In relation to the end of flash support, we have a couple of courses that needs to be converted. The problem is, we do not have the source files. I'm curious what are the best practices that can be followed in scenario like this.
Alas. There's nothing "best" about that situation.
The first thing you need to do is capture what the Flash course does. This assumes you have access to the published files or to the course in an LMS.
Step through the course, capture every screen, and save it in a Word or PowerPoint file.
For Word, I suggest you use a 2-column table, with the images pasted in the left column. Then add notes in the right column as needed to explain what's happening.
For PowerPoint, paste every image on its own slide. As needed, use the Notes area to explain what's happening.
Interactions require multiple screen captures: the slide as it first appears, and then a capture for how it appears after each interaction.
Capture the screens "in order." For example, if there are 3 buttons in a vertical stack, start with the top bottom and work your way down.
Grab an image of the one of the slides with the Player features, so you can see what those are. Otherwise, only capture the slide area.
Be sure to download any attachments and copy the URLs for any links.
Then what?
Well, if you need a super quick re-do, you could just copy the screen captures into a Storyline file in a way that re-creates how the course worked.
If a few pieces of text need to be changed, you could add new text with the text box filled so it covers the original text.
Obviously, this option barely counts as acceptable.
For better results, re-create the course from scratch, using the screen captures as a guide.
Yup. This means retyping the text, and finding similar graphics. The only time-saver here is that the instructional design is already done.
Obviously, this option requires more work. But it does result in having an editable source file. Be sure to save it!
I wish I had a more magic solution for you. Perhaps someone else in the Forum has other suggestions. Good luck!
Check out this post from Sandy Rushton. Her company has put together extensive info about what to do with Flash courses when you don't have source files.
You might want to try running the swfs through a Flash decompiler to extract the assets (video, audio, graphics, text). That process might allow you to repurpose those elements and rebuild the course in your current authoring tool.
4 Replies
Hi, Kenneth.
Alas. There's nothing "best" about that situation.
The first thing you need to do is capture what the Flash course does. This assumes you have access to the published files or to the course in an LMS.
Then what?
I wish I had a more magic solution for you. Perhaps someone else in the Forum has other suggestions. Good luck!
Check out this post from Sandy Rushton. Her company has put together extensive info about what to do with Flash courses when you don't have source files.
https://community.articulate.com/discussions/building-better-courses/what-to-do-with-old-flash-courses
Kenneth if you still need help with this, I can do it for you. My email address is kimberlyscott05@gmail.com
You might want to try running the swfs through a Flash decompiler to extract the assets (video, audio, graphics, text). That process might allow you to repurpose those elements and rebuild the course in your current authoring tool.