Course Announcements and Email Archives
Read the Syllabus, Calendar and Requirements. The Course Guide will take you step-by-step through the course materials and assignments. As you move through this course, you'll work your way through the Course Resources shown in the navigation bar on the left side of the screen. If you think you may have missed class email communications, the email archives are located below.
Questions? Contact Larry Johnson.
 Email Archives
S603 Kwik Note - November 30, 2009
Hi gang,
Its all about the final project now http://eduscapes.com/flash/guide.htm#project
Pay close attention to the list of required elements / components - used in scoring your work.
Get the work completed as well as possible and post link / files at Oncourse on or before next Monday, Dec. 7th (Wed the 9th, latest date if having problems).
Don't forget to complete the peer review - on or before Dec 11th. (Dec. 9 - 11th). Help each other to make the best final product possible by making constructive comments, suggestions, and ideas.
You can continue refining your work (revision and improvement) until end of the day, Monday Dec. 14th. Hope that some have it done by Friday Dec. 11th . . . but will see how it goes. Update your links and files by the deadline.
FEW TECHNIQUES
There are at least a few different ways of 'doing things' with Adobe Flash. So sometimes you may come up with an approach different than presented in your course materials.
I've noticed that occasionally someone seems to have everything correct in their actionscript of fla file, but it still does not work. Usually if I just wipe out that section and do it over again from scratch, the procedure then does work fine. Can't tell you what the error was - - but its good to go?
Reminder - - take time to look at your Flash works in a few different browsers; i.e., Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and with different computer platforms such as PC and Mac.
When you are using an invisible button, notice that some people limit the size so that user has to be right on the exact position to activate. Why not make the button larger than the visible button image and make the Flash play more seamlessly?
Working with images, photographs usually means editing and optimizing them for use on the Web. In situations where you animate or zoom an image, if you start with a small image - - the result will be pixellated. So think in terms of starting with an image that meets the resolution required to zoom to the final size without being distorted. You will probably need to experiment a few times to get the desired quality. However you should note that you can resize an image to make it smaller (just have to be sure to maintain its height to width ratio; that is keep it in scale). You cannot make the image larger without distorting the resolution; i.e., making it grainy, pixelated, or just fuzzy looking. If you need the image larger, then find a different one.
Keep working with the software - - even after this course has ended. The more you work with it the easier it will get. And here in the final days of the course - - do not hesitate to contact me with problems, questions. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Larry
S603 Update - November 16, 2009
Hi gang,
So pleased to learn that some found that the time taken to look and study your classmates Flash work paid off with insights that helped with your own work. Examination of the FLA file lets you see exactly how something was accomplished. And in most cases there is more than one way to accomplish a task.
This course is moving along way fast. I am in process of scoring your Flash2 animation work. Its always fun to see what you did with this. Some of you missed or attended to the planning component too lightly. Important to identify exactly what your product is, who its for, and the purpose or need for it. For outstanding plan sheet, I'm also looking for more than the basic requirements; i.e., reflection on the processes, telling of learning points (what worked and what didn't), sharing a helpful resource, etc. I gave the benefit of the doubt on Flash2 works (only deducted a fraction of the available point); however looking for overall improvement in that arena for your remaining work. If needed, you are welcome to go back and revise this on your Flash3 product.
I cannot emphasize how important it is for you to continue looking at other's Flash work. You can learn and expand ideas just by taking the time to look at all the Flash exercises in the class. Its worth the time and could actually save you time in completing your own work.
FEW TECHNIQUES
As stated above, there are at least a few different ways of 'doing things' with Adobe Flash. So sometimes you may come up with an approach different than presented in your course materials.
I've noticed that occasionally someone seems to have everything correct in their actionscript of fla file, but it still does not work. Usually if I just wipe out that section and do it over again from scratch, the procedure then does work fine. Can't tell you what the error was - - but its good to go?
Another hint: Take time to look at your Flash works in a few different browsers; i.e., Firefox, Explorer, Safari ?? and with different computer platforms such as PC and Mac.
When you are using an invisible button, notice that some people limit the size so that user has to be right on the exact position to activate. Why not make the button larger than the visible button image and make the Flash play more seamlessly?
Working with images, photographs usually means editing and optimizing them for use on the Web. In situations where you animate or zoom an image, if you start with a small image - - the result will be pixellated. So think in terms of starting with an image that meets the resolution required to zoom to the final size without being distorted. You will probably need to experiment a few times to get the desired quality.
SOFTWARE FOR MULTIMEDIA
As you now work to incorporate multimedia components into your Flash works, the size / quality of audio and video files becoms an issue. Keep in mind that you want your audio and video clips to load and play quickly. Limit the image resolution to 72 dpi (dots per inch) for the computer screen display.
Sometimes you may want to edit and manipulate still images, audio files, and video files before you bring them into your Flash projects. In the Adobe suite provided through IUware; you have Photoshop - a powerful software for image editing and manipulation. You can crop and edit photos and other images for optimum use. Reminder that you do not want to ever 'stretch' an image to a larger size; rather look for another larger image that can be used. Keep in mind that many images are copyrighted, and be sure to read all restrictions as to their use. Credit the use of visual, audio, and video components that you use in your work.
Someone mentioned a 'white outline' that surrounded artwork incorporated into their flashwork. This is caused by inclusion of the white background surrounding the image. This can often be removed by opening in an image manipulation software program such as Photoshop or Fireworks and following the help instructions for conversion to a transparent GIF file. This will allow the image to be pasted onto a background and the white background is removed or made transparent so that background shows through.
If you need to edit and optimize an audio file, I highly recommend an open source software named Audacity http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Even though free, Audacity is one of the best audio editing programs available and is widely used by student and teacher developers to record and play sounds, import and export computer files, and more. Another bonus is that Audacity is relatively easy to learn to use. It might be worth your time to acquire and learn to use this for tightly editing those needed sound files. Note that you do not need the Pro version. Learn more about open source software alternatives at Freedom or Nightmare? The Implications of Open Source Software http://eduscapes.com/sessions/freedom/
Also check and see what you have already on your computer. For video editing, Mac users most likely have the iMovie software and Windows has Movie Maker.
Keep in mind that you do not have to create any multimedia elements for your Flash products (You can if you want). You only need to demonstrate that you can incorporate existing multimedia components into a Flash program. You can find a small collection of video clips at Video & Image Starter Resources http://tipt3.utoledo.edu/starters/
Other useful websites:
Open Source Audio http://www.archive.org/details/opensource_audio
Open Source Movies http://www.archive.org/details/opensource_movies
For materials posted at these sites, be sure to read and heed the Creative Commons Licenses.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR MULTIMEDIA
Multimedia http://eduscapes.com/flash/multimedia.htm
Also read Chapter 5: Multimedia http://eduscapes.com/flash/pdf/flash5.pdf
The Flashlight 4 exercise for Multimedia http://eduscapes.com/flash/guide.htm#f4 It is due on Mon. November 23rd.
Remember if you are stumped, have "hit the wall" - - send me an email identifying the problem and attach the fla file. Include specific directions / information about the problem. I can help. You need to master these techniques so that you can use them in your final project.
Note that on Tuesday and Wednesday (this week), I am traveling from UT to the Midwest (MO then IL). So emails sent during the day may not get a reply until late evening (tomorrow). I will check mail before I depart each day. Will remain in the Midwest until early December.
Have a great week.
Dr. J
S603 Kwik Note - November 12, 2009
Hi everyone,
Pardon for this being behind your schedule. I am working on scoring the Flash2 Animation products, and will send Kwik note when those scores are at Oncourse.
ASSIGNMENTS
The Flashlight Interaction exercise (Flash3) is due next Monday.
Reminder that now that you are creating Flash products (Actual fla and swa files - - For Flashlight 2 and beyond), you will need to provide access from to both of those files.
The online webpages for Interaction http://eduscapes.com/flash/interaction.htm
Online Text - Chapter 4: Interaction http://eduscapes.com/flash/pdf/flash4.pdf
Don't forget the response postings are due a few days following the Flash product posting. View these replies as part of class discussions - - at least a version for online courses. This is meant to require you to examine classmates' work; you can see and learn new techniques - see how someone else approached the activity. Hopefully you will not limit discussion to 'just' meeting the requirement and will interact and learn much more than just what is presented in the course materials.
FLASH INTERACTION
Interactions involve creating and applying actionscript codings. Actionscript coding for Flash is exact; one misplaced or incorrect character, and the action does not work. This is an area that can get very complicated, very fast. For the Flashlight exercise, I just want you to get a feel for how these actionscripts work. You don't need to do anything extremely complicated - - there is a culminating project for the class where you can extend techniques further. Just meet the requirements for the Flashlight product http://eduscapes.com/flash/guide.htm#f3
As stated in the assignment - Two versions of ActionScript are currently being used to create interactivity on Flash projects. You have your choice between ActionScript 2 and 3. As you create your new Flash file, you select which ActionScript version you want to use - sorry, you cannot mix together, must opt for one or the other on each separate product. Although it's possible to convert a project from 2.0 to 3.0, it can mess up coding and is not recommended.
ActionScript 2.0 is continuing to be supported; it's much easier to use than the newer ActionScript 3.0. Again when you create a NEW flash project, you choose between ActionScript 2 or 3. If you're not sure which you are using, choose File>Publish Settings>Flash and it will provide the ActionScript Version.
If you are a beginning user, you should consider using ActionScript 2.0. For most, I would recommend that you select ActionScript2. If you are an advanced developer, you may choose to use ActionScript 3.0.
Example: For some of you, getting into extensive online quizzes and the automatic checking of answers may be too big a leap. Getting things to drag is easy, but detection and checking answers is much more complicated. Use your best judgement in 'stretching' your skills and selecting your techniques.
Don't delay dealing with this course section on Flash interactions; this can be the most challenging part of the course for some. The Flash3 activity is due on Wednesday, June 3rd.
WEBCLASS SUCCESS
I would emphasize the need to set aside / schedule class work time every day. Realize for some of you, this class may require more time than is usually needed for a traditional class. Much is dependent on your related background and experiences, but I can not know that you are having troubles unless you contact me. A guaranteed approach for failure is to fall way behind and believe that you can catchup in a few weeks. Our online classes (at least the Lamb & Johnson type) are largely project-based and rely on your own motivation to keep on task. Having said that, I love the flexibility of Web-based classes. You can work any time of the day and any day of the week. The best advice that I can give is to make sure that you communicate with me, let me know if you are having a problem. My job is to assist you in successfully completing the course.
Remember that with all computer programs, there are different ways or techniques for accomplishing most tasks. The course text shows one technique. You may find other techniques online or in a supplemental text for Flash. My focus or interest is on the Flash product, so if you have a different way of accomplishing the function or effect that you want - - not a problem.
Some of you have been in contact, but I again want to remind everyone to make sure to email me if you have questions or are having problems. Attach your fla file, that way I can see exactly where you are, what you have done, and give more specific help.
Larry
S603 Kwik Note - November 3, 2009
Hello everyone,
Scores are posted to your Oncourse gradebook for the Flash1 exercise. Nice work exploring and looking at Flashwork examples. Throughout the course, I believe it is important that you continue to examine and explore other person's Flash products - - especially the work of your classmates. Notice that you will be providing access to both the fla and swf files. That allows viewers to examine exactly how the program was designed and executed, can serve as learning tools.
ONCOURSE FORUMS
Some of you may have noticed that your postings contained lots of trash symbols. One cause for this is copying and pasting text from programs like MS Word (MS is notorious for its hidden coding that is brought along and messes up in the Oncourse system). Some of us use 'plain text' settings in simple text processors such as Notepad (Windows) and TextEdit (Mac) to eliminate the problem. Important technique to adopt, especially when working on any type of Web content.
Also notice that a Practice Area has been set up in the General Class Discussion section of Oncourse Forums (for this course). This is a location where you should test your posting to see that it is clean and works as you want it too. It is not an area that I normally check / pay attention to. For it to work successfully, means that other class members must monitor and rely / respond to postings there. A reply / response there can count / substitute for direct reply / response to Flashlight activity posting (Therefore I do check for that when scoring items such as the Flash2 assignment (due thursday).
Have a good week.
Larry
Class Update - October 30, 2009
Hey,
I hope that you had a good time exploring Flash products; most everyone seems to be on track. It's imperative that you not fall behind / keep caught up with the course schedule.
Of the Flash1 work that I have seen so far; I have been pleased with the work. You explored and took a critical look at several Flash products. There are literally hundreds of thousands of those out there, more being added all the time. The key is to look at the messages, identify their purposes, and gain lots of ideas about the variety and quality of Flashwork. Hopefully you will never look at Flash works again in quite the same way as before . . .
As mentioned, keep on track with the course calendar. Check to make sure that you are up-to-date on the reading assignments and moving forward with learning and applying Flash techniques in completing the exercises. Flashlight 2 - Animation is due next Thursday, Nov. 5 - - that's coming up fast.
For the record, your reply / responses are due a few days after the original postings. For example the Flashlight1 exercise was due last Monday, Oct. 26th. Replies should have been posted on or before the following Wednesday. To gain the available point, a reply can (1) be a helpful response to someone's technical question or (2) add or extend new ideas, information, or examples directly related to a classmate's Flashlight posting. Posting of positive feedback is a good thing too but other content is needed for the score. You may post as many replies / responses to classmate's original postings as you want.
WEBBY AWARDS
Each year in May, awards for 'The Best of the Web', a.k.a. The Webby Awards are announced. You might find some of them of interest.
Visit http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php
ASSIGNMENTS
Note: Throughout the materials, you will find several tutorial videos in the 'Watch It!' sections. Be sure that you take the time to view all the video clips; they can save you lots of time.
This week's reading materials begin with the Basics / Intro to the software and finish with Flash animation.
The Basics http://eduscapes.com/flash/basics.htm
Chapter 2: The Basics http://eduscapes.com/flash/pdf/flash2.pdf
Animation http://eduscapes.com/flash/animation.htm
Chapter 3: Animation http://eduscapes.com/flash/pdf/flash3.pdf
You may also want to download and skim / browse:
Flash: The Basics from IUware http://iuware.iu.edu/title.aspx?id=1000
Work on your Flashlight2 exercise http://eduscapes.com/flash/guide.htm#f2
You can encounter two common problems when doing Flash animations. First when doing either a shape or motion tween - if the software cannot understand your beginning and ending objects, you will end up with a dotted line rather than a solid line on the arrow in your timeline. Second issue is when using the motion guide, you need to be sure that your beginning and ending points for that motion guide line are in the exact middle of your objects. When you click on the object for beginning the animation sequence, you will see a small circle in its center. Be sure that you your guide line starts in that same, exact spot. Do the same for your end point and its object. Before you even do this, make sure that you have stored all your objects in the library. This is the MOST common problem you'll encounter when creating animations. Although sometimes you can fix the problem, it's usually faster to just get rid of the objects from the stage and drag them back on from your library following the instructions again until you get them right and it works. The software is unforgiving in this area.
ATTACH THE FLA
If you encounter a problem and need some assistance, you can post a message telling about the situation(s) to the class in the 'General Discussion and Technical Support' section in the Oncourse Forum. However that will only work if everyone monitors that forum section and helps each other out. Be sure to attach your fla file so that everyone can see exactly what is happening. Reminder that posting help for a classmate can meet the requirement for a reply / response posting.
But don't wait until the last day or so to get started. You may run into problems. The Flash software program is unique, unlike any other development program that I have encountered. So make sure that you build in enough work time to allow you to proceed through the learn process. Explore, experiment, and discover the software's strengths and limitations. If you need help, have a specific problem that you cannot get by - - I'm happy to look at the work file (fla file) too. When you explain what your are trying to do, and I can examine the fla coding and see exactly what is there - - I can usually provide assistance.
CREATE A WEB LOCATION FOR SHARING YOUR WORK
You should also have setup a location accessible via the Web for much of your work. Throughout this course, you will be completing assignments. All the remaining assignments (NOT Flashlight1) will involve creating a Flash product. You must have a space to upload and share that work.
The most common locations:
Oncourse Workspace
GoogleSites http://sites.google.com/ or any other suitable online space you find.
(No need to pay for premium space anywhere, free will be fine for the course).
You can find more information regarding the 'Personal Web Space' on the Requirements page of course materials http://eduscapes.com/flash/require.htm
When you have the webspace for sharing all of your work; email me the URL that connects me to the entry page. As you complete assignments later in the course, add their title to your entry page, upload the files, and link them to that entry page.
ONCOURSE
At Oncourse you have found the sections for each of the Flashlight exercises (1 through 4) and the final Flash Project. In the 'General Class Discussion' section you may have seen a 'Practice Area' and another section 'General Discussion and Technical Support.' The practice area is there for you to use in checking to see if you can complete a posting the way you want it to appear, get things to work. The latter section is a place for class members to communicate between yourselves, discuss issues related to the course. Normally I will not monitor those sections; rather they are for your use. Make sure you monitor the 'General Discussion and Technical Support' section; help each other as best you can and when needed, email me directly for assistance.
You do not have to wait until the due date to post an assignment. With the brief time period for the class, it's a good idea to work ahead when you can. For some the work may come easy, for others the Flash software may not be as intuitive and you will have to devote added time. At any point if you have invested some time and are still stumped, you should be seeking my assistance. Just email me and attach your Flash file, identify the problem you are having, and I will take a look and reply as soon as possible.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
New Flash programs / products crop up on the Net all the time. Here is a new-to-me this year and example of an online Flash game:
To start: You use your space bar.
http://www.robrob8.com/seasonal/halloween-cat-bowling.htm
Most days, I will reply in a matter of hours - - if I know that I am going to be away from the computer for a long, extended time, I'll try to let you know. But I will check the email as soon as I can.
That's it for today. Email me with any questions or concerns.
Larry
Class Update - October 19, 2009
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are ready to officially get this semester off to a great start! It's time for our class to get rolling - - so here is that startup update message. Beginning task to be completed today is to enter Oncourse and post your introduction. But first, if you have not previously emailed me, I would appreciate getting a brief message back confirming that you received this and are in the course. If you prefer that I use a different email address or want me to add another address, not a problem.
First - Make sure that you read and attend to all emailed update messages (Ones like this). These are an important communication link for this class.
Second - this message will be a little detailed but I need to provide some preliminary information; establish a level 'playing field' so that people can begin to learn more about the class and begin work . . .
EMAIL UPDATE MESSAGES
I will be sending out periodic emails (like this one) to everyone to try and keep you up-to-date on assignments, due dates, and what's-going-on for the class. Sometimes I may throw in a little personal information. Feel free to share some of your life with me also, especially since we do not meet face-to-face. I will place an archive of these emailed update messages online at the course website, and you will see them on the course entry page at Oncourse. Read them carefully and be sure to check if you do not understand something.
Normally, the quickest and easiest way to communicate with me is via email. I can often get back to you in minutes or at least a few hours. However when I'm away or offline, it might take as long as 24 hours. Contact me directly by email at larrjoh@gmail.com - - that is the fastest, most efficient way to reach me (other email is forwarded to the gmail account - sometimes takes a little longer to trickle my way).
ONCOURSE FORUMS
We will also use the Oncourse forum area for most of our class discussions. There will be informal discussion areas setup such as the required "Introduce Yourself" and project sharing areas. There are also a number of formal assigned discussion areas (More about those later). We will also use Oncourse for the course evaluation and grade score records.
NO SYNCHRONOUS MEETINGS
We will not meet face-to-face or have scheduled sessions for this class. That's one advantage of an online course; you do not have to be in a particular location at a given time. However this does mean that you are responsible for scheduling your own time to meet the course requirements. You may find that this is the most difficult part of the course. Each course is different (This is one of several online courses that I teach) but all require discipline and commitment.
ONLINE COURSE MATERIALS
In addition to the course section at Oncourse, the starting point for class materials is http://www.eduscapes.com/flash/
There you will find the syllabus, calendar and online textbook information. Over the past months, there have been several revisions to the course materials and the online text, bringing them up-to-date with the CS4 software. As with most software updates, there are some neat improvements and some things remain the same. Have also added some excellent video tutorials that may help many of you to quickly see some of the techniques; these are not ones that I created, but are from Adobe and a few other sources. Well worth your time, and will shorten the learn process for some.
There is NO TEXTBOOK required for this course, but there are lots of online materials and reading. If you think that you need another text; I have listed a few suggestions in the syllabus.
REMEMBER: It is your responsibility to keep your eye on the schedule, course requirements and the calendar. Also be sure to read each update carefully. This spring semester, I had a good student forget to take an online quiz (this course doesn't have any quizzes), but the point is that they lost points even though it was clearly on the calendar and a reminder was included in the update message. So even when your are 'bogged down' creating your Flash activities, come up and surface long enough to check the course calendar (8-).
Also your responsibility to read and gain understanding of all assignments; make sure you cover the material. We only have a few weeks to get through the course, so try not to fall behind. And the end of the session, grades have to be turned in . . . Having said that (just want you to devote enough time to successfully complete the requirements); I am here to help you successfully complete the course.
COURSE MATERIALS
Following is a list of some of the most important web-links to course resources. You can also find these in Oncourse under the "Syllabus" tab. Use the links to begin and progress through the course requirements.
Course Index. This page contains links to all the course materials; this is the materials starting point. http://eduscapes.com/flash/
Syllabus. This page provides the course syllabus including the course materials, goals, requirements, grading policy, and calendar. http://eduscapes.com/flash/syllabus.htm
Calendar. The link connects directly to the course calendar including the assignments and due pages. Notice that the calendar has three columns. The first column provides dates. The second column discusses the things you should be doing such as things to work on and read. The third column states the projects that are due. http://eduscapes.com/flash/syllabus.htm#9
Email Archives. This webpage will house the archives of the course announcements and email updates. (This and other messages will be added there!) http://eduscapes.com/flash/archives.htm
Requirements. This page summarizes the course activities and assignments including the course readings http://eduscapes.com/flash/require.htm
CourseQuest (Guide webpage). After reading the above information, follow the instructions in the CourseQuest to proceed and complete the course. http://eduscapes.com/flash/guide.htm
Course Checklist. This document contains a checklist of course requirements. I recommend that you refer to the criteria listed for each of the assigned tasks; you may want to print each out and use it to guide / track your progress through the course. http://eduscapes.com/flash/checklist.htm
ONLINE TEXT AVAILABLE IN PRINT
While some students find it easy to read off the screen, others prefer a print version of the readings. There are two ways to access the print materials for class:
1 - You can download and print the individual PDF files as they're shown in the CourseGuide.
2 - You can order a copy of the book AIM Your Project with Flash from the following website at
http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fStoreID=2313538
It will take a week to get the book, so if you want it - - order soon!
WORDS OF CAUTION
This is a little different than other online courses that I or my wife (Annette Lamb) teach; it can not easily be compared to S532 Information Architecture for the Web. HTML coding and Flash codings are two very different technologies. Adobe Flash (formerly owned by Macromedia) is a unique development package that has its own 'look and feel' and is different than other software packages that I have used. The online materials for this course are primarily aimed at the CS4 version.
During this term (Weeks will move by fast), we cover the basics of Flash development. For some of you, learning and using the software may come easy; for others you may struggle until you feel comfortable. This is a 1.5 credit hour course; it is fit to a shortened fall term. You cannot afford to fall behind (there's not any wiggle room for catch-up), and most of you will need to allow extra time for mastering the Interaction segment and it's associated Flashlight3 activity.
Having said all that - - recognize that in these weeks, we cannot cover and do everything. Therefore in your four (4) assigned Flashlight activities and the one Flash Final Project, you need to focus on the things most important to you. You may even find that in that time, you are not able to solve or complete a particular technique - - We are not going to view that as a failure! Instead consider what was learned in the process. The key is to focus on meeting the minimum requirements; do that by first following the directions and giving attention to the criteria checklists. Beyond that, you can take it as far as possible.
Also remember, I will help as much as possible - - answer the questions that I can, provide added information, etc. But another source of great support is the manner in which you all help each other. Also be sure to take time to review all of your classmates' Flash development work (when posted at Oncourse); you can see exactly what techniques they used and learn from their experiences. And most importantly, if you are stuck / having problems / don't understand something - - YOU MUST COMMUNICATE with me. Send a help message explaining the problem and I will get back to you as soon as possible. If you are dealing with a Flash software problem, attach the coding (file) and I can examine exactly what you have . . . As with most software programs, there is often more than one way to complete a task. If we collaborate and share, everyone gains.
LET'S START
Here are my recommendations for gaining a quick "grasp" of this course. Scan through / become familiar with the syllabus and the course requirements. Do not print out any pages (other than the checklist and the chapters of the online text - there are five and they are listed / linked in the CourseQuest and embedded in the Online Calendar). Then proceed to the CourseQuest (Guide webpage) and begin reading through to see how the course materials are organized. As soon as you get a general "feel" for the structure, you can really get started on the first assigned readings and activities.
Don't forget to introduce yourself at Oncourse and if this is your first online class, complete your personal profile there too. Together with email and the "Flash" website, Oncourse will serve as a primary communication route for the course. It will be where you will post your communications/discussions and some of your assignments for the class.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
If you have time, you may want to check out my / our website for information - - wife, Annette Lamb and I are "virtual" professors. For the past decade we had been full-time RVers; that means we worked and traveled, living in a recreational vehicle (RV) - in our case a moterhome. Currently we are enjoying a new home that we built in southern Utah (the motorhome is parked in the driveway), near the small towns of Teasdale and Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park. We have been in the house about seven months. But right now, I am in Austin Texas for a few more days - - helping take care of a niece and nephew (age 2 and 6) while their parents travel in Europe.
Our UT home (we will return there Thursday) is one of the most rural locations in the continental U.S.; entire county has just about 2,500 residents and no stop lights, but there are several restaurants and motels a short distance from our home. Throughout late Spring, Summer and into the early Fall, thousands of tourists visit the area. A good percentage are international visitors who travel through on the northern loop the 'Grand Circle Tour.' You can find some more information / news of our life and lifestyle at our websection at http://www.eduscapes.com/lamb/
Note that the websection for this class is a part of our larger eduScapes family of websites; entry page is http://www.eduscapes.com
I do have a mailing address - - a permanent address now. I do not anticipate any need for using surface mail. Instead I plan to communicate/exchange everything needed for the course via the Internet, email or web, but if someone does need to send me anything via mail - - contact me and I can provide.
FLASH SOFTWARE
You will need to have the Adobe CS4 software in one week or sooner if you would like to work ahead.
FLASH TUTORIALS FROM LYNDA.COM
IU students, faculty, and staff have access to lynda.com’s award-winning educational materials through December 20, 2009.The lynda.com library has more than 650 video-based elearning courses on Adobe CS4 applications (Including FlashCS4). Go to IT Training's lynda page to get started http://ittraining.iu.edu/lynda After exploring the entry page, proceed to the lynda.com tutorials (link near bottom of entry page). https://shib.lynda.com/Shibboleth.sso/InCommon (Will redirect to login page). There are at least ten tutorials for Flash CS4. Make sure that you acquaint yourself and use this excellent resource.
FINALLY
This is a different course. Make sure that you become familiar with the format, assignments, and due dates. The first Flashlight exercises are designed to have you become familiar and apply the techniques. But do not spend a great deal of time deciding on the content; just pick a topic and devote your time to learning the software and completing the exercise. What I am saying is to save your big ideas for the final project. Keep the exercises fairly simple and ensure that you understand the tasks.
Have a great time getting started. You can expect another email in a few days, but first I want you to have some time to explore the course materials and get those startup activities completed.
Back with you soon,
Dr. J.
Class Update - October 17, 2009
Hello,
Nope! The class has not started early; our official startup date is not until next Monday. If you are not ready, that is fine . . . enjoy your weekend and jump in at full-speed then. Reminder that the half-term does goes quickly, and we will start right into assigned tasks.
For those who want to get a small jump, here are a few directions - - I will follow up with more on Wednesday.
There is NOT a required textbook for the course. All assigned readings will be made available online. If you would like to have a text, I do list a few options on the course syllabus. Since this is a web course, here are the main online locations:
Home base / front end of the course materials
S603 Multimedia Flash http://eduscapes.com/flash/
Course Syllabus http://eduscapes.com/flash/syllabus.htm
Calendar http://eduscapes.com/flash/syllabus.htm#9
Course Requirements http://eduscapes.com/flash/require.htm
I will provide a little more detail for some of these in my next emailed 'update' message.
A few of you have taken web courses with either myself or my wife, Annette Lamb. Although there are some common traits in course design and materials layout (course materials are housed or connected to from our main website eduscapes.com ), students usually find that each of our courses is unique and organized and presented in a slightly different manner.
I also notice that one or more have completed the web development course, S532 Information Architecture for the Web. The info arch and flash courses are very compatible, but I think you will find that the software and coding for Adobe Flash is different from web development and html coding. The 'look-and-feel' is not the same at all!
A few of you have just completed the S603 Teaching and Learning at a Distance (another 1.5 semester hour course). It also is a very compatible match-up with this beginning Flash course.
Macromedia was a software company that first developed and marketed earlier versions of Flash. A few years back, Adobe purchased Macromedia and took over Flash. Since then newer versions have been released; the latest was rolled out last fall and is Adobe Flash CS4. The software is available free of charge for you to download and install on your computer from IUWare (both Mac and PC versions) http://iuware.indiana.edu/
You have to get the Flash software downloaded, installed on your computer and be ready with that in the first week of class. However during that time, you also will need to complete the first of four Flashlight exercises that will be followed by the one and only final project. The Flashlight1 (first) activity is the only assignment that does not need Flash software to complete.
Last expression for today: Throughout the weeks of this course, if you are having a problem, do not understand something, have a question or concern, or need my help - - email me immediately. I am here to help; that is my main job. And if I don't hear from you, I assume you are on track with the course and doing fine.
Enjoy yourself in this, have a good weekend, and welcome aboard the Flash express,
Larry
Prior to Class
- September 3, 2009
Hello everyone,
The Flash class does not officially start until October 19th. But the course Syllabus and calendar have been updated and you can find them at http://eduscapes.com/flash/syllabus.htm
It is okay if someone wants to get started. Please email me and I will send brief instructions.
You may take up to 6 semester hours of S603 workshop courses if they fit within your program / degree needs.
I will be back in touch a day or so before Oct 19th.
Also let me know if you have another preferred email address you would like for me to use. No problem if you want me to send communications to two different addresses. Meantime if you have any other questions or concerns, please email me.
Enjoy the Fall season,
Larry
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