Course Description

Currently ActionScript 3.0 is the internal programming language of Flash, Flex and Adobe AIR. This object oriented language is more adherent to the ECMA-262 standard which many other languages (i.e. JavaScript) follow. This class gives non-programmers a chance to really understand the benefits of using a programming language in an animation tool like Adobe Flash. Students will learn the basics of the core language of ActionScript 3.0, how it is used within the timeline, interact with objects (movieclips) on the stage and library, develop simple animations with just ActionScript and understand the importance and how to create preloaders for your movies. This beginner class on ActionScript 3.0 will give you a great foundation for creating (or understanding existing scripts) your own custom scripts. This is a 5 week, self-paced, online course. If you need additional help understanding the material presented, you can communicate with the instructor and fellow classmates. The instructor will monitor and track your progress throughout the class. LVS Online offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service that manages all your course registrations, certificate of completion option, a class discussion board to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates, free hosting account, and a student upload area. LVS is a Corel Training Partner. LVS students may purchase Corel products at a significant savings. Follow this link for details. LVS students are eligible to receive software and hardware at a discount. Follow this link for details. Students are also eligible take advantage of special offers made available specifically for LVS by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim, namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Details are provided in the classinfo link found in the confirmation of registration. Show off your LVS Online spirit with an item from the LVS Store If you would like to receive more information regarding this course, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Information section and we'll try to answer any of your questions within the day.

Course Requirements

You need to have Adobe Flash CS4 or CS3. Homework must be reviewed by the instructor in order to earn a certificate. Students have the option of using the Student Upload Area or free web hosting made available for LVS students. Details are provided in the classroom. If you prefer to use your own web space, you must know how to upload your files to a server. Free tutorials are available: Basic HTML page WS_FTP SmartFTP Students should have working knowledge of their operating system and must understand directories and paths: Free Windows Class Here Directory Structure Tutorial Here Zip files may be necessary to complete the exercises provided each week. WinZip, PKZip, Windows Compression or similar program is required to unzip these files. Winzip Tutorial Here Windows Compression All lessons are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view/print the lessons. Plan to devote 3 - 4 hours per week on the lesson and assignment; on this class that may vary according to how much experimenting you choose to do with actions and the other subjects of the class.

Course Prerequisites

This is a beginner class on ActionScript 3.0 and I assume no previous programming experience. This class is for anybody who (pick one): A good understanding of the fundamentals of Adobe Flash (using movie clips) Have taken the Flash Introduction and Flash Intermediate classes at LVSOnline.com Have previous experience with ActionScript (version 1 or 2).

Course Syllabus

Lesson 1 - AS 3.0 Fundamentals Actions Panel Trace Statement Comments Variables and Functions Loops Class Basics Lesson 2 Manipulating MovieClip Properties with ActionScript Lesson 3 - Events Overview Event Object Event Targeting Event Propagation Timeline Control Methods Lesson 4 - More Events Frame and Keyboard Events Timer Events Lesson 5 Loading Images Dynamically with URLRequest & Loader class Working with the Display List Error handling events with I/O Working with Movie clips dynamically Lesson 6 How preloaders work Extra: Working with Sound

Course Excerpt

Following the evolution of ActionScript 3.0 Elements of Flash-based scripts can be traced back as early as Flash 2. However, the name "ActionScript" did not make an appearance until the release of Flash 5 in 2000 with the release of ActionScript 1.0. ActionScript was originally a scripting language built to aid in the navigation of the Flash animation environment. These simple scripts were nothing more than the ability to change frames or scenes. With each new release of Flash, however, ActionScript becomes more and more adherent to the ECMA-262 standard, which allows for an even greater degree of optimization. This version offers an ActionScript language that has been completely reconstructed from the ground up. Though much of the base syntax remains, it is often said that ActionScript 3.0 should be approached as an entirely new language, independent of previous releases of ActionScript. The Flash-based release of ActionScript 3.0 saw many key architectural improvements such as a true object-oriented model, enhanced low-level access, and a revamped version of the ActionScript Virtual Machine (AVM2). All of these improvements combined to create blistering fast performance and a greater degree of optimization Crafting your first ActionScript application In the course of computer programming history, there have been many great traditions passed down from programmer to programmer. One of the most famous practices of ritualistic behavior comes in the form of the Hello World application. The Hello World application is typically used as the very first example in a book or as the first computer program written by a new programmer. It is basically nothing more than the words "Hello World" being displayed on the screen. The exercise will then serve as your frame of reference. So without further ado, it's time for your first program to say "Hello!" Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

By the end of this course you will have a good understanding of basic Actionscript 3.0.

Course Reviews

New Class January 2010