flash: overview
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Flash: Overview. Macromedia Flash MX Instructor: Adam Cavotta. What is Flash?. Flash is graphics application Animation application Video application Application development tool. Flash Media and the Flash Authoring Environment. The word Flash is used to describe: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Flash: Overview
Macromedia Flash MXInstructor: Adam Cavotta
What is Flash?
Flash is graphics application Animation application Video application Application development tool
Flash Media and the Flash Authoring Environment
The word Flash is used to describe:– Media Output that the user sees– Authoring Environment used to create content
Streaming Media Output
Flash movies can be viewed while they as they are being downloaded.– Accommodates 56 Kbps modem connections
fairly well– In some case, preloaders are still used.
Graphics in Flash
Flash supports Vector and Raster (Bitmap) graphics– Bitmaps are made to be displayed at fixed sizes
Bitmap graphics are the graphic we see most often on the Web
– Vector graphics are size independent Changes to the size and shape of a vector graphic do
not affect image quality which makes them ideal for animations.
Flash Authors
Who are they?– Graphic designers– Programmers– Web developers
Basic Author Roles
There are two roles for Flash authors– Designer– Developer
Basic Author Roles: Designer
Designer– Typically, all Flash authors are designers to a
certain extent.– Designers create and arrange graphical content
and create animations.– Designers are artists
Basic Author Roles: Developers
Developers– Developers make Flash movies “do something”– Developers create interactive environments using
ActionScript.– Developers are programmers
The importance of roles
The type of content created determines which role the author will play.
Learning opportunities and certifications are often categorized as being related to developer or designer roles.
Before learning Flash determine your ultimate goal– What type of content do you want to create?
Types of content
Animated Movies Audio and Video Web page elements Applications
Advantages of Flash
File size is relatively small for type of output. Flash player is widely available. Authors create content for a player, not a
browser.
Limitations of Flash
Some users are resistant to Flash content Various player version sometimes add
confusion about publishing and viewing files Training is required to begin creating content
in Flash
Learning Opportunities
ITS Training Services Free Technology Seminars
Extended Format Seminars offered through HRDC
Penn State’s Web-Based Training The Macromedia Web site
ITS Training Services Free Seminars
Register Online– https://register4its.psu.edu/
Intermediate level seminars that focus on specific tasks
Animations– Content focuses on the designer role.
Interactivity– Provides an introduction to the developer role.
Extended Format Seminars
Fee: $85 Register Online
– http://www.ohr.psu.edu/hrdc/catalog/HRDC_Catalog.cfm \
Basic and Intermediate level seminars Seminars focus primarily on designer role Additional information about seminar content:
http://its.psu.edu/training/extended/
Penn State’s Web-Based Training
Free service Self paced Assessments Topics mostly relate to designer role Go to: https://wbt.psu.edu/ to begin using
Web-Based Training
Macromedia Web Site
A GREAT source of information Provides content for both designer and
developer roles Provides support information Forums are a great learning opportunity The Macromedia Web site provides learning
opportunities throughout the learners development process.
The Software
Latest Release: Flash MX 2004 Two version in the new release
– Professional version- targeted to developers, more robust
– Standard version- less data connection and application development features
The software is also available in the Studio MX Suite
The Software
Available at Penn State’s computer store– http://computerstore.psu.edu/– If you aren’t sure which software package to
purchase, ask them. They are an impartial, objective source of information.
– Discounts are substantial.
Thank you
Questions?