Flash To HTML5 Course Conversion: To Outsource Or To Do In-House?
Your existing eLearning courses in Flash have to be converted into HTML5 for ensuring compliance to latest web and mobile standards. Make an informed decision for getting Flash to HTML5 conversion done in-house or through a vendor.
Making An Informed Decision: Proceed To Flash To HTML5 Course Conversion In-House Or Through A Vendor?
Flash that once dominated the online space is going to be completely phased out by 2020’s conclusion. Organizations that have Flash-based courses are converting them into HTML5. HTML5 is the new online standard and hence for ensuring access to Flash driven courses in future, conversion is a must.
Many organizations which have launched Flash-based eLearning courses have already embarked on the process of conversion. But they are confronted with the dilemma of whether to carry out the conversion in-house or outsource it to a reputed firm. A fair decision can be taken by factoring in the intricacies of conversion and the advantages, as well as drawbacks of each option.
Initially, your organization has to assess the number of eLearning courses available in Flash and the ones you want to get converted to HTML5 on the priority basis. The priority can be accorded to the courses based on their relevance to your existing and future business.
You may decide to retain certain courses in Flash to benefit from the interactive quotient provided by this platform. Once you have analyzed the courses and sorted them out for the conversion process, you would get a feel of the quantum of files to be converted.
Once the volume of files has been determined, you have to decide your future course of action. The Flash files can be recorded, rebuilt, republished or completely redesigned from scratch in HTML5. Your decision of converting Flash Courses to HTML5 in-house or through an outsourced vendor would largely depend on your proposed action course.
If the source files for Flash courses are not readily available or the courses just run in presentation mode, you can get the same recorded in .mp4 format. This .mp4 file can then be converted to AICC/ SCORM/Tin Can API with the framework support of courseware shell.
You may have to republish certain courses. Such courses had been scripted in an outdated version of Flash authoring tools. For ensuring seamless conversion, you have to upgrade to the most recent version of the authoring tool. The courseware has to be realigned and reprogrammed either entirely or partially before being republished to HTML format. This would also ensure compatibility with SCORM.
Certain files would demand complete rebuilding. Such courses had been developed in Macromedia Flash versions which are no longer circulated. However, these courses have usable media elements still present in the background. During conversion, the courses have to be rebuilt with the help of new development software or with an HTML5 authoring tool.
You would have to completely redesign some courses. This would mandate the inclusion of new instructional pattern. The updated instruction sets have to be integrated because the source files may no longer be available for use. Further, the content of e-course may not be in sync with contemporary requirements. Hence, you will have to include newer and more relevant information, and deliver the same in a more interactive mode. The course would have to be redesigned from scratch in the most recent authoring tool.
You have to factor in the importance of authoring tools for streamlined conversion. The results can be optimized if you choose the tool that perfectly complements your conversion related requirements. For securing expected results, you have to assess the capabilities and drawbacks of major authoring tools.
Understanding the aforesaid dynamics of conversion takes us to the next important destination i.e. the conversion process. The advantages and limitations of choosing in-house or outsourced mode of conversion of Flash to HTML5 need to be dwelt upon. For helping you make a conscious decision, let us understand the pros and cons of each process.
If you choose to get the Flash to HTML5 eLearning conversion carried out by an outsourced vendor, you can reap several benefits.
Now, that you have become conversant with the pros and cons of carrying out Flash to HTML5 conversion in-house and through outsourcing. You need to weigh your options carefully and then chalk out a well-detailed plan. This would help you mobilize resources and manpower adequately for optimal results. The converted e-courses would be responsive to both web browsers and mobile platforms. Eventually, you have to please your end users to make your business thrive.
