WEB 2110

Flash

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This fundamental course examines and demonstrates essential elements in creating vector-based Web animation. The topics include vector vs. bitmap images, timelines, special effects, and use of plug-ins vs. HTML-only animations. The emphasis of this course will be on creating high-quality Web pages using principles of layout design, color theory as applicable to Web design, and preparation of text for the Web.

Course Objectives:

Students will

  1. Conceptualize, plan, and execute vector animations for the Web.
  2. Understand various animation techniques used in Flash.
  3. Manipulate variables affecting movie quality and file size.
  4. Publish Flash movies for Internet delivery.
  5. Better understand the use of animation as a means of communicating ideas.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Conceptualize animations.
  2. Create storyboard ideas.
  3. Create keyframes from storyboard.
  4. Use the tools in Flash to create content for frames.
  5. Import graphics to be used in Flash frames.
  6. Import and edit sound files.
  7. Construct files logically in named layers so others can easily make sense of them.
  8. Publish movies in various formats that may be needed by clients.
  9. Use all the various techniques available in Flash for animating.
  10. Add interactivity to movies.
  11. Explore suggested links to learn more about animation.
  12. Assemble animations in an organized fashion (name all layers and library items).
  13. Create original graphics to use in animations.
  14. Publish animation to integrate with Web sites.

Prerequisites and Corequisites:

A practical knowledge of how the Internet operates, HTML code, graphic formats, web site building, web page design, and an introductory knowledge of a computer graphics program is required. These pre- and co-requisites may be obtained through these courses:

  • COMN 1000--Beginning HTML (NSTCC)

Course Topics:

Lesson 

Topic

1

Class objectives/Introduction/Review Syllabus
Equipment and software for the course 
Understand the Flash Environment and Workspace
Understand Vector and Bitmap Graphics
 

2

Using Layout Tools
Manage Frame Rate
Work with Panels
Publish a Movie
 

3

Drawing 
Using selection tools 
Using drawing tools 
Choosing colors  
Filling objects 
Create Drawings
 

4

Use Flash Drawing Tools
Creating a Composition
 

5

Edit and Modify Drawings
Work with Objects
Work with Info Panel 
Work with History Panel
 

6

Understand and Import Graphics
Bitmaps 
Using Imported Graphics in a Movie Layout
 

7

Working with Layers 
Masking
 

8

Organizing Layers
Layer Folders
Create and Use Masks
 

9

Work with Symbols
Using the Timeline
Work with Libraries 
Movie Clips
 

10

Using Behaviors
Using Buttons  
Creating an Image Map 
Using actions
 

11

Understanding Actions 
Event Handlers and Triggers 
Script Structure
ActionScript with Sounds  

12

Loading movies 
Unloading movies
Create a Button
Create Interaction
Create a Slide Show
 

13

Frame by Frame Animation
Create Motion Tween Animation 
Build and Program an Interactive Movie
 

14

Prepare for Publishing
Creating a Preloader  
Publishing Movies

15

Publish Flash Portfolio Site to Remote Server 

Specific Course Requirements:

Students need to already have basic computer proficiency, knowledge of HTML, ability to create graphics for the Web, and ability to design and structure a web site. Software required for the course is Macromedia Flash 8.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

 

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:

 http://rodp.bkstr.com

 

Hardware Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.

Hardware/Software Requirements for this Course

IBM-type criteria:

Hardware:

  • Intel Pentium 4, Intel Centrino, Intel Xeon, or Intel Core Duo (or compatible) processor.
  • Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate or Enterprise (certified for 32-bit editions)
  • 1 GB of RAM
  • 5 GB of available hard-disk space
  • 1024 x 768 monitor resolution with 16-bit video card
  • CD-ROM drive (DVD preferred)
  • High-speed Internet connection such as cable modem or DSL recommended, if possible
  • Speakers

Software:

  • Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) with Outlook Express
  • Macromedia Shockwave and Flash players. Download free from http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or better. Download free from http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html
  • OPTIONAL: Netscape 7.0 (full installation)

Macintosh criteria:

Hardware:

  • PowerPC G4 or G5 or multicore Intel processor
  • Mac OS X v.10.4.8
  • 1 GB of RAM
  • 7 GB of available hard-disk space
  • 1024 x 768 monitor resolution with 16-bit video card
  • CD-ROM (DVD preferred)
  • High-speed Internet connection such as cable modem or DSL recommended, if possible
  • Speakers

Software:

  • QuickTime 7.0.4 or better
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader 6 or better. Download free from http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html
  • Macromedia Shockwave and Flash players. Download free from http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/

Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific software requirements for this course include Macromedia Flash 8.

Instructor Information

Please see the instructor page for instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

Online quizzes will are built into this course. The primary portion of the student's grade will be based on hands on projects completed. The purpose of the online quizzes is to encourage the student to work through the lessons, exercises and to help become familiar with the concepts and principles explained in the textbook and chapters and tutorial videos.

Students will be expected to complete all assignments and projects satisfactorily on time in a professional manner. Evaluation of the students knowledge and performance will be based on demonstration by written discussion and testing of the basic competencies required to deploy vector animation using Flash, as well as demonstrated ability to produce and incorporate suitable Flash content in a functioning project site. Students will successfully complete exercises and projects to demonstrate mastery of concepts and skills.

Grading Procedure:

The final grade will be determined on the basis of scores on assignments, projects, quizzes and participation as well as the instructor's evaluation of the student's understanding and application of the concepts covered in the course. Any coursework by someone other than the enrolled student will not recieve credit, will be reported for disciplinary action and will result in failure. The highest standard of conduct and performance is expected from each student at all times.

Grading Scale:

A = 90-100%            450+
B = 80-89%              400-449 
C = 70-79%              350-399                      
D = 60-69%              300-349
F = 0-59%                   0-299

 

  • Assignments and Projects: 50 percent of grade. Students will complete assignments related to textbook and online readings weekly in addition to several comprehensive projects.
  • Tests and Quizzes: 35 percent of grade. Students will be given a series of quizzes over textbook content during the semester. These exams will consist of true/false, multiple choice, and essay questions.
  • Final Exam: 10 percent of grade. A final exam of randomly generated questions over course content will be given at the end of the course.
  • Discussion and Online Communication: 5 percent of grade. Participation in Discussions by contributing information, helping each other, solving problems and answering questions is rewarded. Students will use Discussion inside D2L to communicate with each other and with the instructor.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

One or more hands-on assignments or projects will be completed each week. Some are required, and you complete enough optional ones you choose to add the rest of the points you need to make a total score for the grade you want. See the assignments in the Dropbox menu for due dates and details of each assignment. Each well done assignment may add up to 20 points.

Class Participation:

Active communication in Discussions to assist others and share knowledge is highly valued and will add points to your participation score. Students are expected to respond to email, communicate with the instructor and others in discussion, and check the course news board frequently for announcements and instructions.

Punctuality:

Each week there will be a reading assignment, a test, or an assignment to complete. Assignments and tests are expected to be submitted by the due date and time. Late assignments will not receive credit but may be sent to show you did the work. Credit lost for late or incomplete work can be replaced by doing optional assignments. Time management is absolutely critical for professionals, so it is imperative that you meet deadlines.

Course Ground Rules

Online participation is a requirement in this course. Students are expected to participate on the discussion boards. Students are also expected to keep up with the weekly course work including assignments, discussion board postings, quizzes, etc. Continue to check the Course Homepage for course announcements frequently and observe course netiquette at all times. Politeness is a requirement, not an option. Use D2L discussion and course email for communication about this course. For other college related communication you may use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address. Address technical problems with D2L immediately with the RODP helpdesk.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a reader then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of others ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner. 
  • Be cooperative working together.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Be helpful, share knowledge and information to add points to your participation score.

Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in chat sessions.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open chat sessions at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive and helpful in your comments and suggestions

Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the left to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

Telephone Support:

If you are having problems logging into your course,
timing out of your course, using your course web site tools, or other technical problems, please contact the Eduprise Help Desk by calling

1-866-550-7637 (toll free)

or go to their website at:

http://help.rodp.org