Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Mark Bragg發表於
Number of replies: 6

Hi

Have read through a lot of posts and can't seem to find an answer. I have a SCORM compliant content pack which contains a main swf file that brings in data from external xml files. It all works fine on Moodle set up on localhost and on other VLE's, but when deployed on a Moodle web server the connection between the swf and xml breaks.

1. Is it possible to deploy a content pack with this type of content? If so, how?
2. Do I have to use the Flash Module? Would this mean I could create an IMS content pack which would deploy correctly? Would this then mean I would need to create different content packs for different VLE's?
3. Is Moodle SCORM compliant? If so, surely a well formed imsmanifest file within a content pack would deploy successfully? Or are there some settings/restrictions that stop this from happening?

Like many others I am using the .load("xml/main.xml") method (AS2).

Also wasn't sure if this query should be posted here or in the SCORM module. Sorry if it's the wrong place.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Mark

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In reply to Mark Bragg

Re: Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Mary Cooch發表於
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What is the name of your SCORM content pack?

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In reply to Mary Cooch

Re: Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Mark Bragg發表於

Hi Mary

The content pack name is 'VLE - Explore and Discuss - The arts and knowledge.zip'. There are only assets rather than sco's in the pack but have checked it using the ADL conformance test  and it passes. There is some COL tagging (the old curriculum online tagging system) but would that cause an issue? How do other publishers get over the linking of files issue? Would 'wrapping' the swf in html resolve it?

Thanks, Mark

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In reply to Mark Bragg

Re: Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Mark Bragg發表於

UPDATE

It was an issue with 'Use slash arguments' being turned off within the http options. Turned this on and it worked (although I've heard this can cause issues with links to some resources).

Also seems that if you change the course format to SCORM format (and still have 'Use slash arguments' not checked) then reload the content pack it works - but when you view the content it appears in a very small window. Are there any settings to change this display size?

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In reply to Mark Bragg

Re: Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Matt Bury發表於
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Hi Mark,

Glad you found a solution to your problem. Just for your information, I ran into a lot of problems and shortcomings when implementing SCORM with custom coded Flash applications. For this reason, I started the SWF Activity Module for Moodle: http://code.google.com/p/swf-activity-module/

It doesn't have the same tracking and bookmarking capabilities as SCORM, although it does push grades into Moodle's grade book and has some useful time tracking features, but it's much more flexible and adaptable. According to the framework I've set up, Flash applications and content are kept separate using dynamically provided paths to data XML files. This is in line with best coding practices and the MVC design pattern, unlike SCORM. With the correctly configured crossdomain.xml policy files (short XML files) in place, you're also free to load content from bucket servers and content management systems hosted on other domains.

Also, using Flash Remoting (AS 3.0 only I'm afraid) Flash apps can also interact with Moodle's database and APIs and pass objects back and forth as if they were native Flash code. It's incredibly easy and powerful.

I'm in the process of adding a full browser Flash option so that the Flash application can be set to fill the entire browser window (100% height x 100% width), while still maintaining user controls over the web browser and keyboard - particularly useful for small screened mobile devices - unlike full screen Flash which only allows limited user controls.

I hope you find it useful. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

All the best,

Matt

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In reply to Matt Bury

Re: Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Mark Bragg發表於

Hi Matt

Thanks for the comprehensive reply. Looks like a very interesting project. Have had a lot of issues with SCORM across a number of VLEs but many clients demand a 'VLE-compliant' pack for products. Would possibly consider creating a SWF activity module for content that requires/benefits from tracking and scoring although it's yet another version to develop! Looks like your module also allows the rapid deployment of multiple files as the SCORM module does. Ease of upload and set-up is essential as we're often dealing with users who aren't overly confident with IT.

Thanks again and I'll keep updated with that module.

Regards, Mark

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In reply to Mark Bragg

Re: Flash module add-on: Flash, external xml/swf and content packs!!

由Matt Bury發表於
Particularly helpful Moodlers的相片 Plugin developers的相片

Hi Mark,

As I'm sure you're discovering, different LMS' interpret SCORM differently. They may be certified SCORM compliant but that doesn't guarantee consistency or interoperability.

I wrote an article a year or so ago on SCORM and added this quote from Oxford University Press (the world's largest):

“Despite some international standards aimed to facilitate the sharing of content between VLEs, content is not recognised and organised in exactly the same way by each VLE. In order to provide content which requires as little tweaking as possible to get it into each VLE, OUP has packaged the files for some of the most popular versions of VLEs.”

Note that OUP only supports Moodle 1.8 and versions of WebCT (Now Blackboard) and Blackboard. There's no mention of Atutor, ILIAS, etc.

The article: http://matbury.com/wordpress/2009/02/16/scorm-the-pros-and-cons/

I hope this helps! 微笑

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