Make your Old Courses Marketable with Flash to HTML5 Conversion

ByMPS Limited
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When Adobe phased out Flash, most educational content publishers could not make head or tail of what to do with their existing content. The reason is that recreating courses from the ground and bypassing device and browser incompatibility might be costly. However, the phasing out of Flash presented the chance to convert courses to HTML5.

Therefore, educational content publishing services had to develop economic strategies for Flash to HTML5 conversion to avoid reworking many documents. This conversion allows Flash-based eLearning content to be presented as user-friendly and informative. If you have old sources developed using Flash authoring tools, here are ways you can make your content fresh again for the learners.

What is Flash?

Adobe Flash is computer software widely used to build eLearning courses bearing excellent multimedia content and crispy audio and video streaming. However, Adobe dropped support for the Flash player and did not offer updates or security patches. With such issues, Flash affects eLearning courses’ quality, security, and accessibility.

What is HTML5?

Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) is the primary markup language of the internet. HTML has been developing over the years, and now we have HTML5. Such developments make this markup language the best alternative to Flash for designing and developing eLearning courses.

Why Flash to HTML5 Conversion is the Way to Go

Now that Adobe does not support Flash, does that means it is obsolete? Right. So, should your let go of your old-time courses already developed in Flash? No. If you still have relevant content in your flash courses, converting them to HTML5 would help preserve them. While saving your treasured courses, you can improve them with the authoring tools’ features. Here are some elaborate reasons why Flash to HTML5 conversion is a good idea.

  1. Build Transition-Friendly Courses

You can make courses translation-friendly by converting them from Flash to HTML5 using advanced reporting tools. You must copy content manually when using Flash before sending it for translation. Advanced reporting tools simplify the process because extracting text becomes much easier, along with the particular slide numbers into file types supported by the tools.

  1. Learning on the Go

There is data showing the frequency of people using their mobile devices. Younger learners will likely go through online courses they can access via mobile phones. HTML5 allows you to develop responsive courses accessible through any browser or device. This is a feature that Flash does not offer, and creating mobile responsive content makes your content future-proof. Learning on the go ensures that learning objectives are revisited and reinforced regularly.

  1. Match the Human Attention Span

Gone are the days of lengthy and tedious courses. Digital educational content relies on microlearning as a new trend. It helps reinforce learning objectives and provides critical information to employees. During Flash to HTML5 conversion, you can break down lengthy modules into bite-sized courses. To simplify courses, you can use infographics, videos, games, podcasts, and more.

  1. Create Immersive eLearning Courses

When developing eLearning courses, employee engagement should be the main focus. Adding interactivities maintains the learners’ attention when people learn through a screen. These activities must ensure the same engagement levels even after Flash to HTML5 conversion. Flash was able to design compelling and complex interactivities. Authoring tools can publish in HTML5 formats and offer alternatives to flash interactivities.

eLearning translation appeals to a global audience and gives learners the freedom to learn in their native languages. You can add content targeting a specific geographic location during the conversion process. Instructional designers also include relevant samples for learners in specific locations. Additional customization results in better learning outcomes and performance.

Strategies for Flash to HTML5 Conversion

  1. ‘Record’ Flash Courses Without Source Files

While auditing your available Flash courses, you may find plenty that does not bear any source files. The’ Record’ conversion method converts the sources from Flash to HTML5. You can use this conversion method when;

  • Existing sources lack interactive elements.
  • Looking into recalling basic facts to understand simple concepts and handle routine assessments
  • Original course files are missing and cannot be used

Flash-based eLearning modules are recorded through screen capture to obtain outputs as MP4 compatible with HTML5.

  1. ‘Republish’ Courses in Older Authoring Tools Versions

Courses created using older authoring tools are not mobile-compatible. The only way to make them usable is to ‘Republish’ them to the newest version of the authoring tool for HTML5 output. The new authoring tools inspire a responsive eLearning output that enables optimal learning experiences for all devices. Use the ‘Republish’ strategy when;

  • Existing course files can enhance courses using the latest authoring tools
  • Media assets are reusable, and minor content changes are necessary
  • Complex animations in Flash courses are recordable in the MP4 format within the course

 

  1. ‘Rebuild’ Flash Courses for Cross-Platform Compatibility

New Advanced reporting tools are used to ‘Rebuild’ courses built using the obsolete Adobe Flash software. Rebuilding allows HTML5 output to be error-free while maintaining functionality. It also leverages the latest authoring tools and features to improve Flash courses. The ‘Rebuild’ method is advisable when;

  • Flash courses can be rebuilt using new authoring tools by HTML5
  • Courses are required to run on multiple devices and browsers.

A new authoring tool creates a responsive eLearning design, scalability, design flexibility, and multiple publishing options.

  1. ‘Rework’ Flash Courses to Include New Learning Strategies

In Flash to HTML5 conversion, the redesign methodology helps when you do not have the source files when the courses are interactive heavy. You can also use it when Flash-based courses require content and structural design updates. You can go for the ‘Redesign’ option when;

  • Source files are missing, but relevant media elements like videos, audio, and images are available
  • Course content must be frequently updated
  • You want to include modern learning strategies like social learning and microlearning.

Now that you are up to speed with the Flash to HTML5 conversion strategies, you should determine whether you will manage the tasks in-house or by outsourcing. Educational content publishing services are a great idea if you have many courses to convert. Experience in Flash to HTML5 conversions makes it easy to avoid pitfalls that would lead to loss of content. Consequently, content scalability makes work much easier and improves the turnaround time.