BACK
Flash to HTML5: Your helpful to-do list!
In December 2020, Adobe will stop supporting, updating and distributing Flash. This is a positive step, for both eLearning and the web as a whole. It removes the method that many hackers use to distribute malware and viruses.
Â
So, it’s easy to see why most IT teams will welcome this move.
Â
HTML5 will replace Flash, and from a users perspective, nothing will feel too different. However, us digital creators we need to check on a few things to ensure our content is compatible with HTML5, and the future of web.
Â
1. Check your authoring tool can publish to HTML5
If you’re using Articulate 360 or Storyline 3, I can answer that for you – and the answer is yes. Each tool in the Articulate 360 suite is fully HTML5 compatiable (as is Storyline 3).
If you don’t have these tools, please check – as if your tool doesn’t publish to HTML5, you’ll have quite an issues sharing courses in 2021 and beyond.
Â
Remember, in Storyline 360 or 3, you can fully tailor your publish settings, and can set it to publish to HTML5 with a Flash fallback. This will make sure your courses are accessible to everybody.
2. Check in with your LMS
Most of us will assume our LMS does not rely on Flash to run. And if it does, it’s probably considered how to handle the move. But you know what they say about assuming…
Â
Check in with your LMS vendor to see what their plans are (if any) regarding Flash’s end of life.
Â
3. Speak to your own IT team
It’s also wise to speak to your own IT departments. Make sure you know their intentions regarding the EOL of Flash. They may have already turned it off or are planning to do so before the 31st December.
Â
This is information you’ll need to be aware of as you may need to alter your deadline preparation date in accordance with your IT department and organisational choices.
4. Create a digital learning inventory
Prepare a list of all eLearning courses your organisation current holds. Then, add a column stating how the course has been published, what tool was used, and if any action needs to take place before December 2020.
Â
It’s also a good time to test your courses. Turn off the Flash player in your browser and see if:
- You can you get through the course from start to finish with no problems.
- All your animations work seamlessly and as intended.
- Your course works in all browsers (with Flash switched off!)
- Your course work on mobile devices
- Reporting to the LMS works as intended.
So there you have it, your 4 point checklist to make sure you’re ready for the EOL of Flash. If you need any help with converting your courses, or republishing, do get in touch. We’d love to help!
