Skip to content

So Long, Adobe Flash; Welcome, HTML5!

Are you wondering why Flash to HTML5 conversion has become such a hot topic today? If you are curious about the differences between the two, we have some useful information for you!

There was a time when Adobe Flash was the most popular tool since it helped create very interactive courses. But it had its flaws and eventually became more of an inconvenience, especially with the increasing use of authoring tools. The reign of Flash ended when Steve Jobs decided that it was no longer required; he decided not to use Flash in any iOS device. Once that decision was made, it was doomed to become a thing of the past. That is when HTML5 took over the throne, and Flash to HTML5 conversion gained importance.

Explore techniques to convert Flash courses to HTML5 – quickly and without hassles.

If you have been tracking the latest news in corporate L&D, you must know that by the end of 2020, most devices will cease to support Flash. Adobe Flash is going to die soon, and the only option will be to replace it with a better option – HTML5! Any specialist in the field would advise you to upgrade to HTML5 and bid adieu to Adobe Flash as soon as possible – the benefits of Flash to HTML5 conversion of eLearning are manifold! One need not even worry too much about losing existing Flash courses, they can be updated to HTML5 and can be reused to improve training ROI.

So, here’s a blog that aims to explore the various benefits of HTML5 and why it is a worthy replacement for Adobe Flash. Keep reading to know more!

Reasons Why Flash Lost Its Reign

There are some massive and obvious flaws in Adobe Flash that are the main reasons behind its phasing out. HTML5, however, is equipped to overcome most of the drawbacks of Adobe Flash. Let’s explore the differences between the two to understand how HTML5 can save the day!

The Flaws of Flash

  • Lacks mobile compatibility, making it impossible for learners on the go to complete their eLearning courses on time, especially when they do not have access to a PC.
  • Requires additional plugins to be able to display information or play audio clips/videos on multiple browsers.
  • Has multiple security issues that constantly make it unreliable.
  • Uses great amounts of memory.
  • Drains off the device’s power.

HTML5 – The New Kid on the Block

Is Equipped to Offer Multi-device Learning

Today, most of the corporate workforce is constantly on the move. For employees who are out on the field or traveling around the globe, it becomes quite difficult to access eLearning courses on their laptops. Many prefer to take these courses during leisure on their mobile phones or tablets, which give them the choice to work from anywhere, anytime; it gives them more flexibility and control over their own training. This feature of mobile compatibility is the biggest advantage with HTML5.

Flash was designed only for PCs with drag n’ hover – not for touch screen devices. Therefore, Flash-based courses need to be revamped to ensure they can be used on touchscreen devices. HTML5-based eLearning courses are compatible with Apple devices as well as Androids, unlike Adobe Flash. Therefore, Flash to HTML5 conversion has now become a necessity. 

Is Ready to Meet Rapid Training Demands

The industry is now all about getting high-quality results, in the fastest way possible. Nobody has the time or resources to develop courses that take up too much effort. Developing Flash-based eLearning courses used to be a very tedious process, demanding extensive coding and programming skills.

On the other hand, HTML5-based courses are easier to develop with HTML5-based authoring toolswhich use built-in templates and interactivities. It can also use rapid eLearning to improve flexibility and reduce cost and time in the long run. Flash to HTML5 conversion can help salvage existing legacy courses and update them to make them mobile- compatible and useful, once again saving cost and time, since courses will not have to be remade from scratch.

Can Future Proof eLearning

Since Flash is owned by Adobe, updates were available only when Adobe released them. That’s the reason it could not keep up with the latest L&D technological advancements that others could match.

HTML5, on the other hand, is an open web standard, which means it is accessible to all web developers, without any licensing issues; it is self-updating and does not require any third-party intervention.

Implementing Flash to HTML5 conversion will future-proof your eLearning courses since it will allow developers to make updates, fix errors, and make changes in your courses whenever the need arises, thus reducing the chances of any future large scale migrations. 

Benefits of HTML5 for Learners and Organizations 

Benefits of HTML5-based eLearning Courses for Learners

HTML5-based courses:
  • Ensure that images and videos are highly optimized to fit various screens (no more blurry images and low-quality videos!).
  • Do not need plugins, so security threats will be minimized.
  • Ensure better battery life in mobile devices since it consumes less bandwidth and loads faster.
  • Make mobile learning (and blended learning) possible, as they allow learners to access information anytime, anywhere.
  • Can be accessed offline using mobile apps.

Benefits of HTML5-based eLearning for Organizations

HTML5:
  • Promotes a continuous learning culture in the organization since learning can happen on the go and during work breaks.
  • Is compatible across various devices and does not need external plugins. It will not become obsolete anytime soon since it is recognized by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), which makes it future-proof. In other words, it has an enhanced web standard, making it functional, accessible, and cross compatible.
  • Is easily customizable since it does not have accessibility limitations.

Since most existing courses can be migrated to the new HTML5 format (using the 4 ‘R’ strategies of Flash to HTML5 conversion – Record, Republish, Rebuild, and Redesign), there is assured return on the initial investment.

Wrapping it Up!

To conclude, now that you have seen the differences between the two, it is safe to say that HTML5 is definitely here to stay! It has multiple benefits and has proved to be very useful. Since Flash to HTML5 conversion is clearly of urgent importance today, organizations need to get to work and convert their courses to the HTML5 format before the end of 2020. There’s no time to lose. Hurry up folks!

Worried about converting your courses? Learn about the 4 ‘R’ strategies through our free eBook on Flash to HTML conversion.

Rapid eLearning and the 4 Rs – Corporate Training Must-Haves