Flash is out. HTML5 is in. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is Flash going away?
Adobe announced that at the end of 2020, they would “stop updating and distributing the Flash player” and encouraged consumers to “migrate any existing Flash content to new open formats” like HTML5. Basically, these open formats have matured over the past few years to provide the capabilities that used to require plugins. Going forward, all new browsers will support HTML5 and facilitate animated and interactive content in a way that previously only worked with plugins. Adobe saw the writing on the wall and decided to call time on arguably the most impactful piece of eLearning software in the past two decades.
What does that mean for my SCORM courses?
It depends whether you are building course from scratch or wondering what to do with legacy content that was built and exported to Flash.
Building from scratch:
If you are building your own content from scratch, you have two output options when publishing. You can export SCORM packages to Flash, HTML, or both. For many years, Flash has been the most popular output type, but going forward, HTML5 will be the best option because it is supported
Dealing with Legacy content:
Because some effects do not work with HTML, you may not be able to simply republish your old courses. You may need to redesign the course itself or update some elements to make them compatible with the new format. If you want more information on how to convert your legacy content, get in touch or read our Flash to HTML5 blog for more details.
Why is HTML5 considered better?
One word: Mobile. HTML5 is supported by all smartphones and tablets making it a much more viable option than previously unsupported plugins. Steve Jobs famously complained about Flash’s shortcomings when it came to mobile performance. Flash was built for PCs and never worked well with touch technology. With mobile learning on the charge and learners demanding anytime, anywhere content, HTML5 will open new doors for eLearning.
Past HTML code struggled with audio and video, which made unfeasible for developing dynamic e-learning courses. Learners had to download third-party apps, such as Flash, to play animated or interactive content. The latest version of HTML5 includes new audio and video tags that allows these files to be embedded directly into their HTML code. This makes it possible for learners to view e-learning directly in their web browsers.
Can I use HTML5 with my LMS?
In short, yes. Published eLearning content “communicates” with the LMS using a variety of specifications, including AICC, SCORM, and TinCan API. Courses published to HTML5 can be tracked in all these publishing specifications which means it can work with all existing systems.
If you want to know more about how to convert your Flash eLearning to HTML5, get in touch below for a free consultation!