Vector animation: Web-based software training on demand

At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Training developers are creating vector animations to instruct engineers in the operation of mission software. These movies simulate interface software operations, providing a safe learning environment for flight teams. The technology is available as a COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) program called Flash, a Macromedia product. Flash movies are low cost, highly productive, easily modified and maintained, and deliverable via Intranet. Animations are excellent vehicles for delivering training across the Internet; they are easy to understand and enjoyable to use. Since training is available any time of the day or night, users adopt their own pace, digesting information at a rate suitable for their learning style. There is no delay between actions, the user chooses a path but can change direction or return instantly. Action-oriented Flash movies are very powerful, relatively small, quick to load, and offer tremendous potential for increased productivity