Creating Flash-type files without the Flash

[Rowergirlca]

does anyone know of a software that would allow me to create custome flash type animations for insertion as swf files into Lectora without having to learn flash or hire a flash programmer. For example, if I wanted to create a pie- chart where each of the sections expanded to reveal more information when you rolled over. A few people have recommended Adobe Presenter or Swish Max, does anyone have experience with either of these tools?

Thanks
Maggie

[tecocat]

Why wouldn't you just do that in native Lectora? Mouse-over effects like that are easy enough to do in Lectora without getting into using .swf animations...

I have a fair amount experience with Adobe Presenter -- I don't think it's the solution you're looking for in this case. Can't speak for Swish Max. I don't have any personal experience with Articulate, but it may do what you're looking for. But, again, I don't know why you'd want to pay for, and deal with, a separate tools to do something that Lectora can do itself...

Just my $.02!
Laura

[lambert17]

Welcome to Lectora, Maggie.

As Laura mentioned, you can replicate the effect you're describing using just native Lectora. However, if you really want the Flash look, you might consider programs such as Articulate Engage or Raptivity. They each come with pie-type charts (and many other) templates you can use. I'm sure there are many more options out there these days as well.

Swish Max is like a mini-Flash and might also meet your goal, though you'd have to still do some programming. The other tools are more template driven.

Also check out SnagIt. It's inexpensive, but allows you to create hot spots in an image and output it as a Flash file. (To be honest, I haven't played around with this feature yet, but it's in there.)

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Jay

[Rowergirlca]

Thanks Jay
I have used Snag it alot but haven't worked with all the features, will try it. I will also look into Raptivity. Question about Articulate Engage, will it output into Lectora or only into other Articulate Programs?

[lambert17]

Maggie, while Articulate Engage natively publishes into an Articulate PowerPoint file, you can also elect to publish it as a stand-alone set of files. To do this, you would select Publish to Web. This creates a Flash swf file and a folder of supporting files.

To add into a Lectora course, you simply insert the Flash swf file and then copy the supporting folder into your Lectora Images folder. Note that you would have to copy it both to the source Images folder and also into your published Images folder.

If you include more than one Engage interaction in your Lectora course, you have to do another step--renaming both the swf file and its folder to a unique name. Engage names everything the same unfortunately. But it's all simple. I've been using this technique a good bit lately.

[Rowergirlca]

Thanks Jay!

[dunlapjd]

Thanks for this post! I have been searching for the answer, I assume this also works for Quizmaker?

[lambert17]

Yes, you can also import Quizmaker swfs into Lectora. I've done this for activities. Note that I haven't tried catching the score from a Quizmaker test in Lectora and passing it to an LMS. That might take some experimenting.

How are you planning to use the files?