This document discusses the challenges of mobile learning in a post-Flash era. It notes that Flash is no longer supported on iOS devices or newer versions of Android. This affects how learning content can be delivered to mobile devices. The document then examines options for developing content, including native apps, HTML5, hybrid apps, and Adobe Air. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages related to development effort, features supported, updates, and distribution. It provides an overview to help understand options for mobile learning as platforms evolve.

1. Demystifying Mobile Learning:
Survival Guide in a
Post-Flash Era
Jack McGrath
President, Creative Director
Digitec Interactive
Amy Bassett
Marketing Director
Digitec Interactive

2. Digitec is an eLearning production company and
learning management system provider,
developing educational products for association,
medical and non-profit clients.

3. Despite growth
of mobile…
Flash is not
available on
iPhone or iPads
(iOS)
No Flash support
after Android 4.1
How does this affect
learning?

4. iOS
Possible screen
resolutions to
meet devices
- iPhone
- iPhone Retina
- iPad
- iPad Retina
No standard resolution

5. Android
Possible screen
resolutions to
meet devices
No standard resolution

6. Android
3,997 distinct
devices
599 distinct
brands
40% Samsung
According to: http://opensignal.com/reports/fragmentation.php - 8/2012
Hardware fragmentation

7. According to: http://opensignal.com/reports/fragmentation.php - 8/2012
Android
Each version of
Android
supports a
different subset
of features
Software fragmentation

8. Microsoft Surface
Runs Windows RT
(Windows Lite)
Flash only runs on
Microsoft-approved sites
Software deployed through
Windows store
Program in javascript, C++,
C#/VB
Constantly new devices to support

9. Survival Techniques in a
Post-Flash Era
Native Apps
Adobe Air Apps
HTML-5 & HTML
Hybrid
Apps

10. Native Apps
iOS is created in xCode
and coded in Objective C
Android is created using
Eclipse and coded in
Java
Advantages Disadvantage
Performance Need to build for each
platform
Powerful feature-rich
code base
xCode, Eclipse more
complicated and
expensive to update
Distribution Distribution (store
approvals, tough to
limit access, review,
costs)

11. HTML-5 & HTML
Content is created using
HTML, javascript, jQuery
or other standard
language
Accessible through the
device mobile browser
Advantages Disadvantage
Easier to code, some
authoring tools
available
Devices and browsers
provide limited support
One code base –
multiple delivery
methods
Device specific versions
Limited support for
animation, interactivity,
multimedia, etc.
Distribution and
updates simpler
Requires a lot of testing

12. Hybrid
Installer created in xCode for
iOS and Eclipse for Android.
Content pulled using WEB UI
into the app from HTML,
javascript, etc.
Advantages Disadvantage
Distribution through
Stores
Distribution through
Stores
Updates simple and
controlled outside the
app
Multiple installers to
manage
Leverage device
features more flexibly
Offline access is limited

13. Adobe Air
Flash AS3 exports to
desktop, native iOS,
Android & Blackberry
Advantages Disadvantage
One version – multiple
delivery options
Requires distribution
through “stores”
More multimedia and
interactive support by
leveraging Flash
AS3 code support is
limited – not a simple
conversion
Performance can suffer
Installer allows for
offline access and use
Limited ability to update
dynamically

14. Questions?
Amy Bassett
Marketing Director
Digitec Interactive
6000 MetroWest Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32835
1-800-942-4537
abassett@digitecinteractive.com
Jack McGrath
President & Creative Director
Digitec Interactive
6000 MetroWest Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32835
1-800-942-4537
jmcgrath@digitecinteractive.com