Introduction

The seminar "Introduction to Multimedia using Flash CS4" is organized by the specialized high-tech company Digital Academy created by the Group of Lecturers of the NTUA Multimedia Technology Laboratory. It is an intensive seminar carried out exclusively by the Distance Learning method, allowing the learner to follow a high-level scientific training program from his home or office or from the place of his choice and at the time of his choice, via the Internet. The program is designed in such a way that after its completion, the trainees will be able to design from simple animations (animated logos) and advertising banners to complete Flash applications such as games and Flash web sites (websites). The seminar consists of 9 modules that are completed over a period of 12-15 weeks and corresponds to 140-160 lesson hours.

Topics

Each module contains training videos in Greek that will help learners better understand and learn the Flash CS4 program.

Unit 1: Introduction to Multimedia and Flash CS4

• Introduction to multimedia
• Introduction to Flash CS4
• First contact with Flash CS4

Unit 2: Getting Started with Flash CS4 Design Tools

• Detailed description of Flash CS4 tools
• Creating the first static image.

Unit 3: Using the Flash CS4 Symbols and Library

• Working with the Library framework
• Create, edit and use symbols
• Import and edit external image

Unit 4: Creating Animations

• Using the timeline and understanding frames
• Creating animations with the frame-by-frame and tweening method
• Using the Mask technique

Unit 5: Introduction to ActionScript

• Understanding of basic concepts
• Using the Action Frame
• Place actions on the Timeline
• Using frame tags

Unit 6: Creating and Using Buttons

• Create buttons that change during user interaction
• Use buttons to control movie playback
• Ability to connect to an external website

Unit 7: Creating and Using Movie Clips

• Create, edit and use movie clips
• Understanding snapshot names
• View clips of animated film

Ενότητα 8: Προσθήκη ήχου

• Import and edit audio files
• Placing sounds on the timeline
• Audio behavior and performance control

Unit 9: Working with Video

• Understanding the basics of working with video in Flash CS4
• Use the Video Import wizard to import and convert video files
• Control video playback in the timeline

Methodology

According to our educational program, the material is divided into 9 educational units and is concluded with a final assignment lasting two weeks. The program uses the latest version of the free software (open source) Moodle, which is based on the PhP programming platform. The online courses are hosted on proprietary servers incorporating state-of-the-art technologies such as: Processor 2 x Intel Pentium XEON hyperthreading, Memory 32 GB DDR RAM, Hard Disks IBM SCSI U320 HDDs @ 15000 rpm Raptors HardWare RAID 5. The central interface with the Internet is carried out through EDET (National Research and Technology Network) and is of the order of 1 Gbps (EDET has a 2X622 Mbps connection to the INTERNET - Pan-European Research Internet GEANT).

After the seminar

After the seminar, the trainee will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to:

• To create his own still images.
• To use correct techniques of designing and building a Film
• Create and design impressive animations (Banners - Flash intro)
• To creates buttons and other elements with cross-state features in his animations using ActionScript 3.0
• Import and edit video and audio files into your Movies
• To design integrated Flash applications (Flash games - Flash sites)

Critical thinking and design initiative will be developed with the help of the various quizzes, the weekly tasks and the final project, lasting 2 weeks.

Purpose of the seminar

The purpose of the training program is to provide the necessary resources and scientific qualifications to people who are already working or studying and wish to acquire basic knowledge in the creation of animations (Animations), thus enriching their knowledge in the field of Web Design. The course starts from scratch and is intended for people who have very limited experience in the field of Animations and Web Design and want to deepen or expand their knowledge in the specific subject. After all, Flash CS4 is the richest authoring environment for creating rich, cross-platform content for digital and web platforms. The aim of the seminar is to give the trainees the basic supplies to be able to work in the rapidly growing field of animation.