
> 
> Because it's human nature to rate something interesting more highly 
> than something that appears fairly dull by comparison, you may get 
> good reports of the effectiveness from users of the product. That's 
> not necessarily relevant. People are certainly more likely to use 
> something they enjoy, but that something is only truly effective if 
> they also learn from it (i.e., achieve the learning goals). You may 
> thus have to balance attractiveness (so that a higher proportion will 
> actually use the product) with results (actually learning something) 
> to achieve optimal results. 
> 
> And, of course, like anything else, you need to be visually skillful 
> to produce something other people will find attractive. Anyone who's 
> seen my wardrobe knows where I fall on the spectrum of visual 
> esthetics , so I critique Flash designs, but don't create them 
> myself. 
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- 
> 
> Geoff Hart ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca 
> 
> (try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply) 
> 
> www.geoff-hart.com 
> 
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
> 
> 
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