HTML is a standard markup language commonly used for creating web pages. HTML5 is the updated version of HTML, which offers unique attributes and behaviour and comes with an extensive set of technologies that make it more useful for building applications and websites. It has been designed keeping in mind the evolving needs of the new generation. It offers new features like audio and video while running course content on smartphones, iPad, iPhones, and tablets.
Before HTML, e-professionals used flash to create content on the web. For more than two decades flash was widely used but it is gradually fading away because it is not compatible with mobile devices and the latest browsers. E-professionals are gradually showing a paradigm shift from Flash to HTML5, which has evolved as a potential alternative that runs on various systems and is compatible with the latest learning management systems. Moreover, most of the e-learning authoring tools give HTML5 as output.
Why do we need to convert Flash to HTML5?
A valid question that comes to our mind is the reason behind the shift from Flash to HTML5. Why are we switching over from Flash to HTML5? Well! Flash will become outdated this year (2021), and the Flash-based courses will no more be accessible. It is because the flash was designed in an era when only PC was used. It does not support the latest technology and therefore is not useful now. Latest languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML are more suitable for mobile devices, tablets, laptops, etc. There are numerous other reasons for converting Flash to HTML5 e-learning courses.
Let us first understand the key differences between Flash and HTML5.
Security Issues –
Flash is vulnerable to major security issues such as bugs and malware. It has a long history of security issues and flaws. Although HTML5 also has certain security issues, they are negligible as compared to flash. HTML has been updated with security measures that fight against potential threats.
User-friendly –
Flash does not support accessibility and is less flexible compared to HTML5, which consumes less processing power while being more accessible. HTML5 integrates multimedia, making the content more user-friendly and increasingly accessible on all platforms and browsers, including mobile devices.
Economical –
Flash is an Adobe proprietary, and so you need to buy it. HTML5, on the other hand, is open-source and free.
Compatibility –
Flash is incompatible with iPhone and iPad, and other IOS-based Apple devices. HTML5 is compatible with both IOS and Android. You can easily access your e-learning courses by converting them from Flash to HTML5.
SEO friendly –
Adobe Flash player plug-in for flash is required. It also needs a higher processing power to operate. Thus, it is not SEO friendly. HTML5 can be used to make animations, photo collages, and real-time video rendering with JavaScript. It is SEO-friendly and supports Flash-like technologies.
Interactive –
Flash has limited options for creating interactive e-learning courses, whereas HTML5 authoring tools provide easy templates that can be used to create interactive courses.
How can you convert Flash to HTML5?
Converting Flash e-learning courses to HTML5 may seem like a daunting task but can be accomplished seamlessly; if you are aware of the basic strategy. The conversion process comprises two steps; prepare a detailed plan for the conversion and prepare a prioritization strategy and analysis to understand the need.
Determine the nature and scale of the task –
To begin with, you need to identify the number of courses, format, and the number of hours of content. You also need to identify the type of interaction required in the course and how to recreate them. It is crucial to decide all these in advance to save time later and determine the approximate budget. You also need to prioritize and identify the most critical courses that need to be converted first.
Prepare Conversion strategy –
The transition process can be accomplished using one of the four strategies given below. These are commonly described as the four R’s- Record, Republish, Rebuild, Redesign.
Record –
You need to make a list of the Flash courses you want to convert to HTML5. Start with the conversion of those files that have low interactivities and are without a source file. The speed of the conversion process depends on the authoring tools used to build on the course.
Republish–
The assets associated with the courses, like animations, images, texts, etc., need to be identified to determine whether they can be recreated authoring tools or require JavaScript to make them compatible with HTML5. Moreover, the Flash files with a source code need to be republished using the latest version of the relevant tool.
Rebuild –
The courses built using obsolete technology need to be rebuilt using a modern authoring tool. You can use this strategy if the media assets and contents are relevant and need minor changes only. This strategy can be used if the media assets and contents are relevant and only minor changes need to be done. The latest features enhance the overall learning experience.
Redesign–
If a major content update is required, a complete revamp is done by changing the instructional design. It completely changes the look and feel of the course, and it becomes as good as new. This conversion goes through a complete development cycle.
Once you are done with the conversion process, you need to conduct a pilot test to ensure that the Flash files converted to HTML5 are running smoothly across all platforms. If you are successful in running one course, you can go further and convert all your files.
Wrapping up –
As seen above, HTML5 has numerous benefits over Flash technology that is rapidly becoming obsolete. Although converting all Flash files to HTML5 may seem like a challenge, but the strategies listed above can make the process smooth and less challenging. When we talk about flash vs html5, HTML5 exhibits a more interactive and appealing web page. Moreover, redesigning and converting Flash e-learning courses is the need of the hour as the content has to be compatible with mobile devices.