Introduction

CIS120DC Online is a 3 credit OE/SP course offered through Glendale Community College that is designed to teach the basics of Macromedia Flash. The course can be completed either on or off campus. It is designed to be completed completely online using a variety of technologies, such as the web, e-mail, streaming video/audio and discussion groups.

How do I start or register for the class?

You need to register for the class through the GCC enrollment center. You can contact the GCC enrollment center at 623-845-3333 or visit the GCC web site for more information.

The following sections are open for the Summer I 2003 semester:
CIS120DC 1295
CIS120DC 5203

After you've registered read the Syllabus, you can then go to the Lessons section of the web site and begin Lesson 1. If you are working in the GCC High Tech Center, you will have access to the Flash 5 software through your Palette account. If you are working from off campus, you will need to have Flash 5 software installed on the computer you are using. Macromedia offers a 30 day demo for Flash, but you may need more time to complete the class than the allotted 30 days. You can also complete the course using Flash MX. Keep in mind that although the concepts you learn are applicable for both Flash 5 and Flash MX that the interface is different and that some of the screen shots and instruction will not match the Flash MX interface.

About Flash

Macromedia Flash is a multimedia graphics program specially for use on the Web. Flash enables you to create interactive "movies" on the Web. Flash uses vector graphics, which means that the graphics can be scaled to any size without losing clarity/quality. Flash does not require programming skills and is easy to learn. This class uses Flash 5, but Flash MX is the current version of the software - either one can be used to complete the course.

Flash vs. Animated Images and Java Applets

Animated images and Java applets are often used to create dynamic effects on Web pages. The advantages of Flash are:

• Flash loads much faster than animated images
• Flash allows interactivity, animated images do not
• Flash does not require programming skills, java applets do

Is Flash Compatible?

Macromedia writes: "In September 2000, NPD Research, the parent company of MediaMetrix, conducted a study to determine what percentage of Web browsers have Macromedia Flash preinstalled. The results show that 96.4% of Web users can experience Macromedia Flash content without having to download and install a player."

Macromedia Shockwave Player is shipped with Windows 95, 98, Me, XP, MacOS, Internet Explorer CD, America Online, and Netscape Navigator.

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