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2017.07.27

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[Breaking News] Flash Support to End in 2020! What's Next for e-Learning?

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    On July 25 (US time), Adobe announced its plan to discontinue the distribution of "Flash".
    Following this announcement, companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft have also announced their plans to gradually end support for Flash by the end of 2020.

    Finally, the time limit for Flash has been announced. Not only is it still being used in internal systems, but it is also widely used in e-learning content. In the e-learning industry, the transition to HTML5* as an alternative technology to Flash is progressing, but is your company fully prepared? There are likely many companies that have yet to make the switch.

    > Click here for details on Flash to HTML5 conversion and migration services

    *HTML5: Can be played on browsers such as Internet Explorer, and can implement audio, video, animation, etc. No dedicated software like Flash Player is required for playback.

    Using Flash in e-learning

    Until around 2010, Flash was the most powerful technology for creating e-learning materials. At that time, more than 90% of the content we created was used in almost all of our content.
    Due to vulnerability issues and the trend of Flash not being supported on iOS (such as iPhone), the tide gradually began to change, and now most materials are provided in a format that supports both Flash and HTML5.

    > Click here for details on Flash to HTML5 conversion and migration services

    From Flash to HTML5. Case studies of migration

    As of July 2017, there are still users who use outdated browsers that cannot play HTML5, and the existence and necessity of Flash remains. So, how have other companies progressed with the transition from Flash to HTML5? Here are some examples of clients we have assisted with the transition.

    [In the case of Company A (major machinery manufacturer)]
    ・A company that utilizes e-learning for internal education
    ・Mobile support due to replacement of learning management system (LMS)
    ・Especially for overseas employees who do not own a PC
    ・In order to confirm work on site, we also want to make the content mobile compatible

    ⇒Converted hundreds of teaching materials created in Flash to a format that supports both Flash and HTML5 using PowerPoint manuscripts. We also established a production policy, such as implementing SCORM conversion to meet the specifications of the new system.

    [Company B (Major Education Provider)]
    ・A company that provides educational materials for B to C
    ・Increasing demand for learning on mobile devices
    ・Want to utilize assets created with Flash in the past
    ・Implement mobile optimization (interfaces for smartphones and tablets, etc.)

    ⇒We have been supporting HTML5 since around 2012. In addition to converting Flash files to HTML5, we are also adjusting the interface, such as screens and operation buttons, to make it easier to learn on mobile devices.

    We have supported mobile compatibility/HTML5 conversion by providing services such as converting Flash materials to HTML5 (Flash to HTML5) and creating new HTML5 materials based on original manuscripts such as PowerPoint, depending on your situation.

    > Click here for details on Flash to HTML5 conversion and migration services

    Towards a Positive Transition! The Significance of Converting Materials to HTML5

    In preparation for 2020, it will be necessary for companies to make preparations for moving away from Flash.
    However, it is not recommended to make the transition solely based on negative reasons such as "Flash will no longer be available".

    There are several benefits to transitioning to HTML5, such as:

    1. Avoiding Flash Vulnerabilities
    2. Mobile Learning Available
       Learn what you want, when you want, on the go, at home, or in the office.
    3. Easier-to-learn materials (Reduce resistance to learning with more seamless/lightweight operation)

    There may be room for discussion and technical challenges in the above items, but especially "2" and "3" will become essential for future learning.

    • Today is the first time I will meet with a client, so I want to review the method of exchanging business cards.
    • I want to review the procedure while moving for equipment maintenance.
    • I want to learn the ideal presentation method for tomorrow's presentation.

    In various situations such as when traveling, during breaks, or at home, many people may suddenly remember things they want to do or things they need to learn. Mobile-compatible learning materials (HTML5) can meet these demands (of course, the content and delivery method of the materials must also be able to meet the demands properly).

    Let's provide mobile support tailored to the learner's environment and other various requests.

    > Click here for details on Flash to HTML5 conversion and migration services

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    Keigo Ryuno

    Author:

    Keigo Ryuno
    Education Solutions Department, Consulting Unit
    ・Experience as a training instructor and web designer
    ・Engaged in education design and e-learning development
    ・Learning Designer (eLC certified)
    ・ATD International Professional Member

    Contact Us:

    Phone Number: 03-5321-3111

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