Three Best Practices To Convert Legacy Flash Courses to Engaging eLearning

With Adobe pulling the plug on Flash in 2020, organizations were left worried about the future of the numerous training courses and curriculums built using this software. In a hurry, L&D Managers wrapped their arms around the source files in the hope that training content could be saved. A flurry of activity followed—rapid course conversion from legacy Flash to HTML5, in an effort to put them back into the learning system. 

However, just a simple course conversion isn’t enough to meet today’s learning needs. In order to find an effective solution with a better shelf-life, there are more aspects to consider than just the availability of the software. Today, L&D Managers are facing a daunting task with increased expectations around learning outcomes and training ROI. 

To ease the situation, follow these best practices for better results in your conversion journey from Flash courses to HTML5. These tips frame a well-rounded approach to learning and development while placing the modern learners front and center. 

Best Practice #1: Evaluate Organizational Learning Gaps

This is undoubtedly going to be a time-consuming process. Working with source files that haven't been touched for years is no child’s play. However, a clear plan of action will ensure that the end goal isn’t intimidating. Maintain emphasis on these key steps:

• Identify courses - Get started on a course inventory and prioritize. A tabular column that specifies the assets associated with the course, the authoring tool used (if any), and course complexity is a good starting point. This will be used to establish workflows, identify commonalities, adopt a new authoring tool and determine phases.

• Invest in an HTML framework - Build a simple yet scalable framework from a development standpoint. This will ensure the reuse of interactive components, and instructional designers remain focused on learning, rather than spending time and effort in understanding multiple programming languages. Keep a check on training ROI.

• Assess gaps - Use this opportunity to improve the effectiveness of courses. Consider including in-course assessments, gamified learning, blended learning, and other modern strategies. This helps in bridging the gap between where your learners currently are to where you want them to be. Analyzing the results will help organizations invest further in quality training content. Have you considered facilitating knowledge application, and not just being restricted to knowledge acquisition?

Best Practice #2: Consider Learner Needs

This includes:

• Create a sound HTML framework - Based on learner needs and objectives to achieve, create a framework that is responsive and delivers an engaging learning experience. That means the UI and UX foster learning seamlessly and with ease. Mobile learning is trending for a reason and will top the charts for years to come. Think from this perspective and ensure that navigation, display size, and interactivities are uncompromised.

• Redesign content with the modern learner in mind - Use the opportunity to redesign some of the courses and content to suit current learner preferences and learning trends. Include a variety of visual media formats and interactivities to feed the learner who is conditioned to modern digital environments. Gain from a technology uplift, create visually explosive learning, and deploy immersive learning strategies to deliver better learning experiences. 

• Deliver continuous learning - The above two areas will ensure that training meets performance goals. Modern eLearning strategies like scenario-based learning and microlearning modules will enhance productivity, keep cognitive overload at bay and motivate learners. Foster social and collaborative learning techniques by breaking lengthy Flash courses into discussion boards, user-generated videos, etc. 

Best Practice #3: Partner with a Custom Vendor

Custom partners bring unparalleled expertise and contribute significantly to take training up by several notches! Whether it is their understanding of the challenge at hand, or knowledge of the right tools and technologies for your unique needs, the custom partner is a gateway to skilled L&D experts, including instructional designers and web developers.

Achieve scale in conversion and reduce turnaround time with a custom content partner. They can also help you improve training ROI by converting content into engaging microlearning modules. Improve engagement and overall learning metrics while you are at this arduous task of converting Flash courses to HTML5. 

Once your vendor has converted your eLearning from Flash to HTML formats, they will also assist in hosting the content on your learning platform. This will make your online courses more secure and reliable for use. Future-proof eLearning to avoid training disruptions. 

To leverage greater success with your custom vendor, this ebook with best practices will help you with your outsourcing strategy and can lead to greater L&D success. 

The best practices and key steps listed above can help you not only convert Flash to HTML5 but deliver engaging eLearning to the modern learner demographic. In the end, this is a good transition that has more benefits than one! 

This ebook provides step-by-step guidance for managing course conversions using the world’s most powerful authoring tool, Lectora®. 

Do you want to know more about course conversion? Do you want to see real-world examples and benefits of Flash to HTML5 conversion? Explore ELB Learning’s custom solutions and reach out for a free consultation with our learning experts.