AIM (Animation, Interaction, Multimedia) Your Projects with Flash: CourseQuest

Course Information Syllabus Calendar Requirements CourseQuest Workshop Course Resources Exploration Projects Applications Approaches Evaluation Basics Animation Interaction Multimedia Planning Issues Packaging		CourseQuest A waste of time and bandwidth, only for kids or entertainment, just plain annoying... These are a few of the comments made by people who have seen Flash animations in the past. It's your job to convince people that Macromedia Flash isn't just a fad or toy for techies. It's a practical tool for producing engaging informational and instructional materials for a wide variety of audiences. In this course, you'll be exploring and evaluating existing Flash projects, incorporating animation, interaction, and multimedia elements into Flash projects, and applying these skills to professional environments. Finally, you'll design a project that addresses a particular need or interest. In addition, you'll need to defend the use of Flash as a tool to address specific needs. Use the following resources on this page to complete your CourseQuest: Process Project Conclusion Process The CourseQuest leads you through the course readings, TryIt activities, Flashlight assignments, and Final Project requirements. Throughout the readings, you'll see eye icons . These are required readings. You'll also see Try It! activities. These are assignments that you should complete on your own. Think of them as homework you don't have to turn in. These will help you build valuable skills that you'll apply in your formal assignments. A Flashlight activity is a skills-building assignment related to your understanding of the readings and software. Your assignments and responses are shared in Oncourse. For more information about how to address the readings, Try It!s, Flashlights, and project, review the Requirements page. Move through the readings, assignments, and projects below. Use the Course Calendar to check due dates and Course Checklist to keep track of your progress. The CourseQuest Process is divided into the following areas on this page: Exploration and Evaluation Flash Basics and Animation Flash Interaction Flash Multimedia Flash Project Design and Development Return to Top
		Exploration and Evaluation Read the Exploration page. This section provides an overview of Flash. Explore the Flash Projects page to find many links to Flash projects. Web Sharing Setup You will be completing five activities and a project during the semester. Each of these activities must be uploaded and accessible on the web through a single web page. You may use any website space you wish including the Oncourse File Manager space, University web space, or your own free or subscription space. If you don't wish to make a web page, consider uploading your projects using the Oncourse MyWorkspace (be sure to make the site Public), GooglePages, or creating a blog (http://blogger.com) or wiki (http://wikispaces.com) to share each link. Although not required, you may wish to create links to your favorite Flash projects, so you can find them again later. Keep in mind that some of your files may be VERY large and may take a while to upload. Be sure to check your files to be certain they have successfully uploaded. Return to Top
		Read the Flash Applications page to explore how Flash can be used to entertain, inform, instruct, or persuade. Read the Flash Approaches page. This section focuses on information focus, organization and presentation. Read the Evaluation page to explore criteria for Flash evaluation. Read Chapter 1: Exploration and Evaluation (PDF document) from AIM your Flash Project. This chapter is 1.1MB, so it will take a little while to download. Flashlight 1: Evaluation (7 Points total) Explore the Flash projects provided as well as others you find online. Select three Flash projects and conduct indepth evaluations of each. Be sure to provide the name and URL (web address) for each project. At least one of the three projects must be different from those provided in class. Compare and contrast the three projects. Which are most or least effective and why? What would you change if you were designing each project? Why? Discuss how you could apply a particular feature of one of the projects to a library or education setting. Be specific. (6 Points for Posting; 1 Point for Reply) The following criteria will be used in evaluating your posting: • Are three indepth evaluations provided? • Are effective comparisons made among projects? • Are suggestions provided for potential changes? • Is a specific feature identified and an example given? Posting. It is suggested that this project be written in Microsoft Word or as a web page. In your posting, you can direct users to your URL or Word document. Use your name as the Subject Line for your assignment. Reply. If you have technical questions related to this assignment, post them in the Troubleshooting Thread in the Flashlight assignment. There are two ways to receive a reply point. First, you can provide a technical suggestion for someone in the troubleshooting area of Oncourse. Second, you can comment on a peer's project. You might provide suggestions, comment on their approach, or provide an example of another way one of their techniques could be applied. Return to Top
		Flash Basics and Animation Read the Basics page for an overview of the Flash software and tools. Read Chapter 2: The Basics (PDF document) from AIM your Flash Project. This chapter will take your step-by-step through using the Flash Stage, Library, and Timeline. You'll also create layers, draw objects, import graphics, and create text. You'll import an airplane and a house into your project. In this chapter, you'll create the art for a simple project called Takeoff. In the next chapter, you'll add the animation. Read Workshop QuickStart (PDF document). This document reviews the evaluation process and provides easy-to-follow directions for a series of projects you might wish to try over the next several weeks. Be sure to try making the Simple Animated Banner on Page 4. It will show you how to create frame-by-frame animation and how to place this banner on a web page if you have Dreamweaver. Browse examples at Quick-Start Workshop. Read the Animation page for a basic understanding of Flash animation. Read Chapter 3: Animation (PDF document) from AIM your Flash Project. This chapter will take you through applying the different types of Flash animation. Again, we'll use the Takeoff example. Also, try making the Hot Air Balloon example in the Workshop QuickStart (PDF document) on pages 5-9 for additional practice. Flashlight 2: Animation (7 Points total) Create a simple Flash project. Incorporate animation elements into a Flash project. Be sure to include the following elements: at least 1 text box, at least 1 shape you create in Flash, at least 1 graphic from somewhere else, at least 1 frame-by-frame animation, at least 1 shape tween, at least 1 motion tween, AND tweak an animation with motion guide and/or easing. Posting. Save and upload both the .fla and .swf versions. In addition, write a short project plan to describes the purpose and audience for your animation. In other words, your project should "do" something such as tell a story (i.e., mini-cartoon), provide a greeting (i.e., a greeting card), stimulate inquiry (i.e., ask a question), or advocate a position (i.e., public service announcement). (6 Points for Posting; 1 Point for Reply) The following criteria will be used in evaluating your posting: • Plan components (1 point) • Required elements (3.5 points - 7 elements at .5 point each) • Effective, efficient, and appealing project (1.5 points) Reply. If you have technical questions related to this assignment, post them in the Troubleshooting Thread in the Flashlight assignment. There are two ways to receive a reply point. First, you can provide a technical suggestion for someone in the troubleshooting area. Second, you can comment on a peer's project. You might provide suggestions, comment on their approach, or provide an example of another way one of their techniques could be applied. Examples. Although the project plans aren't included, the following student assignments might be helpful: A Apple (.swf & .fla) - S. Jackson, Spring 2006 Beer Brewing (.swf & .fla) - M. Witt, Spring 2006 Birthday Card (.swf & .fla) - L. Colbert, Spring 2006 Green Eggs and Ham (.swf & .fla) - K. Mosbaugh, Spring 2006 Nice Day for a Drive (.swf & .fla) - J. Heaphey, Spring 2006 Eclipse (.swf & .fla) - M. Burkhart, Spring 2006 Jazz (.swf & .fla) - J. Colvin, Spring 2006 Peanut Butter & Banana (.swf & .fla) - A. Hurford, Spring 2006 Powerlines (.swf & .fla) - K. Pizarek, Spring 2006 Sunflower (.swf & .fla) - A. Kelly, Spring 2006 TechKnowledge (.swf & .fla) - M. Gish, Spring 2006 Valentine's Day Card (.swf & .fla) - J. Delph, Spring 2006 Return to Top
		Flash Interaction Read the Interaction page. This section focuses on designing active exploration and learning environments. IMPORTANT NOTE: Two versions of ActionScript are currently being used to create interactivity on Flash projects. If you have an older version of Flash, you'll be using ActionScript 2. If you're using Flash CS3 or newer, you have your choice between ActionScript 2 and 3. ActionScript 2.0 is continuing to be supported because it's much easier to use than the newer ActionScript 3.0. When you create a NEW flash project, you can choose between ActionScript 2 or 3. The options are Flash File (ActionScript 3.0) or Flash File (ActionScript 2.0). If you're not sure which you are using, choose File>Publish Settings>Flash and it will provide the ActionScript Version. Although it's possible to convert a project from 2.0 to 3.0, it messes up coding and is not recommended. It is recommended that you use ActionScript 2.0 unless you have a reason for switching to the new version. Read Chapter 4: Interaction (PDF document) from AIM your Flash Project. This chapter examines how ActionScript 2.0 is used to facilitate interactivity. You'll create an interactive version of the Takeoff example as well a build another example based on the Utah National Parks. If you wish to try using ActionScript 3.0, try extending the Hot Air Balloon example in the Workshop QuickStart (PDF document) on pages 9-11 for additional practice. Flashlight 3: Interaction (7 Points Total) Incorporate interactive elements into a Flash project. If you are a beginning user, you should use ActionScript 2.0. If you are an advanced developer, you may choose to use ActionScript 3.0. The points are the same. ActionScript 2.0 Requirements - Incorporate at least three of the following elements: • Create a unique appearance for each of the four button states (up, over, down, hit) • Use invisible buttons • Use draggable symbols • Use item from Component panel Incorporate at least three of the following ActionScript functions: stop, gotoAndPlay, gotoAndStop, getURL, nextFrame() . Be sure to make effective use of layers. Alternative Activity: ActionScript 3.0 Requirements (Advanced Developers Only) - Create a unique appearance for each of the four button states (up, over, down, hit). Incorporate at least two additional scripting elements of your choosing. Incorporate at least three ActionScript functions of your choosing. Be sure to make effective use of layers. Posting. Save and upload both the .fla and .swf versions. In addition, write a short project plan to describes the purpose and audience for your interactive elements. In other words, your project should include interactive elements that serve an entertainment, informational, instructional, or persuasive purpose. Be sure to provide a list of those elements that you are using so they are easy for me to find. (6 Points for Posting; 1 Point for Reply) The following criteria will be used in evaluating your posting: • Project Plan (.5 point) • Interaction elements (3 at 1 point each) • ActionScript elements (3 at .5 point each) • Effective, efficient, and appealing project (1 point) Reply. If you have technical questions related to this assignment, post them in the Troubleshooting Thread in the Flashlight assignment. There are two ways to receive a reply point. First, you can provide a technical suggestion for someone in the troubleshooting area. Second, you can comment on a peer's project. You might provide suggestions, comment on their approach, or provide an example of another way one of their techniques could be applied. Examples. Although the project plans aren't included, the following student assignments might be helpful: 3 Little Pigs (.swf & .fla) - A. Goben, Spring 2006 3 Little Pigs (.swf & .fla) - S. Jackson, Spring 2006 Dog Quiz (.swf & .fla) - M. Burkhart, Spring 2006 *Hilton Head* (.swf & .fla) - K. Mosbaugh, Spring 2006 Library (.swf & .fla) - K. Pizarek, Spring 2006 New Hampshire (.swf) - P. Slater, Spring 2006 *PAi-Gow* (.swf & .fla) - A. Hurford , Spring 2006 Phantom Planet (.swf & .fla) - L. Colbert, Spring 2006 Shapes (.swf & .fla) - M. Witt, Spring 2006 Time (.swf & .fla) - J. Heaphey, Spring 2006 Valentine Card (.swf & .fla) - J. Colvin, Spring 2006 Return to Top
		Flash Multimedia Read the Multimedia page to learn about adding sound, video, and visual elements to your Flash project. Read Chapter 5: Multimedia (PDF document) from AIM your Flash Project. This chapter explores options for adding multimedia elements into Flash projects. Also, try extending the Hot Air Balloon example in the Workshop QuickStart (PDF document) on pages 12-13 for additional practice. Flashlight 4: Multimedia (7 Points total) Incorporate multimedia elements into a Flash project. Incorporate each of the following three areas: • Audio • Video • Visual (i.e., masking) You can use existing multimedia resources or create your own. For instance, you may want to create audio using the free, open-source software Audacity and place it into your project, insert a movie you create using the Window's download Photostory 3, or incorporate video that you shoot on your digital camera. It's up to you. However keep in mind that you may not use copyrighted materials without permission. Because you'll need to upload these files, try to keep the file sizes small. Consider a series of very short edited clips. Posting. Save and upload both the .fla and .swf versions. In addition, write a short project plan to describes the purpose and audience for your multimedia elements. In other words, your project should serve a purpose. (6 Points for Posting; 1 Point for Reply) The following criteria will be used in evaluating your posting: • Project Plan (.5 point) • Required elements (5 points) • Effective, efficient, and appealing project (1 point) Reply. If you have technical questions related to this assignment, post them in the Troubleshooting Thread in the Flashlight assignment. There are two ways to receive a reply point. First, you can provide a technical suggestion for someone in the troubleshooting area. Second, you can comment on a peer's project. You might provide suggestions, comment on their approach, or provide an example of another way one of their techniques could be applied. Examples. Although the project plans aren't included, the following student assignments might be helpful: Australia (.swf & .fla)- J. Heaphey, Spring 2006 *Birthday* (.swf & .fla) - M. Witt, Spring 2006 Coyote (.swf & .fla) - M. Burkhart, Spring 2006 Escape (.swf & .fla) - A. Goben, Spring 2006 *Jamaica* (.swf) - A. Hurford, Spring 2006 Library (.swf & .fla) - J. Delph, Spring 2006 Preschool (.swf & .fla) - S. Jackson, Spring 2006 Stella (.swf) - L. Colbert, Spring 2006 Where are You? (.swf & .fla) - M. Gish, Spring 2006 Return to Top
		Flash Design and Development Read the Project Planning page. Read the Design Issues page. Read the Packaging and Publishing page. Read Chapter 6: Planning and Producing (PDF document) from AIM your Flash Project. This chapter explores options for adding multimedia elements into Flash projects. Flashlight 5: Applications (7 Points total) (6 Points for Posting; 1 Point for Reply) Create a Flash project to share your ideas related to a specific application of Flash. Select a particular area of animation, interaction, or multimedia that you'd like to explore indepth. Or, select a specific application such as creating simulations, designing games, building tutorials, producing maps, etc. you'd like to examine. Provide an overview of the topic, a couple of examples, and links to at least three useful online resources connected to your application that go beyond what we've already done in class. Posting. Your activity should be created as a Flash project. Upload the assignment to your web server space. Create a posting with a brief explanation and a web link to your .swf file. You don't need to include the .fla version unless you wish to share it too. Reply. One point will be given for a quality reply that includes a suggestion, answers a question, or provides an example. Your reply should be more than just a supportive comment. Examples. Although the explanations or resources aren't included, the following examples provide ideas for the kinds of challenges students have explored for this assignment: Book Club (swf & fla) - forms and email - M. Gish, Spring 2006 Color Wheel (swf & fla)- Advanced practice with tweening and motion - K. Mosbaugh, Spring 2006 Dancers - Take a still graphic from a website and animate it. - N. Cavallaro, Spring 2006 Flash Tutorial (.swf) - J. Heaphey, Spring 2006 Random Rockets (swf) - Created a movie clip that occurs at random places on the screen. - M. Witt, Spring 2006 MicroGame (swf and fla) - M. Burkhart, Spring 2006 Morphing Letters (.swf & .fla) - S. Jackson, Spring 2006 Ipod (swf and fla) - Explored uses for mouse-over. - A. Hurford, Spring 2006 Old MacDonald (swf) - Explored coordinating bouncing ball, lyrics, photos, and music - L. Colbert, Spring 2006 Party Invitation (.swf & .fla) - K. Pizarek, Spring 2006 Return to Top
		Course Project Now that you've worked your way through the course materials, it's time to apply your skils to a meaningful Flash production. This project is worth 30% of your grade, so be sure to do your best work. Your Flash project should be useful, purposeful, and substantial. The guidelines are flexible enough to meet the professional needs of most students. Although there are many applications, it is suggested that you focus on one of the following areas: Digital Tutorial Digital Collection Interactive Exhibit Electronic Book Sophisticated E-card Simulation Website Component Makeover (splash, headings, advertisement, ecard) Although the final product is flexible, you must include the following elements: Website page linking to the required components Project Report Visual plan/storyboard Written plan highlighting: design (i.e., audience need, goals, purpose, context for use) features (i.e., text, graphics, layers, animation, interaction/ActionScripts, multimedia) user interface (i.e., considerations to address user needs, accessibility) formative evaluation (i.e., usability testing, at least 3 outside evaluations) personal reflection (i.e., strengths, weaknesses, desires, frustrations, wishes) convincing argument for Flash use for this task Published, web-based .swf file Original .fla file burned to CD or uploaded to web space Below are a few examples from Spring 2006. Most do not contain their project plan. Many of the very larger projects on CD were not included: Canoe Map by M. Witt Digital Tutorial by M. Gish Ecard by J. Delph Harriet Tubman by K. Mosbaugh Photoshop by A. Hurford Storybook by (Storyboard) A. Goben Time for Tea (large file) (Storyboard PDF) by J. Colvin Tutorial by P. Slater Virtual Aquarium by M. Burkhart Virtual Library Tour by L. Colbert If you'd like to see a few Flash projects from a summer workshop, check out the following (keep in mind that this workshop had different course requirements): Bubble Girl by Marco Adorno (Storyboard) Convert HTML to XHTML by (Storyboard) E-Card by Christy Cavanaugh (Storyboard) Rainforest by Kaitlin Weiss Website Intro by Pahul Yadav (Storyboard) Project Evaluation (15 Points) Project report (4 Points) visual plan/storyboard (.5 Point) design (.5 Point) features (.5 Point) user interface (.5 Point) formative evaluation (.5 Point) personal reflection (.5 Point) convincing argument (.5 Point) professionally presented (.5 Point) Basic Elements (i.e., effective use of text, graphics, layers, symbols) (1 Points) Animation (3 Points) Interaction (3 Points) Multimedia (3 Points) Properly exported and linked to website (1 Point) Peer Review (Required, No Points) You are required to provide constructive feedback related to the final project for at least three of your classmates. You may do this during the development process or after the final project has been posted. Although most people will posting comments on the Final Project discussion thread, you may wish to send personal mails. Return to Top
		Conclusion Although Flash is a useful tool for creating cool animations, fun interactions, and exciting multimedia, it's also a wonderful software package for developing effective, efficient, and appealing informational and instructional materials. Now that you've experienced the "basics," it's your job to find meaningful applications for this powerful production tool. Have fun with your new bag of electronic goodies!
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