ACTION SCRIPTING FOR FLASH
Dr. R. Berdan

Previous Flash training or experience required, previous programming experience with C or javascript is recommended

Actionscript is a programming language that enables you to use Macromedia Flash to create highly interactive, multimedia-based web sites, product demos (CDs), teaching materials and more. This course will show you how to take Flash to the next level and build interactive programs and interfaces for the web including form processing, sending data to a simple database, dynamic loading of sound, pictures and movie clips. You will create interactive virtual reality movie clips, create busincess card CDs and simple games. This program is designed for experienced flash users. Course was developed for SAIT by R. Berdan and J. Rivera. Juan Rivera a former employee of Science & Art is currently teaching the evening course at SAIT visit his web site for updated information on the advanced Flash MX course

Textbook: D. Franklin, J. Makar (2002) Macromedia Flash MX Actionscripting Advanced. Macromedia Press, ISBN 0-201-77022-9. cost $69.99

This course and various tutorials were co-developed with Juan Rivera. Juan works part time at Science & Art while completing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Calgary.

1. Introducing ActionScript

Objectives:

1.1 Understand the benefits of ActionScript
1.2 Identify script elements and the script interface in Flash MX
1.3 Plan a project
1.4 Write your first script
1.5 Test your script

2. Using Event Handlers

Objectives:

2.1 Learn how event handlers are used in scripts and determine the best one to use
2.2 Use mouse/button events to control interactivity
2.3 Add keyboard control to a project
2.4 Create a self running presentation
2.5 Use clip events to create an interactive project
2.6 Define and use event handler methods
2.7 Learn about listeners and how to use

3. Working with Target Paths

Objectives:

3.1 Learn about absolute and relative target paths
3.2 Learn how movies communicate with each other
3.3 Control movies loaded into levels
3.4 Create a virtual realty movie clip and add advance, back and play buttons

4. Understanding and using objects

Objectives:

4.1 Learn what objects are and why they are useful
4.2 Get acquainted with the various objects available in Actions script
4.3 Use the color object
4.4 Create a word processor using properties and methods of the String selection

5. Dynamic Loading of Pictures and Sound:

Objectives: When you complete this objective you will be able to…..

5.1 Create a slide show that dynamically loads pictures and sound
5.2 Output dynamic text to record frame number

6. Working with Sound Objects

Objectives:

6.1 Build a tuneable radio with sound objects
6.2 Add a photoshop interface to the radio with dragable controller

7. Importing and exporting Data using forms in Flash

Objectives:

7.1 Create a simple form that calculates a Lucky number in Flash MX
7.2 Use PHP to collect data in a Flash form and send it to an e-mail address
7.3 Use PHP to collect data from a Flash form and send it to a simple database (text file) stored on the server.