Second Lynda Training Module Outline/Review: Flash Catalyst

Working in this training module was very challenging and yet very rewarding. I had not previously had Flash building experience nor any experience with the Flash Catalyst line of Adobe programs. However, a lot of interactive media uses Flash and flash based tools and files so I knew that this would be a good module to look into. Immediately I noted the extensiveness of this module despite being labeled 'Training Essentials'. As I continued through the module I came to find out that building even simple flash tools and files takes extensive time. Yet, each of the examples that was worked on in this module showed me what a good flash tool consists of, how to go about getting the interactive tool to do even the most basic of functions while looking sleek and elegant.

I found that working on the Olive Farm Interactive Tour tool was very fun and exciting. I was able to create drop down menus, scroll bars with selectable items, and design the flash-based game that went along with the interactive tool. These were the core features of this module, as well as scripting/coding the various events that took place within the interactive tool. However, the module also introduced flash timelines and event timelines to plan out how the interactive tool and game appear and depending on player outcomes, what happens next. I fount this particular part to be the most challenging and thus confusing at first. Yet the instructor and the video was very helpful in walking me through all of this.
I would also like to note that the module assisted me by showing how to import SWF files into Dreamweaver and thus use flash catalyst in conjunction with the web design program. The module also helped in showing me how to use the SWF Flash catalyst files with other HTML editing programs and tools so that they can be used on other sites not created with Dreamweaver. 

Overall, I found this module to be very helpful. I believe I was much more interested in this module and program than i was with the Illustrator program. However, both are very useful tools and I hope to find the time to take other training modules with these two programs.