PROJECT

I'm trying to create a computer based training simulation that will include a list of lessons. The user will select a lesson, review the contents, and return to the list to select another lesson. Since it won't be mandatory to review each lesson in order, I would like the simulation to reflect 'faded' icons (we'll say folders) for the lessons that have been reviewed.

Finally, once all lessons have been reviewed, I'd like a notice (following the list of folder icons) to read: You are now ready to Test!

Questions:
What kind of scripting would be involved?
What else (besides Flash) would be needed?

If anybody has any input/suggestions/comments/sarcasm to offer please reply. Thanks.

azaral

You need a place to store, who has looked at what, the easiest way would be to store it in a database. So you would need a table of users(that could store passwords and contact info), also with a field that stores all of the lessons they have read.
A web-based programming language(coldfusion, php...) would be the easiest way to implement everything.
No sarcasm here...yet :)
-Seth

Thanks for the feedback, Seth... Oh, in addition, I think I'd like to put it on CD so that users can take it with them. Do you (or anyone else) know of any samples similar to what I'm trying to do - as far as the CD is concerned?

I figured a database would have to be involved but wasn't certain how that would involve Flash. I'll look into ColdFusion (talk to my company about $) and/or PHP.

you wont be able to run the database from the CD, only from the web.

You can still check which lessons he has been in during the same section, but if user leaves it, you will lose that info.

Thanks, Martin. I thought about that (database on CD thing) after I submitted my reply to Seth. Now, I see ColdFusion and PHP are for web-based functions. What if I don't want the Computer Based Training (CBT) to be web-based.

Let's say: I want a training simulation that is sitting there on a network and multiple users can access it (via username/pw of course). I want what they see to be Flash. What database application is recommended to go hand in hand with Flash?

im afraid i cant help you there. i dont know about network functionality and interaction with database. probably someone more experienced will help you.

i doubt there is a practical way, starting from the fact that flash is web oriented, but may be there is something it can be done.

my experience is on web, and i use PHP and mysql with exelent results so far.

Hi azaral,

isn't your "network" just the same as the web - just a private one rather than the public?
You can use these same scrits and databases you would use for a public thing, like mysql and php

I hope this is what you were asking for...

Musicman

Musicman is right, you can still use browsers on intranets(you just need a web server running with the right software running on it).
You can use SQL directly from Flash, with the FlashSQL Component Kit, which still needs a web language to use, but it is used behind the scenes, so the user doesn't see anything other than the flash movie.
http://www.markme.com/as/flashsql/
Hope that helps.

Funny thing. I was gonna ask if I could do what I want to do on an INTRANET rather than the internet. Thanks guys! I'll post my progress (or lack thereof) on the Board here. But keep your eyes open, fellas, I may be asking for more assistance in the near future.

You guys are a big help.

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full" - John 16:24

Moving on, same project:
Instead of using a database, is it possible to create a 'bookmarking' function through Flash? Let's say I'm a user going through this training simulation - no, really, let's all say it together, "I'm a user going through this training simulation" - and I want to take a break, answer my cell phone, catch a nap, whatever. Still, I want to continue from where I left on when I return.

Is it possible to create some sort of file (from Flash) onto a floppy that will recognize what lessons I've been through?

I'd give a million bucks to any and all replies but unfortunately, I don't have a million bucks so you're gonna hafta settle for this priceless scripture: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." - IIChronicles 7:14
Which shows that G 'Dubya' was on the right track when he asked America to go down in prayer. He should, actually, ask America to turn from it's wicked ways if he expects God to be on his side - but this isn't a religious forum so I won't get into that... Amen

I'd much rather have the million dollars.

I don't think you can write to text files, only read them. I still say if you are going to use flash, why use a floppy and not the internet or your intranet? If it's not web-based you could use visual basic or something like that.

Hi azaral,

the only thing a web-based app (not even flash, but the html container) is allowed to write is a cookie (and even that may get you prompt whether you really allow it)
You could, however, add a button that allows you to save your results (as they are stored on the server) to a local file, if this makes you feel safer.
There is good reason why saving to local file is not part of javascript or actionscript: you cannot control in a scripted system whether some action is really what the user asked for - and you probably do not want some ad banners save stuff to (i.e. destroy) vital system files. Now, with html it is easy: the only way you are supposed to download is by clicking the ok button in the download dialogue - and javascript cannot click that button for you on purpose.
I completely agree with you that this makes a few interesting applications impossible, but I really prefer if people cannot mess with my computer through this kind of facility

Musicman