mobile learning strategies for the post-flash era
DESCRIPTION
For years, Flash has been used to create eLearning, yet this technology is not supported on most mobile devices. Meanwhile, the use of mobile devices is expected to surpass access from desktop devices by 2014. Training departments are scrambling to understand their options for developing learning without Flash. So now what?TRANSCRIPT
Demystifying Mobile Learning: Survival Guide in a
Post-Flash Era
Jack McGrath
President, Creative Director
Digitec Interactive
Amy Bassett
Marketing Director
Digitec Interactive
Digitec is an eLearning production company and learning management system provider, developing educational products for association, medical and non-profit clients.
Despite growth of mobile…
Flash is not available on iPhone or iPads (iOS)
No Flash support after Android 4.1
How does this affect learning?
iOS
Possible screen resolutions to meet devices
- iPhone
- iPhone Retina
- iPad
- iPad Retina
No standard resolution
Android
Possible screen resolutions to meet devices
No standard resolution
Android
3,997 distinct devices
599 distinct brands
40% Samsung
According to: http://opensignal.com/reports/fragmentation.php - 8/2012Hardware fragmentation
According to: http://opensignal.com/reports/fragmentation.php - 8/2012
Android
Each version of Android supports a different subset of features
Software fragmentation
Microsoft Surface
Runs Windows RT (Windows Lite)
Flash only runs on Microsoft-approved sites
Software deployed through Windows store
Program in javascript, C++, C#/VB
Constantly new devices to support
Survival Techniques in a Post-Flash Era
Native Apps
Adobe Air Apps
HTML-5 & HTML
Hybrid Apps
Native Apps
iOS is created in xCode and coded in Objective C
Android is created using Eclipse and coded in Java
Advantages Disadvantage
Performance Need to build for each platform
Powerful feature-rich code base
xCode, Eclipse more complicated and expensive to update
Distribution Distribution (store approvals, tough to limit access, review, costs)
HTML-5 & HTML
Content is created using HTML, javascript, jQuery or other standard language
Accessible through the device mobile browser
Advantages Disadvantage
Easier to code, some authoring tools available
Devices and browsers provide limited support
One code base – multiple delivery methods
Device specific versions
Limited support for animation, interactivity, multimedia, etc.
Distribution and updates simpler
Requires a lot of testing
Hybrid
Installer created in xCode for iOS and Eclipse for Android.
Content pulled using WEB UI into the app from HTML, javascript, etc.
Advantages Disadvantage
Distribution through Stores
Distribution through Stores
Updates simple and controlled outside the app
Multiple installers to manage
Leverage device features more flexibly
Offline access is limited
Adobe Air
Flash AS3 exports to desktop, native iOS, Android & Blackberry
Advantages Disadvantage
One version – multiple delivery options
Requires distribution through “stores”
More multimedia and interactive support by leveraging Flash
AS3 code support is limited – not a simple conversionPerformance can suffer
Installer allows for offline access and use
Limited ability to update dynamically
Questions?
Amy Bassett
Marketing Director
Digitec Interactive
6000 MetroWest Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32835
1-800-942-4537
Jack McGrath
President & Creative Director
Digitec Interactive
6000 MetroWest Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32835
1-800-942-4537