Adobe lash: Is it just flash or can it be useful?

What is Flash? How can it be used by teachers? How can it be used by pupils? Taking it further

What is flash? ‘ a technology that allows for animation or moving graphics on a website.’ www.gravitatedesign.com/glossary.htm ‘… [the] industry's most advanced authoring environment for creating interactive websites [and] digital experiences… design and author interactive content rich with video, graphics, and animation for truly unique, engaging websites, presentations or mobile content’ Adobe advert open canvas where the user create the content

How can it be used by teachers? Why should… ‘… students want an education that serves their needs. For many that means an education that is convenient, accessible and most importantly, relevant .’ Macromedia Whitepaper 2004

A new generation of children Different expectations about the role of technology in their lives Commodore 64 Hand-held game consoles Interactivity and graphic quality

A problem-solving approach to learning Skills focus

Organisation Pupils are faced with many decisions that ultimately affect the final product. layers symbols actions purpose audience

Presentation skills Bradley’s advert (Year 7)

Showing understanding e.g. develop an animation that explains a scientific process

Many, many other reasons: Motivation Students set themselves challenges to accomplish. This approach produces high levels of motivation as the challenges have been created by them and are generally suited to their ability. Independent learning Students in charge of the project and only use the teacher as facilitator encourages them to work independently

Reflection and evaluation At the start of each session, students place their newly created files in a shared folder. A few of the files were then viewed on the IWB and the class commented on the work, for example, its usability, layout, and questions were asked about how it was created and how they would change it to suit a different audience. Communication and teamwork Encourages students to work collaboratively: smaller jobs are delegated e.g. creating a layout, script to control movement, assessment opportunities to check understanding and project managing. A demanding process and challenges teams to work through a detailed plan before commencing.

Teach each other

Shanghai Students are taught Adobe Flash

Students are taught Adobe Flash

Students are taught Adobe Flash

Problems Financial constraints Complexity of the software Lack of useful training Time

Taking it further Books Forums www.actionscript.org www.kirupa.com Training