Storyline files on LMS not playing on iPad! Easy solutions?
Feb 24, 2017
Hello,
We have recently discovered that Articulate Storyline files hosted on our LMS won't pay on an iPad. I've found some potential solutions but I'd love to know if there’s an easier option since what I’ve identified through a few Articulate articles (referenced below) would be a lot of work!
What we’re seeing is that when a learner tries to access a Storyline component embedded in one of our courses on an iPad, they see a thumbnail of the interaction, the actual file name and a “Launch” button. In order for the Launch button to be pressable, the user needs to download the Articulate Player app. However, launching the app results in a popup that says “cannot access content.”
The issue, as best I can tell from Articulate’s support threads/documentation, arises from a combo of two factors:
1) Apple made some changes to the way apps launch in iOS 9 and later which affect how Storyline files play on an iPad.
2) Because our LMS requires users to log in, it’s not passing security credentials from the web browser to the mobile application. Publishing TinCan files does not fix the problem.
I am finding out whether my LMS—TalentLMS—supports private content authorization for mobile apps.
My questions for you are:
1) Have I accurately identified the issue or is there something I'm missing?
2) IF TalentLMS supports TinCan API private content authorization for mobile apps, will Storyline content still launch the same way on an iPad? I.e, will it show the thumbnail with the file name and the requirement that the user launch in Articulate Player? This is not ideal for us.
3) It seems to me that my recourse, if there is no TinCan solution, is to re-publish all files, unclicking “Use Articulate Mobile Play for iOS and Android." This will result in sub-optimal viewing, but the course would be functional. I think this would be preferable to having our learners on iPads use the app. Is this the only option?
I’ve gotten my info from these threads:
Thank you for your help!
Best,
Molly
2 Replies
Hey there, Molly. You did a great job researching the cause of your troubles, so good for you!
The first issue about Apple changing the way it launches apps manifests itself slightly differently; generally, the course will continually prompt you to download the Articulate Mobile Player, even though you already have. From what you're describing, that doesn't sound like what's happening here.
My quick answer to folks who are using an LMS to host the course and are looking to have accessibility on mobile devices is generally to avoid using the Articulate Mobile Player unless you know your LMS supports Tin Can API, and how to implement it. Your course will launch in mobile device browser (Safari or Chrome) and should behave mostly the same way as it would on a desktop.
If you have the box checked to include Articulate Mobile Player, on iPads and Android devices, the course will always attempt to launch in the Mobile Player. Tracking content in the Articulate Mobile Player is only supported in learning management systems that support the Tin Can API specification. If tracking and reporting is crucial to you but your LMS doesn't support Tin Can API, don't mark this option.
Thank you for your thorough reply! I'm still waiting on whether the LMS supports the Tin Can API specification, though I think we'll probably go with republishing unchecking the "include articulate mobile player" box.
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