How To Proceed With Flash To HTML5 Conversions
Were you aware that a day would come when your existing eLearning courses developed in Flash will no longer be supported by web browsers? As web browsers continue to phase out support for Adobe Flash, the death of the software that has long been associated with interactive web content is imminent in 2020.
As training managers involved in deploying and promoting eLearning courses in your organization, what do you think would happen to the countless eLearning courses that have been developed in Flash or use Flash components?
Your best bet would be to convert Flash-based eLearning courses to HTML5 to make them suitable for multi-device compatible learning. If you have the required skillsets, you can do this in-house, but otherwise, outsourcing is the best option. Here are some of the main reasons most organizations choose to outsource Flash to HTML5 conversions:
- Lack of in-house resources
- To reduce cost and speed up conversion
- To deliver mobile-compatible learning
- To leverage the latest authoring tools
- To achieve speed and scale in conversion
Your choice of eLearning partner for Flash to HTML5 conversion can make a world of difference to your conversion journey. Don’t forget to check with your eLearning partner and get answers to the following questions.
1. Does Your eLearning Partner Have Expertise In Flash To HTML5 Conversions?
An eLearning vendor with the expertise in handling Flash to HTML5 conversion projects can be trusted to give you the maximum returns from your legacy eLearning courses developed in Flash or older versions of authoring tools. To gauge a potential eLearning partner’s experience, look at:
- The number of conversion projects handled
- The experience of their team members
- Case studies on Flash to HTML5 conversion
- The conversion process followed by them
- Templates used by the vendor to speed up development and cut down on the time taken for conversion
2. Does Your eLearning Partner Offer Rapid eLearning Services?
Flash to HTML5 conversion projects are often time-bound. This is because the training content is already available in the Flash-based courses. You need an eLearning partner who can take this content and use it to develop HTML5-based eLearning courses. Even if the source files are unavailable or only media elements are available, you can get your eLearning partner to rebuild those courses using HTML5-based authoring tools.
An eLearning vendor whose core strength lies in rapid eLearning development can handle the Flash to HTML5 conversion process with ease, and deliver within the stipulated timelines.
3. Does Your eLearning Partner Offer Expertise In Authoring Tools?
HTML5-based authoring tools have proven to be a boon for the rapid conversion of Flash to HTML5 courses. Check the expertise offered by your eLearning partner.
- Are they experts in a specific authoring tool?
- Can they demonstrate expertise in a wide variety of authoring tools?
- Can they develop customized templates using different authoring tools?
If you have already invested in an authoring tool such as Articulate 360, then it’s understandable that you might want to work with a vendor with a proven track record of developing eLearning using Articulate Storyline.
On the other hand, if you have courses developed in various authoring tools or want to convert a course developed in a particular authoring tool to another authoring tool, then check for vendors who have the capability to use rapid authoring tools such as iSpring, Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, Lectora, and dominKnow.
This way, they can give you the right advice on the authoring tool to choose. For example, Lectora is a good choice to develop text-heavy eLearning courses, as it allows you to have a scrollbar to accommodate more content on the screen. This is a feature that’s not available in an authoring tool such as Articulate Storyline, but is available in the latest version, Articulate Rise.
4. Does Your eLearning Partner Follow A Streamlined Process For Flash To HTML5 Conversion?
Your eLearning partner needs to have a well-defined plan for Flash to HTML5 conversions. Check for a vendor who has a clear development plan and involves you in every stage of the Flash to HTML5 conversion process, or at least keeps you updated on the conversion plan. Here’s an outline of the Flash to HTML5 conversion process plan:
- Gather content that needs to be converted from Flash to HTML5
- Extract content and media from the existing courses
- Select the appropriate authoring tool
- Finalize the GUI and interactivities
- Identify the right templates to develop interactivities
- Develop a prototype
- Develop and publish the course
With a clear development process in place, the scope for errors is reduced, and you can expect to get an eLearning course that provides an amazing learning experience for your employees.
5. Can Your eLearning Partner Match Your Requirements?
While you are analyzing content for Flash to HTML5 conversion, there is an opportunity to relook not only at content but also the Instructional Design strategies. For instance, you might want to facilitate quick learning for employees on the go, or you might want to think of ways to reinforce training.
Your eLearning partner might be able to leverage microlearning as a strategy and deliver nuggets of information in interesting formats such as videos, infographics, animations, simulations and so on.
A good eLearning partner should be able to meet your deadlines (as long as they are feasible), and at the same time ensure that quality processes are in place to deliver a quality end-product.
6. Is Your eLearning Partner Upfront About Discussing The Scope Of The Conversion Project?
Analyze if your eLearning partner is upfront about discussing the scope of the Flash to HTML5 conversion project. Understand that not everything in a Flash-based course can be converted to HTML5. For example, it may not be possible to reuse an interactivity (such as rollovers) or animation created in Flash as it is.
It may have to be presented in a different way. Your eLearning partner should be able to suggest alternatives wherever necessary. Look out for an eLearning partner who:
- Follows a robust communication plan
- Is transparent about the time, cost, and resources involved
- Is genuine enough to earn your trust
7. Can Your eLearning Partner Provide Value-Added Services?
The right eLearning partner values your relationship and is ready to go the extra mile to provide value-added services. For instance, if part of the content in your Flash course can be represented using a simple infographic or flowchart, your eLearning partner might be able to come up with suggestions. A good eLearning partner can:
- Suggest ways to improve your existing online training programs
- Provide you access to templates that can save your time when you need to make additions to the course
- Provide checklists to follow when you need to make updates
If you are ready to take the step toward Flash to HTML5 conversion but are not sure of how to proceed or are interested in staying abreast of the conversion options available to you, better search for assistance. Someone who can work as an extended part of your team and give you the right advice on the course of action to follow for effective Flash to HTML5 conversions would make a great choice.