Convert Flash To HTML5: 4 Tried And Tested Conversion Strategies

Convert Flash To HTML5: 4 Tried And Tested Conversion Strategies
Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com
Summary: Want to convert Flash to HTML5? Do you have the source files for all courses? Is the amount of rework needed the same for all courses? Read this article to know the 4 strategies you can leverage to convert Flash to HTML5, based on your need.

Top 4 Flash To HTML5 Conversion Strategies

With the 2020 Flash phase-out just around the corner, converting eLearning courses from Flash to HTML5 is probably the best solution to save training dollars on recreating existing courses from scratch, and overcoming the device and browser incompatibility issues of Flash courses. So it becomes imperative for your organization to develop an economical and quick conversion strategy to convert Flash to HTML5, avoiding unnecessary rework and cost.

You can start with identifying and creating an inventory of the Flash-based eLearning courses to be converted to HTML5. Once you organize similar courses (courses with same interactivity levels, developed using the same authoring tool) and prioritize your conversion requirements, it’s time to select the right conversion strategy. Wait, do we need, and are there different strategies to convert Flash to HTML5?

Yes! Conversion needs will differ based on whether you have the source files or not, and the other enhancements you are looking for along with the conversion. Here are the 4Rs: Record, Republish, Rebuild, and Redesign, which are the 4 strategies to convert Flash to HTML5.

Convert Flash To HTML5 With The 4Rs

1. ‘Record’ Flash Courses Without Source Files

While carrying an audit of your existing Flash courses, I’m sure you must have found many which do not have any source files. How do you convert such courses from Flash to HTML5? Select the ‘Record’ conversion methodology.

You can zero in on this basic level of Flash to HTML5 eLearning conversion when Flash courses:

  • Have no source files
  • Are low on interactive elements and are self-explanatory
  • Help learners recall or understand basic facts and concepts

In the ‘Record’ conversion methodology, your Flash-based eLearning courses are recorded using a screen capture program to obtain the output in the form of MP4 (video) which is HTML5 compatible. If you have several Flash courses without source files, recording them saves time. Needless to say, your Flash to HTML5 conversion can be scaled up quickly with less scope for roadblocks.

However, what if you don’t want to convert them to video? In such situations, you can extract content from the Flash courses. Software such as Microsoft One Note and Online OCR allow the extraction of content from existing courses without source files, which can be used to develop the HTML5 version. Evidently enough, the ‘Record’ conversion methodology offers a much viable solution when it comes to faster and smoother Flash to HTML5 conversion, without source files.

2. ‘Republish’ Courses In Older Versions Of Authoring Tools

According to a report by Lynda, more than 75% of learners identified convenience, time-saving, as well as training with no distractions as the key benefits of mobile learning. Additionally, “smartphone users finished courses on average 45% faster than the traditional computer users”. What does this imply for organizations with Flash courses?

Your eLearning courses developed in older versions of authoring tools (that offer both Flash and HTML5) aren’t mobile compatible. The solution is to ‘Republish’ those courses to the latest version of the same authoring tool for HTML5 output.

All popular eLearning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate 19, and Lectora Inspire 18 provide responsive eLearning output, enabling optimal learning experiences across all devices.

Hence, opting for the ‘Republish’ conversion methodology will allow you to:

  • Use the source files of the Flash courses to make them mobile-compatible through HTML5, in the newer version of the same authoring tool.
  • Enhance the learning experience by allowing employees to access the courses anytime and anywhere.

3. ‘Rebuild’ Flash Courses For Cross-Platform Compatibility

In the ‘Rebuild’ conversion methodology, courses developed in obsolete software such as Adobe Flash are redeveloped using a new authoring tool. Rebuilding allows for HTML5 output, error-free functionality, as well as leveraging the latest features of authoring tools (such as new interactivities) to enhance Flash courses. This also enables cross-platform and multi-device access.

Opt for the ‘Rebuild’ conversion methodology to:

  • Leverage the latest features of new authoring tools.
  • Get rid of the device and browser incompatibility.

You can opt for a new authoring tool depending on various factors such as its ease of use (important if the conversion will be in-house), responsive eLearning design, features that facilitate scalability, design flexibility, publishing options, and scope for online review.

4. ‘Redesign’ Flash Courses To Incorporate New Learning Strategies

When converting Flash to HTML5, the ‘Redesign’ conversion methodology comes in handy in case you don’t have the sources files and the courses are interactivity-heavy, or if Flash-based courses need updates in terms of content or Instructional Design.

Is it similar to the ‘Record’ conversion methodology? No. The ‘Record’ strategy works when there are no content updates. Whereas, you can go for the ‘Redesign’ conversion methodology when:

  • Source files are unavailable, but most of the relevant media elements such as images, videos, audio files are available.
  • Course content requires updates.
  • You want to incorporate modern learning strategies such as microlearning and social learning to name a few.

Breaking lengthy Flash courses into microlearning drastically reduces cognitive load and caters to dwindling attention spans, by delivering the right amount of information required to achieve a specific learning objective. Microlearning assets such as videos, infographics, interactive PDFs, etc., can be used as part of a larger training framework, be it blended learning, eLearning or as Just-In-Time Performance Support Tools.

Social learning, on the other hand, offers scope for continuous learning through methods such as online discussion boards, user-generated-videos, podcasts, and social media platforms.

While opting to redesign Flash courses, ensure your authoring tool offers features that support rapid conversion and scalability. These can be built-in media asset stores, responsive templates, online review and feedback, and more.

Decision Tree To Choose The Right Flash To HTML5 Conversion Strategy

Here’s a comprehensive decision tree that will help you in choosing the right conversion strategy for Flash to HTML5.

Decision Tree

Now that you are conversant with the 4 different conversion strategies for Flash to HTML5, the next step is to decide whether to carry the conversion process in-house or outsource it to an experienced eLearning vendor. If your organization has a huge quantum of courses to be converted, outsourcing it to an eLearning vendor with a qualified team with good prior experience of Flash to HTML5 conversion and aware of the possible roadblocks and how to tackle them makes sense. Consequently, scaling the project will be much easier and turnaround time will be low.