OmniSocial Branding Guide

Mzinga Social Learning Version 7.1 February 2009

Copyright 2010 Mzinga, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Student Workbook Firefly Simulation Developer September 2010

It’s the leading software simulation tool—and since its introduction, Firefly Simulation Developer has won industry acclaim for making it easy to build engaging, interactive software simulations.

Firefly Simulation Developer

www.mzinga.com l 888.MZINGA.8 l [email protected]

Notes

Notes:

Firefly Simulation Developer Student Workbook 2

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Notes:................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Confidentiality Statement .................................................................................................................................. 6 Training Agenda................................................................................................................................................. 7 Day 1 (Virtual):...............................................................................................................................................................7 Day 2 (Virtual):...............................................................................................................................................................8 Day 3 (Virtual):...............................................................................................................................................................9 Day 4 (Virtual)..............................................................................................................................................................10 Firefly Overview................................................................................................................................................11 Simulations ..................................................................................................................................................................11 Firefly Support Process ................................................................................................................................................11 Firefly Capture: Getting Started.........................................................................................................................12 Capture Process...........................................................................................................................................................12 Configuring Capture.....................................................................................................................................................13 Capturing Standard Applications .................................................................................................................................13 Capturing Web Applications ........................................................................................................................................14 Previewing Screens......................................................................................................................................................14 Appending Screens ......................................................................................................................................................15 Overwriting Screens ....................................................................................................................................................15 Firefly Author: Getting Started ..........................................................................................................................16 Author Process ............................................................................................................................................................16 Creating New Simulations ...........................................................................................................................................17 Authoring Environment ...............................................................................................................................................18 Previewing Simulations................................................................................................................................................20 Opening Existing Simulations ......................................................................................................................................20 Firefly Author: Working with Paths ...................................................................................................................21 Re‐Recording Paths......................................................................................................................................................21 Creating Alternate Paths .............................................................................................................................................21 Changing the Primary Path ..........................................................................................................................................22 Clearing Paths ..............................................................................................................................................................22 Deleting Paths..............................................................................................................................................................22 Importing Capture Data...............................................................................................................................................22 Saving as New Simulation Types..................................................................................................................................23 Auto‐Forwarding Paths................................................................................................................................................23 Page‐Delaying a Path ...................................................................................................................................................24 Firefly Author: Working with Authored Text......................................................................................................25 Writing User Prompts ..................................................................................................................................................25 Writing Feedback.........................................................................................................................................................25 Writing Scenarios.........................................................................................................................................................26 Writing Summaries ......................................................................................................................................................27 Formatting Text ...........................................................................................................................................................27 Setting Default Fonts ...................................................................................................................................................27 Adding Hyperlinks to Instructional Text ......................................................................................................................28 Adding Images to Instructional Text............................................................................................................................29 Adding Pre‐Recorded Audio to a Simulation ...............................................................................................................29 Recording Audio in a Simulation..................................................................................................................................30


Table of Contents

Spell‐Checking Text......................................................................................................................................................31 Using Search and Replace............................................................................................................................................31 Using Global Search and Replace ................................................................................................................................32 Positioning Prompts ....................................................................................................................................................32 Firefly Author: Working with Objects (Part I) .....................................................................................................34 Selecting Objects .........................................................................................................................................................34 Selecting Multiple Objects...........................................................................................................................................34 Changing Object Properties.........................................................................................................................................34 Setting Properties for Multiple Objects.......................................................................................................................34 Locking and Unlocking Objects....................................................................................................................................35 Positioning, Resizing, and Zooming in on Objects .......................................................................................................35 Firefly Author: Creating New Objects ................................................................................................................37 Creating New Objects ..................................................................................................................................................37 Creating and Using Buttons .........................................................................................................................................37 Creating and Using Fields ............................................................................................................................................38 Creating a Text Label ...................................................................................................................................................39 Creating and Using Hot Areas......................................................................................................................................40 Creating and Using Combo Boxes................................................................................................................................40 Creating and Using Image Objects...............................................................................................................................42 Creating and Using Image Buttons ..............................................................................................................................42 Creating and Using List Boxes......................................................................................................................................43 Creating and Using Hyperlinks.....................................................................................................................................44 Creating and Using Check Boxes..................................................................................................................................45 Creating and Using Radio Buttons ...............................................................................................................................46 Creating and Using Menu Bars ....................................................................................................................................47 Creating and Using Pop‐Up Menus..............................................................................................................................48 Firefly Author: Working with Objects (Part II) ....................................................................................................51 Copying Objects between Screens ..............................................................................................................................51 Grouping Objects.........................................................................................................................................................51 Creating and Using Template Objects .........................................................................................................................51 Updating the Object Order..........................................................................................................................................52 Initializing Objects .......................................................................................................................................................53 Aligning Objects ...........................................................................................................................................................53 Deleting Objects ..........................................................................................................................................................54 Converting Objects ......................................................................................................................................................54 Flattening Objects........................................................................................................................................................55 Firefly Author: Using Object Tools .....................................................................................................................56 Using Find Rectangle ...................................................................................................................................................56 Using Capture Image ...................................................................................................................................................56 Adding Annotations .....................................................................................................................................................57 Firefly Author: Additional Topics .......................................................................................................................58 Changing the Screen Image .........................................................................................................................................58 Creating Printable Output ...........................................................................................................................................58 Adding Reviewer Comments .......................................................................................................................................59 Importing Reviewer Coments......................................................................................................................................60 Generating a Reviewer Comments Report ..................................................................................................................60 Publishing a Simulation for AICC or SCORM Compliance ............................................................................................60 Publishing a Standard Simulation ................................................................................................................................61 Publishing a Simulation in Full‐Screen Mode ..............................................................................................................62 Publishing a Simulation in Kiosk Mode........................................................................................................................63


Table of Contents


Publishing a Simulation in Embedded Mode...............................................................................................................64 Advanced Firefly ...............................................................................................................................................66 Creating New Simulations without an .FFC File...........................................................................................................66 Creating New Simulations from a Template................................................................................................................66 Creating and Using Screen Templates .........................................................................................................................67 Copying Existing/Creating New Simulation Screens....................................................................................................67 Changing the Simulation Scheme ................................................................................................................................69 Customizing Simulation Graphics ................................................................................................................................69 Customizing Simulation Text .......................................................................................................................................70 Setting the Number of “Test Me” Attempts for Test‐Me Simulations ........................................................................70 Resizing User Prompts, Feedback, Scenario, and Summary........................................................................................70 Removing the Previous or Next Button from a Simulation .........................................................................................71 Disabling the Skip Option in Simulations.....................................................................................................................72 Using the Object Border Customizer ...........................................................................................................................72 Hiding the Directions Button in a Simulation ..............................................................................................................72 Hiding Feedback in a Simulation..................................................................................................................................73 Adding a Table of Contents .........................................................................................................................................73 Accessing the Table of Contents in a Simulation.........................................................................................................74 Linking Simulations ......................................................................................................................................................74 Creating a Drag‐and‐Drop Event..................................................................................................................................75 Writing Object‐Specific Feedback................................................................................................................................77 Setting Multiple Correct Text Entries ..........................................................................................................................78 Using the Translation Tool...........................................................................................................................................79 Editing Directions Pages ..............................................................................................................................................81 Manifest Maker ................................................................................................................................................82 Creating a Simple Course with Manifest Maker ..........................................................................................................82 Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................................84 Minimum System Requirements for Learners.............................................................................................................84 Minimum System Requirements for Developers ........................................................................................................85 Minimum Capture Requirements................................................................................................................................86 Firefly Training Evaluation.................................................................................................................................87 After taking this course….............................................................................................................................................88

Confidentiality Statement


Confidentiality Statement Information contained within this document is of a proprietary and confidential nature. Recipient agrees to keep such information confidential for the exclusive use of its own business. Except for its own internal use, recipient agrees that it will not duplicate or permit others to duplicate any material contained hereunder.

Copyright 2010 Mzinga.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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Training Agenda


Training Agenda

Day 1 (Virtual)

Firefly Overview

Introductions

Review agenda, class objectives, and material from overview course

Firefly support process and Performance Support System (PSS)

Firefly Capture

Capture process

Configuring the Capture

Capturing standard applications

Capturing Web applications

Previewing screens

Appending screens

Overwriting screens

Firefly Author: Getting Started

Author process

Creating new simulations

Authoring environment

Previewing simulations

Opening existing simulations

Homework: Capturing and Creating a Let Me Try Simulation

1. Set your screen resolution to 1024 x 768 for the Capture session; you can switch back to your resolution of choice after you’ve completed the capture.

2. Using Firefly Capture, follow the Firefly Student Design Document and capture steps 1–6 of the “Creating a new contact” simulation.

3. Using Firefly Author, create a new Let me try simulation entitled “Creating a new contact” using the FFC file that you created.

4. Preview the simulation. (Don’t worry if you have errors!)

5. Email your finished “.SIM” file to the instructor.

Training Agenda


Day 2 (Virtual)

Firefly Author: Working with Paths

Review homework assignment

Designing paths

o Re‐recording paths

o Creating alternate paths

o Changing the primary path

o Clearing paths

o Deleting paths

Importing capture data

Saving as new simulation types

Auto‐forwarding and page‐delaying paths

Firefly Author: Working with Authored Text

Writing user prompts

Writing feedback

Writing scenarios

Writing summaries

Formatting text

Setting default fonts

Homework: Continue Working with the Let Me Try Simulation

1. If necessary, fix errors in the existing Let me try simulation by re‐recording, deleting, and/or creating paths.

2. Follow the Firefly Student Design Document and capture steps 7–9 of the “Creating a new contact” simulation.

Note: Remember to set your screen resolution to 1024 x 768 for the Capture session; you can switch back to your resolution of choice after you’ve completed the capture.

3. Import these newly captured screens into the existing Let me try simulation.

4. Create a new path to bring the imported screens into the simulation flow.

5. Using the “Additional Information” column in the Firefly Student Design Document, create alternate paths where needed.

6. If time permits, begin authoring content for the simulation. Either create your own content, or use the content outlined in the Firefly Student Design Document.


Training Agenda


Day 3 (Virtual)

Firefly Author: Working with Authored Text (Continued)


Adding hyperlinks to instructional text

Adding images to instructional text

Adding audio to a simulation

o Adding pre‐recorded audio to a simulation

o Recording Audio in a simulation

Spell‐checking text

Using search and replace

Using global search and replace

Positioning prompts

Firefly Author: Working with Objects (Part I)

Selecting objects

Selecting multiple objects

Changing object properties

Setting properties for multiple objects

Locking and unlocking objects

Positioning, resizing, and zooming in on objects

Firefly Author: Creating new objects

Creating and using new objects

o Button

o Field

o Text label

o Hot area

o Combo box

o Image object

Homework: Continue Working with the Let Me Try Simulation

1. If you haven’t already, author the content for the Let me try simulation you have been working on. Create your own content or use the content outlined in the Firefly Student Design Document.

2. If time permits, try out any features you’ve learned for fun!


Training Agenda


Day 4 (Virtual)

Firefly Author: Working with Objects (Part II)


Copying objects between screens

Grouping objects

Creating and using template objects

Updating the object order

Initializing objects

Aligning objects

Deleting objects

Converting objects

Flattening objects

Firefly Author: Using Object Tools

Find rectangle

Capture image

Add annotation

Firefly Author: Additional Topics

Changing the screen image

Creating printable output

Reviewing simulations

Publishing simulations

Note: This workbook contains an advanced Firefly section at the end, which includes topics not covered during training.

Firefly Overview


Firefly Overview This course will teach the fundamental concepts and features of the Firefly Capture and Author tools. After taking this course, you will be able to use the Firefly Capture and Author tools to create simulations. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Identify the Firefly tool components

Describe the Firefly simulation creation process

Perform the screen‐capture process

Create new simulations

Design and edit simulation paths

Record new events

Author user prompts, feedback, scenarios, and summaries

Edit simulation objects

Add new objects to simulations

Add reviewer comments

Publish simulations

Simulations Simulations are tasks performed in an application that enable end users (learners) to learn how to use an application in a safe practice environment. Simulations afford organizations the ability to train their employees in a test environment without risking actual data. Using simulations as a training tool, employees can obtain a comfort level with the application before transitioning to the actual application and real data. For example, if an insurance company is migrating all of its records and accounts to a new computer system, they don't want to risk losing any real data due to inexperience with the new system. They should first train their employees using simulations.

Firefly Support Process Firefly comes with a built‐in performance support system (PSS) to help you get working quickly. You can access the PSS by clicking the Help button on the main toolbar. If you’re using Firefly while connected to the Internet, this will take you to an online version of the PSS, which will be maintained and updated between releases. The online PSS can also be accessed directly at http://support.kimpact.com/pss‐firefly/.

If you’re using Firefly without an Internet connection, or if you have a slow connection, you can also access an offline version of the PSS, which is updated only when new versions of Firefly are released and therefore may not have the most current information.

To access the Customer Experience Community for useful tips, tricks, application support, and FAQs, go to http://community.omnisocial.mzinga.com/app/signon/

You can also contact Customer Care directly by phone at (888) 345‐1687 or via e‐mail at [email protected]

http://support.kimpact.com/pss-firefly/

http://community.omnisocial.mzinga.com/app/signon/

mailto:[email protected]

Firefly Capture: Getting Started


Capture Process



Configuring Capture Firefly Capture > Capture tool > Configuration Settings window

1. Launch the Capture tool.

2. Click the Capture icon in the system tray.

3. Select Configure from the pop‐up menu.

Note: The Print Screen key is the default key for capturing screens.

4. On the General tab, you can select:

o A different capture key from the Manual Capture Key combo box.

Note: Web capture using Internet Explorer 7+ requires the use of F2, F7, F8, F9, or F12 for the manual capture key. Other selections will cause conflicts with the capture.

o To optimize the color depth of your simulation screens.

Note: Only optimize screens if you’re having size issues with your simulations. It is recommended that you leave this option set to Default. Selecting Optimized reduces the color value of your screens. This process will greatly increase the capture time for each screen in your simulation.

5. On the Capture Objects tab, you can add or remove individual objects to capture.

6. On the Web Options tab, you can add or remove individual web objects to capture.

Note: Selecting “Capture Hidden Objects?” is not recommended because it captures invisible objects and will inflate the size of the simulation.

7. On the Objects Settings tab, you can select or deselect two checkboxes that tell the Capture tool to initialize menus and toolbar menus before capturing.

Note: The Capture Icons checkbox is not active at this time. You should not change the settings on this tab.

8. Click Save or Save As.

9. Click OK.

10. Click Close.

Capturing Standard Applications Firefly Capture > Capture tool > Taking screen shots

1. Launch the Firefly Capture tool.

2. Launch the application and ensure that it is maximized.

3. Navigate to the first screen you want to capture.


5. Select Start.



6. Navigate to a new folder anywhere on your hard drive.

7. Select the folder, enter a file name, and click Open.

Note: When entering a file name, you should use all lower case letters and no special characters. The simulation name cannot contain spaces. Use underscores (_) instead.

8. Make sure the window you want to capture is on top of any other open windows.

9. Press Print Screen (or the manual capture key you designated) to capture the screen image and all live objects.

10. Perform the first step of the task.

11. Press Print Screen to capture the screen, objects, and any events you performed.

12. Repeat the last two steps until you have captured the last screen after the last step.


14. Select Stop.

Capturing Web Applications Firefly Capture > Capture tool > Capturing Web applications

1. Launch the Firefly Capture tool.

2. Launch the application and ensure that it is maximized.

3. Navigate to the first screen you want to capture.


5. Select Start.

6. Navigate to a new folder anywhere on your hard drive.

7. Select the folder, enter a file name, and click Open.

Note: When entering a file name, you should use all lower case letters and no special characters. The simulation name cannot contain spaces. Use underscores (_) instead.

8. Make sure the window you want to capture is on top of any other open windows.

9. Press Print Screen (or the manual capture key you designated) to capture the screen image and objects.

Note: Make sure that the web page has completely loaded before pressing the capture key.

10. Perform the first step of the task.

11. Press Print Screen to capture the screen, objects, and any events you performed.

12. Repeat the last two steps until you have captured the last screen after the last step.


14. Select Stop.




Previewing Screens Firefly Capture > Capture tool > Previewing screens

Note: You must perform the following steps before exiting the Capture tool. The Preview option is for the current capture session only.


2. Select Preview.

3. Using the slider or arrow keys, navigate through the captured screens.

Note: If you miss a screen, resume the capture session and capture the missing screens immediately.

Appending Screens Firefly Capture > Capture tool > Appending screen shots


2. Select Start.

3. Navigate to the folder that contains the saved .FFC file.

4. Select the .FFC file.

5. Click Open.

6. Click Append.

Note: Verify that the only open window is the application that you are capturing.

7. Begin capturing the screens/steps you want to add to the existing .FFC file.

Overwriting Screens Firefly Capture > Capture tool > Overwriting screen shots


2. Select Start.

3. Navigate to the folder that contains the saved .FFC file.


5. Click Open.

6. Click Overwrite.

Note: Verify that the only open window is the application that you are capturing.

7. Begin re‐taking the screen shots for the task you are simulating.



Author Process



Creating New Simulations Firefly Author > Get started > Creating new simulations

1. Launch the Firefly Author tool.

2. Click New .

3. Click the Import data from Browse button.

4. Navigate to the folder containing the .FFC file.


6. Click Select.

Note: If you do not want the simulation saved in the same location as the .FFC file, click the Save simulation as Browse button and navigate to another location on your hard drive.

7. Type the title of the simulation in the Simulation title field.

8. Select the simulation type from the Simulation type dropdown list.

9. Optional: Select the Use Event Text checkbox if you want the simulation prompts to be automatically populated with the event text.

10. Optional: Select the Use Object Border Settings checkbox if you want captured objects to reflect settings from the Object Border Settings tab in the Settings Model Customizer window when they’re being imported from the .FFC.

Note: See the Advanced Firefly section at the back of this workbook for more information about object border settings.

11. Optional: Set the default font for the new simulation and/or the Author tool.

12. Click OK.



Authoring Environment


The Editing Objects tab contains three windows:

Object Browser – Textual representation of every object in the simulation

Screen Editor – Graphical representation of the objects on the selected screen

Properties – Attributes of the selected screen or object

The Designingwindow:

Simulationand

Note: the pa

Paths tab contains one

Flow – Order of the screens paths in a simulation

Use this window to make changes to ths or to add alternate paths.


The Authoring Content tab contains two windows:

Simulation Flow – Order of the screens and paths in a simulation

Prompts and Feedback – Authored content: scenario, summary, prompts, and feedback

Note: Use these windows to navigate through the simulation and add instructional content.

The Reviewer window:

Reviewer Comments – Screens and associated comments from users who reviewed the simulation

Note: Use this window to track comments to be addressed before publishing the final simulation.

Comments tab contains one




Previewing Simulations

Previewing Simulations in the Author Tool

Firefly Author > Get started > Previewing simulations in Author

1. Click Run Player .

2. Click the Show me button to see a demonstration of the correct action.

3. If you’re previewing a Teach me, Let me try, or Test me simulation, perform the correct action yourself.

4. Repeat the last two steps until you reach the end of the simulation.

5. Click the Exit button when you are finished previewing.

Note: You will be returned to the screen you started on.

Previewing Simulations in the Default Browser

Firefly Author > Get started > Previewing simulations in Author

1. Select Simulation > Run in Default Browser.

2. Click the Show me button to see a demonstration of the correct action.

3. If you’re previewing a Teach me, Let me try, or Test me simulation, perform the correct action yourself.

4. Repeat the last two steps until you reach the end of the simulation.

5. Click the Exit button when you are finished previewing the simulation.

6. Click Yes to close the browser and return to the screen you started on.

Opening Existing Simulations Firefly Author > Get started > Opening existing simulations

1. Click Open .

2. Navigate to the location on your hard drive where you saved the simulation.

Note: Always save and open simulations from a local directory. Do not open files from or save files on a network drive.

3. Select the .SIM file.

4. Click Select.



Re‐Recording Paths Firefly Author > Modify events and paths > Re‐recording paths

1. Click the Designing Paths tab.

2. Right‐click the path that you want to re‐record.

3. Select Rerecord Path to launch the Event Recorder.

4. In the Event Recorder, perform the events you want to re‐record just as you would in the application.

Note: Events recorded using buttons, menus, hot areas, non‐alphanumeric keyboard strokes, and mouse actions are triggers. When you record a trigger, the recorded event automatically ends the recording session. For non‐trigger events such as combo boxes, list boxes, typing alphanumeric characters, or setting focus, hold down the Alt and End keys to end the recording.

5. Click Yes to confirm you want to create a new path containing these events.

Creating Alternate Paths Firefly Author > Create new events and paths > Alternate paths


2. Click Draw New Path to activate the path drawing feature.

3. Click the screen where your path will begin and hold down the mouse button while you drag the mouse pointer to the desired end screen.

Note: Hold and drag the mouse to reach screen images that are out of view. The Simulation Flow window will scroll with your mouse movements.

4. Click Yes on the Confirm New Path dialog. This will launch the Event Recorder.

5. In the Event Recorder, record the events that make up the alternate path.

Note: For example, if the alternate path is to press CTRL + S to save, then press CTRL + S. Events recorded using buttons, menus, hot areas, non‐alphanumeric keyboard strokes, and mouse actions are triggers. When you record a trigger, the recorded event automatically ends the recording session. For non‐trigger events, such as combo boxes, list boxes, typing alphanumeric characters, or setting focus, hold down the Alt and End keys to end the recording.

6. Click Yes in the Confirm New Path Creation dialog.

Note: Follow these same steps to create a skip or reverse path. A skip path is a path that skips one or more screens in the linear simulation flow. For example, double‐clicking a file to open it rather than selecting the file and then clicking Open. A reverse path is a path that moves the learner backwards in the simulation flow. For example, clicking Cancel to return to the previous screen.




Changing the Primary Path Firefly Author > Create new events and paths > Defining the primary path


2. Ensure there are at least two paths between two screens – one with a blue line and one with a black line.

3. Right‐click the alternate (black) connecting line you want to make part of the primary (blue) path.

4. Select Set as Primary Path.

Clearing Paths Firefly Author > Modify events and paths > Clearing paths


2. Right‐click a connecting line between two screens.

3. Select Clear Events.

4. Click Yes in the Question dialog.

Note: Notice that the arrow representing the path becomes clear (looks like the outline of an arrow). This means the path has no associated events.

Deleting Paths Firefly Author > Modify events and paths > Deleting paths


2. Right‐click the path you want to delete.

3. Select Delete.

Importing Capture Data Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Adding screens to an existing simulation

1. Using Firefly Capture, create a new .FFC file containing the additional screens you need.

2. Open the simulation into which you want to import some newly captured screens, objects, etc.

3. On the Editing Objects tab, select File > Import Capture Data.

4. Navigate to the folder containing the .FFC file.


6. Click Select.



Note: Importing the new capture data takes several seconds. When the import is finished, you’ll see a list of new screens (starting with Screen 1) at the bottom of the current screen list in the Object Browser window.


8. Create some new paths (and record events) to connect the imported screen(s) with the rest of the simulation screens.

Saving as New Simulation Types Firefly Author > Get started > Saving as new simulation types

1. With a simulation open, select File > Save As.

2. Click Browse.

3. Navigate to the folder where the simulation will be saved.

Note: This must be a local directory. Do not attempt to save or work on files on a network drive.

4. Type the file name of the new simulation in the Save simulation as field.

Note: When entering a file name, use all lowercase letters and no special characters. The simulation name cannot contain spaces. Use underscores (_) instead of spaces. We recommend using the format: “taskname_simtype.sim.” For example, “creatinganewcontact_showme.sim.”

5. Click Select.

6. Verify or change the title in the Simulation title field.

7. Select the new simulation type from the Simulation type dropdown list.

8. Click OK.

Note: The only way to rename a simulation is by using the Save As feature in Firefly Author. Do not rename a simulation by right‐clicking and selecting Rename, etc.

Auto‐Forwarding Paths Firefly Author > Modify events and paths > Auto‐forwarding and page delaying paths

1. Click the Editing Objects tab.

2. Navigate to the screen you want to automatically play for the learner.

Note: Make sure that you have the screen selected in the Object Browser window.

3. In the Properties window, find the Auto forward property near the top of the list.

4. Select the checkbox for this property in the Value column.

5. Save the simulation.

6. Preview the simulation in the default browser to ensure the settings work as desired.



Page‐Delaying a Path Firefly Author > Modify events and paths > Auto‐forwarding and Page delaying paths


2. Navigate to the screen that you want to time‐delay for the learner.

3. Make sure that you have the screen selected in the Object Browser window.

4. In the Properties window, find the Page delay property near the bottom of the list.

5. Type the number of milliseconds the simulation should pause before moving to the next screen into the Value column

Note: For example, 5,000 milliseconds for five seconds.

6. Save the simulation.

7. Preview the simulation in the default browser to ensure the settings work as desired.



Writing User Prompts Firefly Author > Write instructions > Writing user prompts

1. Click the Authoring Content tab.

2. In the Prompts and Feedback window, navigate to and select the first prompt in the tree structure.

3. Type the user prompt in the white text box at bottom.

Note: Click Use Event Text at any time to automatically populate the prompt with primary path‐specific text. If you selected Use Event Text when you created the simulation, simple, path‐specific text may already appear in the prompts. Always review and rewrite this text to follow good instructional design standards; examples are listed below.

Mode Suggested Writing Prompts

Show me Before creating a new contact, search for the contact in the database to make sure they don’t already exist. Let’s search for Sarah Wu now.

Teach me Type Sarah in the First Name field and Wu in the Last Name field. Click Search.

Let me try Search for Sarah Wu’s contact information.

Test me Search for Sarah Wu’s contact information.

4. If desired, format the text using options on the format toolbar.

5. Click Go to Next to move through each prompt in the tree structure.

Note: You can also navigate to and select the next prompt in the tree structure.

6. Repeat steps 3–5 until you’ve written all prompts.

7. Click Save.

Writing Feedback Firefly Author > Write instructions > Writing feedback


2. In the Prompts and Feedback window, navigate to and select the first feedback in the tree structure.



3. Type the feedback into the white text box at bottom.

Note: Make sure that your feedback follows good instructional design standards; examples are listed below.

Mode Suggested Feedback

Show me This simulation type doesn’t contain feedback.

Teach me After typing Sarah into the First Name field and Wu into the Last Name field, click Search.

Let me try #1: After typing the name of the contact you’re looking for, which button can you click to start the search?

#2: The fields and button you’re looking for are all located at the top of the screen.

Test me This simulation type doesn’t contain feedback.


5. Click Go to Next to move through each feedback in the tree structure.

Note: You can also navigate to and select the next feedback in the tree structure.

6. Repeat steps 3–5 until all feedback is written.

Note: Depending upon your preference and the simulation type, you may want to author prompts and feedback at the same time.

7. Click Save.

Writing Scenarios Firefly Author > Write instructions > Writing scenarios and summaries


2. Click + next to the Instructions node in the Prompts and Feedback window.

3. Select Scenario Text in the navigation tree.

4. Type the scenario in the white text box at bottom.


6. Click Save.



Writing Summaries Firefly Author > Write instructions > Writing scenarios and summaries


2. On the last page of the simulation, expand the tree view.

Note: You can create a summary on any page of a simulation. These are called “mid‐sim summaries.”

3. Right‐click the Instructions node.

4. Select New > Summary.

Note: A summary object will appear below the last feedback object.

5. Click the new summary object.

6. Type the summary in the white text box at the bottom of the screen.


8. Click Save.

Formatting Text Firefly Author > Write instructions > Formatting text

1. Within the authoring space for an instructional element, highlight the specific text to format or place the cursor in the point at which all text typed after the cursor will be formatted.

2. Set the font, size, color, and style of the text using options on the format toolbar.

Note: Either the highlighted text displays the new format settings or anything typed after the cursor insertion point displays the new format settings.

Setting Default Fonts

Setting the Default Font for Simulations

Firefly Author > Write instructions > Setting simulation font defaults

1. Click Set Default Font .

2. Set the font, size, color, and style of the text as desired. The Preview window will update to display the preview text with the current format settings.

3. Click Apply Globally.

4. Click Yes in the dialog.



Note: If you apply a different format to text and subsequently want to reset it to the default font,

highlight the specific text and click Apply Default Font .

Setting the Default Font for the Author Tool

Firefly Author > Get started > Setting Author tool font defaults

1. Select Simulation > Settings.

2. Select the Author Default Font tab from the Settings Model Customizer.

3. Set the font, size, color, and style of the text as desired.

Note: The Preview window will update to display the preview text with the current format settings.

4. Click OK.

Note: Only new simulations will be affected by the new default font.

5. Click Close.

Adding Hyperlinks to Instructional Text

Creating Text Hyperlinks in Instructional Text

Firefly Author > Write instructions > Creating and using hyperlinks in instructional text

1. Select the text from which you want to make the link or place your cursor where the link will appear.

2. Click Add Hyperlink to open the Add/Remove Hyperlink window.

3. If necessary, add the link text in the Link Text field.

Note: If you selected the text in step 1, the link text will automatically populate the field.

4. Type the link address in the Link Destination field or use the ellipsis (...) to browse to the file location.

5. Select the pop‐up characteristics for the link.

Note: The pop‐up characteristics specify the attributes of the browser window that appears when the hyperlink is clicked (when using a URL).

6. Click Insert.

Creating Image Hyperlinks in Instructional Text

Firefly Author > Write instructions > Creating and using hyperlinks in instructional text

1. Select the image from which you want to make the link or place your cursor where the image link will appear.



2. Click Add Hyperlink to open the Add/Remove Hyperlink window.

3. Type the link address in the Link Destination field or use the ellipsis (...) to browse to the file location.

4. If necessary, click the Link Image ellipsis (...) to browse to the graphic you want to use for the link.

Note: If you selected the image in step 1, the link image will automatically populate the field.

5. Select the Show Border checkbox to add a border around the image.

6. Select the pop‐up characteristics for the link.

Note: Pop‐up characteristics specify the attributes of the browser window that appears when the image hyperlink is clicked (when using a URL).

7. Click Insert.

Adding Images to Instructional Text Firefly Author > Write instructions > Adding images to instructional text

1. Place your cursor where the image will appear.

2. Click Add Image to open the Add/Remove Image window.

3. Click Browse.

4. Navigate to and select the image file.

5. Click Select.

Note: If the image file is not in a valid simulation directory, you will see a message that asks if you want to copy the file to the appropriate directory. Click Yes.

6. Click OK.

Adding Pre‐Recorded Audio to a Simulation Firefly Author > Write instructions > Adding audio to a simulation

1. Open your simulation in Firefly and verify that all instructional text is complete for the elements that will have audio.


3. In the Prompts and Feedback window, select the instructional element to which you want to add audio.

4. Click Add/Remove Audio on the toolbar to view the Add/Remove Audio dialog.

5. Click Browse.

6. Navigate to and select the audio file that corresponds to this instructional element.



Note: The recommended audio file format is a .WAV file recorded in mono with 8‐bit encoding at 22 kHz. This blends the best audio quality with the smallest file size.

7. Click Select.

Note: If the audio file is not in the simulation’s Audio directory, you will be asked if you want to copy the audio file to the appropriate directory. Click Yes.

8. Click OK.

9. Run the simulation to test the audio playback.

Recording Audio in a Simulation

Associating an Audio Editor with the Author Tool

Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Linking an audio editor


2. Select the Global Settings tab from the Settings Model Customizer.

3. Click the ellipsis (...) next to Selected External Audio Editor.

4. Browse to find your preferred audio editing program.

5. Click Select.

6. Click Close.

Recording Audio in a Simulation

Firefly Author > Write instructions > Adding audio to a simulation

1. Open your simulation in Firefly and verify that all instructional text is complete for the elements that will have audio.


3. In the Prompts and Feedback window, select the instructional element to which you want to add audio.

4. Click Add/Remove Audio on the toolbar.

5. The Add/Remove Audio dialog appears.

6. Click Create.

7. Record and save the audio file following the audio editor’s instructions.

Note: The recommended audio file format is a .WAV file recorded in mono with 8‐bit encoding at 22 kHz. This blends the best audio quality with the smallest file size.

8. Click OK.

9. Run the simulation to test the audio playback.



Spell‐Checking Text Firefly Author > Write instructions > Spell checking text

1. Author all of your simulation text.

2. Click Spell Check Simulation on the main toolbar.

3. Select the appropriate checkboxes in the Spell Checker Options dialog.

4. If you find errors, accept the word in the Change to field or select another replacement in the Suggestions field.

5. Click Change or Change All.

6. Repeat steps the last two steps until the spell check is complete.

7. Click OK.

Using Search and Replace Firefly Author > Write instructions > Searching and replacing text

1. Click the Authoring Text tab.

2. Click Search and Replace or Ctrl + R.

3. Type the word you want to find into the Find field.

4. Type the word you want to replace it with into the Replace field.

5. Click Find Next to locate an instance of the word you typed into the Find field.

6. Click Replace to replace that instance of text.

7. Repeat steps the last two steps until the whole simulation has been reviewed.

8. Click Close.

OR

Click the Authoring Text tab and do the following:

a. Click Search and Replace or CRTL + R.

b. Type the word you want to find into the Find field.

c. Type the word you want to replace it with into the Replace field.

d. Click Replace All to replace all the text.

e. Click Close.



Using Global Search and Replace Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Global search and replace

The Global Search and Replace feature allows you to find and replace text anywhere in the simulation. This means that you can search and replace text that was added within the instructional elements or within the properties for any objects. For example, you could replace the text on all of the buttons labeled OK with Confirm.

1. Select Tools > Search and Replace.

2. Type the word you want to find into the Find field.

3. Type the word you want to replace it with into the Replace field.

4. Select the Case Sensitive and/or Whole Words Only checkboxes to limit your search by these attributes.

5. Select the checkboxes in the Search/Replace Text Areas section of the window to indicate which text areas to search.

6. Select the checkboxes in the Search/Replace Objects section of the window to indicate which objects you want to include in the search.

Note: If you want to search and replace the text for a specific object, you must select the checkbox for the object AND the checkbox for the text area you want to search. For example, say you want to search for all fields containing the word “Iowa” and replace them with “IA.” After typing in the Find/Replace criteria, you would select the Fields and Initial Text checkboxes.

7. Click Find or Find Next to locate an instance of the word you typed into the Find field.

Note: The results of the search will display in the Search Results section of the window.

8. Click Replace to replace that instance of text.

9. Repeat steps the last two steps until the whole simulation has been reviewed.

Note: At any time during the search and replace, you can click Go To Object and Firefly will bring you to where the text is located in the simulation.

10. Click Close.

Positioning Prompts Firefly Author > Write instructions> Positioning user prompts

1. Author the user prompt for the screen.

2. Verify that the Position dropdown list displays Bottom, Right.

3. Click Run Player .

4. Verify that the correct action or object with focus is not covered by the user prompt. If it is covered, return to the Prompts and Feedback window.

5. Select a new position using the Position dropdown list.




6. Repeat the last three steps.

7. Repeat this procedure for all screens in the simulation.



Selecting Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Selecting objects


2. Expand the navigation tree in the Object Browser window until you locate the appropriate object or roll the mouse pointer over the graphic in the Screen Editor window to find the appropriate object.

3. Click on the object you want to select.

Selecting Multiple Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Selecting multiple objects


2. Select an object from the Screen Editor window or Object Browser window.

3. Press Ctrl or Shift.

4. Select another object.

5. Continue selecting objects as necessary.

Changing Object Properties Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Changing object properties

1. Select an object from the Screen Editor window or Object Browser window.

2. Select the property name that you want to change in the Properties window.

3. Make the change using the Value field or the ellipsis (...).

4. Click Save.

Setting Properties for Multiple Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Setting properties for multiple objects

1. Right‐click the object, either in the Object Browser or the Screen Editor windows

2. Select Set Multiple Object Properties.

3. Using the checkboxes in the far‐right column, select the properties you’d like to set.

4. Set the appropriate property values for each property selected.



Note: As you do this, you are updating the properties real‐time for the object you clicked in the first step. You can use this to “preview” the correct properties.

5. Depending on what you want to do, select On this page, set these properties for all objects of this type or In this simulation, set these properties for all objects of this type.

Note: To apply the changes to objects with a common Name property only, select the Set properties for objects with this display name checkbox.

6. Click Set Properties. You’ll receive a notification of the number of objects affected.

7. Click OK.

Note: You can select Edit > Undo or press Ctrl + Z to undo the property changes if it doesn't have the desired result; however, you have to use the Undo function twice – once for the objects you changed throughout the page or simulation and once for the original object you selected.

Locking and Unlocking Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Locking and unlocking objects

Locked objects have red selection handles and unlocked objects have green handles:


2. Select the object.

3. To lock or unlock the object, right‐click and select Lock/Unlock.

Positioning, Resizing, and Zooming in on Objects

Moving an Object Several Pixels at a Time

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Positioning, resizing, and zooming in on objects



3. While holding down the mouse button, drag the object to its new location.

Moving an Object One Pixel at a Time




3. Hold down the Shift key and press the up, down, left, and right arrows on the keyboard.




Resizing an Object Several Pixels at a Time




3. Click on one of the handles around the object.

4. While holding down the mouse button, drag the boundary in or out to increase or decrease the object’s size.

Resizing an Object a Pixel at a Time




3. Hold down the Ctrl key and press the up, down, left, and right arrows on the keyboard to move the object’s bottom and right boundaries.

4. Hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys and press the up, down, left, and right arrows on the keyboard to move the object’s top and left boundaries.

Zooming



2. Click in the area of the screen or on the object on which you want to zoom in and/or out.

3. Select the desired zoom level from the Zoom dropdown list at the top of the Screen Editor window or press CTRL + + to zoom in one level and CTRL + ‐ to zoom out one level.

Note: If you selected an object, the object you are focusing on will remain in view on the screen.

Firefly Author: Creating New Objects


Creating New Objects Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating new objects

1. On the Editing Objects tab, select the screen to which you want to add a new object in the Object Browser window.

2. In the Screen Editor window, click the Editor Toolbox to see the types of objects you can create.

3. Select the appropriate object from the list.

4. Using your mouse, draw the new object in the appropriate location on the screen.

5. Repeat this procedure to create additional objects.

Checklist for Creating a New Object

Draw the object.

Position the object.

Size the object.

Lock the object.

Name the object.

Update the object’s properties.

Initialize the object, if necessary.

Update the tab order or z‐order, if necessary.

Set initial focus, if necessary.

Record an event associated with the object, if necessary.

Creating and Using Buttons

Creating a Button

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using buttons

1. Select Draw Button from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner of where you want the button to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the button is the desired size.

4. Release the mouse pointer.



Note: You can now position, resize, and zoom in on the object.

5. To set the button’s properties, select the button by clicking it once.

6. In the Properties window, use the Value column to change each property as desired.

Recording an Event with a Button

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using buttons


Note: The screen on which you created the new button should be highlighted.

2. Click Draw New Path .

3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the button is clicked).

4. Click Yes to create a path between the two screens. The mode changes to Record mode.

5. Left or right‐click the button you created, depending on how it functions in the live application.

6. Click Yes to record the button click as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author mode.

Creating and Using Fields

Creating a Field

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using text fields

1. Select Draw Field from the Editor Toolbox. Your pointer will turn into a crosshair when mousing over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the text field to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the text field is the desired size.

4. Release the mouse pointer. You can now position, resize, and zoom in on the object.

5. To set the field’s properties, select the field by clicking it once.


Initializing a Field


1. Select Simulation > Initialize Screen (keyboard shortcut: F3).

2. Set the text field to the desired initial state by clicking it the same way a learner would.

3. If the field should contain text by default, type the appropriate text into the field.



4. Once the text field appears as it should initially, hold down the Alt and End keys to return to Author mode.

Recording an Event with a Field


1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new text field should be highlighted.


3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the text field is clicked).

4. Click Yes to create a path between the two screens. The mode changes to Record.

5. Click the text field you created.

6. Type the correct text into the field.

7. Hold down the Alt and End keys to indicate you’re finished recording the path or perform a trigger action to end the recording automatically, such as by clicking a button.

Note: You can record multiple actions before you finish recording. For example, you could type text into a field, tab to the next field, type text into that field, and click a button.

8. Click Yes to record typing into the text field as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating a Text Label Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using text labels

1. Select Draw Text Label from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the text label to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the text label is the desired size.


5. To set the text label’s properties, select the text label by clicking it once.




Creating and Using Hot Areas

Creating a Hot Area

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using hot areas

1. Select Draw Hot Area from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner of where you want the hot area to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the hot area is the desired size.


5. To set the hot area’s properties, select the hot area by clicking it once.


Recording an Event with a Hot Area

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using hot areas

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new hot area should be highlighted.


3. Click the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the hot area is clicked).


5. Click the hot area you created.

6. Click Yes to record the hot area click as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Combo Boxes

Creating a Combo Box

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using combo boxes

1. Select Draw Combo Box from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the combo box to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the combo box is the desired size.


5. To set the combo box’s properties, select the combo box by clicking it once.




7. To create the contents of the combo box, click the Item text ellipsis (...).

8. Type each item that you want to appear in the combo box on a separate line.

9. Click OK.

10. To create an editable combo box, select the Editable checkbox in the Properties window.

Note: An editable combo box is one in which a learner can type an entry into the field and the value is then added to the combo box.

Initializing a Combo Box


1. Select Simulation > Initialize Screen.

2. Select the item that should appear in the combo box by default.

3. Once the combo box appears as it should initially, hold down the Alt and End keys to return to Author mode.

Recording an Event with a Combo Box


1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new combo box should be highlighted.


3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the correct item is selected from the combo box).


5. Select the correct item from the combo box you created.

6. Hold down the Alt and End keys to finish recording the path.

Note: You can record multiple actions before you finish recording. For example, you could select an item from the combo box, type text into a field, and click a button.

7. Click Yes to record the combo box selection as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.



Creating and Using Image Objects

Creating an Image Object

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using image objects

1. Select Draw Image Object from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner of where you want the image object to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the image object is the desired size.


5. To set the image object’s properties, select the image object by clicking it once.


Recording an Event with an Image Object

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using image objects

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new image object should be highlighted.


3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the image object is clicked).


5. Click the image object you created.

6. Click Yes to record clicking the image object as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Image Buttons

Creating an Image Button

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using image buttons

1. Select Draw Image Button from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the image button to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the image button is the desired size.




5. To set the image button’s properties, select the image button by clicking it once.


Recording an Event with an Image Button

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using image buttons

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new image button should be highlighted.


3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the image button is clicked).


5. Click the image button you created.

6. Click Yes to record the image‐button click as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using List Boxes

Creating a List Box

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using list boxes

1. Select Draw List Box from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the list box to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the list box is the desired size.


5. To set the list box’s properties, select the list box by clicking it once.


7. To create the contents of the list box, click the Item text ellipsis (...).

8. Type each item that you want to appear in the list box on a separate line.

9. Click OK.

Initializing a List Box


1. Select Simulation > Initialize Screen.



2. To set the initially selected item, select the item that should appear in the list box by default.

3. Once the list box appears as it should initially, hold down the Alt and End keys to return to Author mode.

4. To set the item to which the box initially scrolls, go to Initialize mode by selecting Simulation > Initialize Screen.

5. Scroll to the area that should be scrolled to by default.

6. Once the scroll area appears as it should, hold down the Alt and End keys to return to Author mode.

Recording an Event with a List Box


1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new list box should be highlighted.


3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the correct item is selected from the list box).


5. Select the correct item from the list box you created.

6. Hold down the Alt and End keys to indicate that you are finished recording the path.

7. Click Yes to record the list box selection as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Hyperlinks

Creating a Hyperlink

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using hyperlinks

1. Select Draw Hyperlink from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner of where you want the hyperlink to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the hyperlink is the desired size.


5. To set the hyperlink’s properties, select the hyperlink by clicking it once.




Note: Properties to pay close attention to for hyperlinks include Underline, URL, Use URL, and the Pop‐up properties, which specify the attributes of the browser window that appear when the hyperlink is clicked (when using a URL).

Recording Hyperlink Events

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using hyperlinks

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new hyperlink should be highlighted.


3. Click the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that will appear after clicking on the hyperlink).


5. Click the hyperlink you created.

6. Click Yes to record the hyperlink click as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Checkboxes

Creating a Checkbox

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using checkboxes

1. Select Draw Checkbox from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner of where you want the checkbox to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the checkbox is the desired size.


5. To set the checkbox’s properties, select the checkbox by clicking it once.


7. If necessary, select Simulation > Initialize Screen to set the initial state of the checkbox.

Note: If there are multiple checkboxes on one page, you can set all of the initial states now.

Recording Checkbox events

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using checkboxes

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new checkbox should be highlighted.




3. Click the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear when the checkbox is clicked).


5. Select or deselect the checkbox.


7. Click Yes to record the checkbox selection as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Radio Buttons

Creating Radio Buttons

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using radio buttons

1. Select Draw Radio Button from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner of where you want the radio button to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the radio button is the desired size.


5. To set the radio button’s properties, select the radio button by clicking it once.


7. In the Value column of the Text property, type the label that should appear on the radio button.

Note: Radio button text doesn’t wrap. If a radio button object is shorter than the text, you will need to resize the object.

8. Repeat the previous steps until you’ve created each radio button in the group.

9. Using the Ctrl key, multi‐select all of the radio buttons you want to add to a group.

10. Right‐click and select Group.

11. If necessary, select Simulation > Initialize Screen to set the initial state of the radio button group.

Note: If there are multiple radio button groups on one page, you can set all of the initial states.



Recording Radio Button Events

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using radio buttons

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new radio button group should be highlighted.


3. Click the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that will appear when the one of the radio buttons is selected).


5. Click the correct radio button from the radio button group you created.


7. Click Yes to record the radio button selection as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Menu Bars

Creating a Menu Bar

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using menu bars

1. Select Draw Menu Bar from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the menu bar to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the menu bar is the desired size.


5. In the Object Browser window, select the Main menu within the menu bar you created.

6. Right‐click and select New > Menu.

7. In the Properties window, click the Value column for the Text property and type the text label for the menu.

8. Repeat the least two steps for all menus that need to be created on the menu bar.

Note: For example, if the menu bar has a File, Edit, Search, Window, and Help menu, you would create five menus on the menu bar.

9. For each menu you create, select the menu object from the Object Browser window.

10. Right‐click and select New > Menu Item.

11. In the Properties window, click the Value column for the Text property and type the text label for the menu item.



Note: An example of a menu item is the Save option within the File menu. In other words, for the menu path File > Save, File is a menu and Save is a menu item.

12. If necessary, right‐click the menu object and select New > Separator. This creates a separator bar between menu items.

13. Repeat steps the last four steps for each menu on the menu bar.

14. If your menu has cascading menus (sub‐menus), create a menu within the menu, and then add the cascading menu items to it.

Note: For example, with a menu that contains the path File > New > Folder, File is a menu, New is a menu within the File menu, and Folder is a menu item within the New menu.

15. To add images to the left of a menu or menu item, such as an open folder image next to the Open menu item beneath the File menu, select the appropriate menu or menu item in the Object Browser window and browse to the appropriate image using the Image property in the Properties window.

Note: The image should be 16 x 16 pixels.

Recording an Event with a Menu Bar

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using menu bars


Note: The screen on which you created the new menu bar should be highlighted.


3. Click on the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that will appear when the correct menu item is selected).


5. Select the correct item from the menu bar you created.

6. Click Yes to record the menu‐bar click as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Creating and Using Pop‐Up Menus

Creating a Pop‐Up Menu

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using pop‐up menus

1. Select Draw Menu Bar from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the right‐click menu to begin.



3. Click and drag the mouse until the pop‐up menu is the desired size.


5. Click on the pop‐up menu object to select it.

6. In the Properties window, select the checkbox for the Pop‐up menu property.

7. In the Object Browser window, select the Main Menu for the pop‐up menu object. It’s called Menu Bar in the Object Browser tree.

8. Right‐click and select New > Menu.

9. In the Properties window, click the Value column for the Text property.

10. Type a text label for the menu.

Note: This text label won’t appear; it just provides a “container” for the menu items in the pop‐up menu.

11. Select the menu object from the Object Browser window.

12. Right‐click the menu object and select New > Menu Item.

13. In the Properties window, click the Value column for the Text property.

14. Type the text label for the menu item.

15. If necessary, right‐click the menu object and select New > Separator.

Note: This creates a separator bar between menu items.

16. Repeat the last five steps for each menu item on the pop‐up menu.

Note: If your pop‐up menu has cascading menus (sub‐menus), create a menu within the menu and then add the cascading menu items to it. For example, with a menu containing the path [Right‐click] > New > Folder, New is a menu within the menu object created in step 8, and Folder is a menu item within the New menu.

17. To indicate if this pop‐up menu should be accessed with a left‐click, right‐click, or both, you must set the “Pop‐up trigger” property by selecting the highest level of the menu bar in the Object Browser window. In the Properties window, select LEFT, RIGHT, or BOTH from the Pop‐up trigger combo box.

Recording an Event with a Pop‐Up Menu

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using pop‐up menus

1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new pop‐up menu should be highlighted.


3. Click the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that will appear when the correct menu item is selected).





5. Select the correct item from the pop‐up menu you created.

6. Click Yes to record the pop‐up menu selection as the event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.



Copying Objects between Screens Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Copying objects between screens


2. Select the object in the Screen Editor window.

3. Click Copy.

4. Navigate to the screen on which you want to reuse the object.

5. Click Paste.

Grouping Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Grouping objects


2. Select an object from the Screen Editor window or the Object Browser window.

3. Press Ctrl or Shift.

4. Select another object.

5. Continue selecting objects as needed.

6. Right‐click one of the selected objects.

7. Select Group from the pop‐up menu.

Note: You can now copy and paste the group of objects to another destination that requires the grouping or save the group as a template object.

Creating and Using Template Objects

Creating Template Objects

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Creating and using template objects


2. Create the object you want to make into a template.

Note: Make sure this object is completely functional and has all properties correctly set before you save it as a template object.

3. Right‐click on the object and select Save Object To Template.

4. Enter a name for the template object with the file extension of .SIMOBJECT.

Note: Make sure to name it descriptively, so the template is easy to find and use later.



5. Click Select.

Using the Template Blaster

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Using the template blaster

1. From the Editing Objects tab, select Tools > Insert Template.

2. Select the checkbox corresponding to each page on which you want to insert the template or click Select All to add the template to all pages within the simulation.

3. Click Insert Template.

4. Navigate to the .SIMOBJECT file.

5. Click Insert.

Using a Template Object

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Creating and using template objects


2. In the Object Browser window, right‐click the screen to which you want to add a template object and select New > Object From Template.

3. Browse for the .SIMOBJECT file.

4. Click Select.

Note: When the new object is added to the screen, it will always appear in the location where it was originally created.

5. If necessary, drag the new object to the appropriate location.

Note: After the new object has been added and correctly placed on the screen, make sure it’s been moved to the correct location in the object hierarchy. This ensures the tab order of the screen is correct. The hierarchy is located in the Object Browser window and can be accessed by clicking the plus sign next to the appropriate screen.

Updating the Object Order

Updating the Tab Order

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Updating object orders

1. Select the object that you want to reorder from the Object Browser window.

2. Press Alt + up/down arrows to move the object up/down in the screen’s object list.

3. If necessary, repeat the last step to position the object according to the tab layout of the application.



Updating the “Z” Order

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Updating object orders

1. Select the object that you want to order from the Screen Editor window.

2. Right‐click and select Send to Back, Send Farther, Bring Closer, or Bring to Front.

3. Repeat this procedure as needed.

Initializing Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Initializing objects


2. Select the screen on which you want to initialize objects.

3. Select Simulation > Initialize Screen (keyboard shortcut: F3).

4. Change the object’s state by selecting a different value or by typing text.

5. Hold down the Alt and End keys to end the recording session.

6. Repeat these steps for all objects that require initialization.

7. Run the simulation to make sure the change was implemented correctly.

Note: Run the simulation via the Run Player button on the toolbar or by selecting Simulation > Run in Default Browser.

Aligning Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Aligning objects


2. Select the object in the Screen Editor window that you want to use as the guide for aligning all of the other selected objects.

3. Press Ctrl and select all of the objects you want to align.



4. Click the appropriate alignment tool from the Screen Editor toolbar as follows:

Note: The alignment toolbar buttons will be enabled only after you’ve selected multiple objects, since one object is always aligned relative to another object. Objects will align with the first of the selected objects.

5. Repeat these steps for all objects that require alignment.



Deleting Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Deleting objects

1. Select the object in the Screen Editor window.

2. Click Delete .

Note: You can click Undo immediately to restore an object if you mistakenly delete it.

Converting Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Converting objects


2. Right‐click the object you want to convert.

3. Select Convert object to from the menu, followed by the object you want to convert to.

4. Set properties for the new object as needed.

Note: Where possible, all common properties are transferred to the new object.

5. Repeat these steps for all objects that require conversion.






Flattening Objects Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Flattening objects


2. Right‐click the object you want to flatten.

3. Select Paint Object to Screen from the menu.

4. Repeat these steps for all objects that require flattening.





Using Find Rectangle Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Using Find Rectangle

1. Select Find Rectangle from the Editor Toolbox on the Screen Editor window.

2. Click the screenshot on the Screen Editor window where you want to create a new rectangular object.

3. If necessary, size the rectangle accordingly.

4. Right‐click the rectangle that you created and select the object type from the pop‐up menu.

Using Capture Image

Using Capture Image to Capture a Portion of a Simulation Screen

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Using Capture Image

1. Select Capture Image from the Editor Toolbox on the Screen Editor window.

2. Position the mouse pointer at the top‐left corner of the portion of the screen you want to capture.

3. Click and drag the mouse to the right and down until you have selected the portion of the screen you want to capture.

4. Release the mouse pointer.

5. In the Save Image window, use the Look in dropdown list to navigate to the folder in which you want to save the image.

6. Type a name for the image into File name field.

7. Click Save Image.

Using Capture Image to Capture an Image of a Single Object on the Simulation Screen

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Using Capture Image

1. Right‐click the object that you want to capture as an image.

2. Select Capture Image.

3. In the Save Image window, use the Look in dropdown list to navigate to the folder in which you want to save the image.

4. Type a name for the image into File name field.




5. Click Save Image.

Adding Annotations

Creating and Using Annotations

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Creating and using annotations

1. Select Draw Annotation from the Editor Toolbox. Once selected, your mouse pointer becomes a crosshair when mousing over the screenshot.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the annotation to appear.

3. Click and drag the mouse to the right and down until the annotation is the desired size.


Setting the Properties of the Annotation for Text Callouts


1. Select the annotation object by clicking it once.

2. In the Properties window, select the checkbox next to the Allow border property if you want the annotation to have a border and then use the Borders property to set the border type.

3. Use the Background property to add color to the annotation.

4. Use the Text property to add text to the annotation.

Note: Text will not display until you set the Text Bounds property to identify the bounds in which the text resides in the annotation. To set the Text Bounds Property, click the ellipsis (...) button. Click and drag your mouse in the editing box to indicate where you want the text to appear. Click OK.

Setting the Properties of the Annotation for Image Callouts with Text


1. Select the annotation object by clicking it once.

2. In the Properties window, select an image for the Backdrop property.

Note: If you want the white background areas of the Backdrop image to be transparent, select a .GIF or .PNG file for the Mask Transparency property. The transparent regions of the image will be revealed. (Only .GIF and .PNG image files support transparency.) Mask the image being used as the Mask Transparency with white. This lets the image inherit color from the Backdrop image and is needed for the text (Text property) to display.



Changing the Screen Image

Associating a Graphics Program with the Author Tool

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Changing the screen image


2. Select the Global Settings tab from the Settings Model Customizer.

3. Click the ellipsis (...) next to Selected External Image Editor.

4. Browse to find your preferred graphics editing program.

5. Click Select.

6. Click Close.

Changing the Screen Image

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Changing the screen image

1. Use the Object Browser window to select the screen for which you would like to change the image.

2. Click the ellipsis (...) in the Backdrop row of the Properties window.

3. To modify the background image, select Edit from the pop‐up menu. The graphics editing program you previously associated with the Author tool launches.

4. Make the necessary changes to the screen image.

5. Save the updated file. The new background will appear in the Author tool and simulation.

6. To browse for another image that you’ve modified or created, select Browse from the pop‐up menu. You will be prompted to select a new .PNG image to replace the existing one.

Note: This is helpful if you need to copy a screen, but need the new screen to have a slightly different background image from the original. Since copied screens share the same .PNG file initially, you can make edits to that .PNG file following steps 3 and 4, but then do a Save as and save the .PNG to a different location. Then you can go to the copied screen and browse for the new .PNG image you created.

Creating Printable Output Firefly Author > Write instructional text > Creating printable output

1. Select Tools > Create Printable Output.



2. In the Select Output Type group box, select the type of output you want to create.

3. In the Select Path group box, select All Screens or Primary Path.

4. In the Select File Format group box, select the file type you would like to create (HTML, RTF, or PDF).

5. In the Select Instructional Elements group box, select the types of instructional text you want to appear in the storyboard.

Note: Options include the Simulation Header, Scenario, Prompts, Steps (Event Text), Feedback, and Summaries. The Simulation Header includes the simulation title, file name and location, and simulation mode.

6. In the Options group box, select Include Screen Shots to include the simulation screenshots in the storyboard and select the image size.

7. In the Options group box, select Include Audio to include links to associated audio files.

8. Select Page Breaks to insert an automatic page break between each screenshot.

9. Select Hide Empty Elements to ensure that any instructional elements that do not contain text will not show up in the output.

10. If you want to preview the output before generating it, click Preview.

11. When you’re ready to create the output, click Save.

12. Specify a file name and location where you want to save the output file.

Note: The file name defaults to “simulation_name_output.xxx,” but can be changed. The file location defaults to the same location as the .SIM file.

Adding Reviewer Comments

Adding Reviewer Comments in the Author Tool

Firefly Author > Add reviewer comments > Adding a reviewer comment

1. Click the Reviewer Comments tab.

2. Right‐click the screen node in the navigation tree and select New Comment.

3. Type your name into the Entered By field.

4. Select the appropriate severity from the Severity dropdown list.

5. Type a brief description into the Description field.

6. Type additional comments into the Comments field, if necessary.

Adding Reviewer Comments in the Runtime

Firefly Author > Add reviewer comments > Adding a reviewer comment

1. Launch the simulation.



2. Click Open Review Tool .

Note: The simulation property “Use review tool” must be selected for this icon to appear on the navigation bar.

3. In the Select Comments dialog, click the appropriate radio button if you want to import previously entered comments or click Cancel to exit the dialog.

4. Type your name into the Entered By field.

5. Select the appropriate severity from the Severity dropdown list.

6. Type a brief description into the Description field.

7. Type additional comments into the Comments field, if necessary.

8. Click Save.

9. In the Save dialog, navigate to the location where you want to save the file.

10. Click OK.

Importing Reviewer Coments Firefly Author > Add reviewer comments > Importing reviewer comments

1. Open the simulation in the Author tool.

2. Select File > Import Comment.

3. Navigate to the XML file on your computer and double‐click it.

Generating a Reviewer Comments Report Firefly Author > Add reviewer comments > Generating a Reviewer Comments report

1. Access the Reviewer Comments window either via the Reviewer Comments tab in the Author tool or the runtime.

2. Select either the All Comments or This Comment radio button.

3. Click Generate Report.

4. Click Save.

5. Click OK.

Publishing a Simulation for AICC or SCORM Compliance Firefly Author > Publish simulations > Publishing a simulation for AICC or SCORM compliance

Publishing a simulation for AICC or SCORM compliance provides an option to create all of the files necessary for integration with an AICC or SCORM‐based learning management system (LMS) and place them in a particular folder.



1. Complete the simulation, including enabling all events and paths, drawing all objects, and authoring instructional text.

2. Select File > Publish As.

3. Select either the SCORM 1.2 or SCORM 2004 radio buttons for SCORM output or the AGR‐006 (Query String) or AGR‐010 (API) radio buttons for AICC output.

4. On the Course Meta Data tab, enter the Course Title and Course ID.

Note: The Course Title identifies the content in the LMS. The Course ID needs to be unique to this course from the perspective of the LMS.

5. On the Block Meta Data tab, enter a Display Name for the Block. This will be used in conjunction with the Course Title to identify the content to the learner.

6. On the SCO Meta Data tab, enter a Display Name for the SCO (simulation).

Note: This name is used to identify the content from within the LMS.

7. Complete the other fields on each tab as necessary.

Note: The other fields are optional, depending on whether they are required by your LMS.

8. Select the appropriate Output Options.

Note: If needed, reference the later sections in this workbook.

9. Click Publish.

10. Select a folder in which to place the files.

11. Click Save.

Note: Firefly creates the runtime and other necessary files and places them in the chosen directory.

12. Click Close.

Note: You can now browse to the chosen location and click the .HTM file corresponding to the .SIM file to run the simulation and view it from a learner’s perspective. The published output can now be loaded to your AICC or SCORM LMS.

Publishing a Standard Simulation Firefly Author > Publish simulations > Publishing a standard simulation

Publishing a standard simulation provides an option to create all of the files necessary for standard Web deployment and place them in a particular folder.



3. Select the Standard Simulation radio button.

4. Select the appropriate Output Options.



Note: If needed, reference the later sections in this workbook.

5. Click Publish.

6. Select a folder in which to place the file.

7. Click Save.


8. Click Close.

Note: You can now browse to the chosen location and click the .HTM file corresponding to the .SIM file to run the simulation and view it from a learner’s perspective. You can copy and paste these files to move the simulation to another location, or copy them to a Web server.

OR

If you chose to zip the output, you can unzip the file to any location. You can also send the zip file to a colleague for review.

Publishing a Simulation in Full‐Screen Mode Firefly Author > Publish simulations > Publishing a simulation in Full‐Screen mode

Publishing a simulation in Full Screen mode provides an option to create all of the files necessary for Web deployment, place them in a particular folder, and specify that you want the simulation to appear in full screen.



3. Select the appropriate Publishing Options

Note: If needed, reference the earlier sections in this workbook.

4. If desired, select the Zipped checkbox to zip up all of the files when they are published.

5. Select the Full Screen Mode radio button.

6. Click Publish.


8. Click Save.


9. Click Close.




OR

If you chose to zip the output, you can unzip the file to any location. You can also send the zip file to a colleague for review.

Publishing a Simulation in Kiosk Mode Firefly Author > Publish simulations > Publishing a simulation in Kiosk mode

Publishing a simulation in Kiosk mode provides an option to create all of the files necessary for Web deployment, place them in a particular folder, and resize the browser window in which your simulation will run.


Note: Kiosk mode will not resize the captured screens. All screens must be captured or manually resized to accommodate the selected kiosk size or the simulation will be published with scroll bars to accommodate the overflow.


3. Select the appropriate Publishing Options.


4. If desired, select the Zipped checkbox to zip up all of the files when they are published.

5. Select the Kiosk Mode radio button.

6. Type the window title into the Title field.

7. Type the width of the browser window into the Width field.

Note: Firefly will automatically add 20 pixels to the simulation’s actual image size to accommodate the browser window.

8. Type the height of the browser window into the Height field.


9. Type the vertical location of the browser window into the x coord field.

10. Type the horizontal location of the browser window into the x coord field.

11. Select each browser window option from the available checkboxes.

12. Click Publish.


14. Click Save.


15. Click Close.




OR

If you chose to zip the output, you can now unzip the file to any location. You can also send the zip file to a colleague for review.

Publishing a Simulation in Embedded Mode Firefly Author > Publish simulations > Publishing a simulation in Embedded mode

Publishing a simulation in Embedded mode provides an option to create all of the files necessary for Web deployment, place them in a particular folder, and specify that you want the simulation to run inside a web browser window (iframe).



3. Select the appropriate Publishing Options.


4. If you want, select the Zipped checkbox to zip up all of the files when they are published.

5. Select the Embedded Mode radio button.

6. Type the window title into the Title field.

7. Type the width of the browser window into the Width field.


8. Type the height of the browser window into the Height field.


9. Type the vertical location of the browser window into the x coord field.

10. Type the horizontal location of the browser window into the x coord field.

11. Select each browser window option from the available checkboxes.

12. Click Publish.


14. Click Save.





15. Click Close.

16. You can now browse to the chosen location and click the .HTM file that corresponds to the .SIM file to run the simulation and view it from a learner's perspective. You can copy and paste these files to move the simulation to another location, or copy them to a Web server.


OR

If you chose to zip the output, you can now unzip the file to any location. You can also send the zip file to a colleague for review.

Firefly Author: Advanced Firefly

Advanced Firefly The following topics are not covered during basic Firefly training. If you are interested in learning more about these features, refer to the Firefly Performance Support System (PSS) for more information.

Creating New Simulations without an .FFC File Firefly Author > Get started > Creating new simulations

1. Click New .

2. Leave the Import data from field blank.

3. Click the Save simulation as browse button and browse to where you want to save the new simulation file.

4. Type the title of the simulation into the Simulation title field.


6. Click OK.

Note: Firefly creates a new simulation with two blank screens. You can then draw objects on the screens and manipulate object properties. You can also add other new screens by right‐clicking the top‐level Simulation node and selecting New > Screen.

Creating New Simulations from a Template Firefly Author > Get started > Creating new simulations

1. Select File > New from Template.

2. Click the Template file Browse button.

3. Navigate to the folder containing the template (.SIMSCREEN) file.

4. Select the template file.

5. Click Select.

6. If you do not want the simulation saved in the same location as the .SIMSCREEN file, click the Save simulation as Browse button and navigate to another location on your hard drive.

7. Type the title of the simulation into the Simulation title field.


9. Click OK.



Note: Firefly creates a new simulation with the selected screen template. You can then draw objects on the screens and manipulate object properties. You can also add other new screens by right‐clicking the top‐level Simulation node and selecting New > Screen.

Creating and Using Screen Templates

Creating a Screen Template

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Creating and using screen templates


2. Create the screen you want to make into a template. Make sure the screen contains all of the appropriate objects and associated properties before you save it as a template object.

3. Select one or more, right‐click, and select Save Screen(s) To Template.

4. Enter a name for the screen template with the file extension .SIMSCREEN.

Note: Name the template descriptively so it’s easy to find.

5. Click Select.

Using a Screen Template

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Creating and using screen templates

1. On the Editing Objects tab, select the top‐level Simulation node in the Object Browser window.

2. Select Tools > Insert Screen Template or right‐click and select New > Screen(s) From Template.

3. Browse for and select the appropriate .SIMSCREEN file.

4. Click Select.

Note: When new screens are added to the simulation, they appear at the bottom of the Object Browser window, and as “orphaned” (not connected to the simulation path) screens in the Simulation Flow window.

5. Record the necessary events to connect the new screens to the rest of the simulation.

Copying Existing/Creating New Simulation Screens

Copying Simulation Screens

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Adding screens to an existing simulation

1. Open the simulation to which you need to add one or more screens.

2. Make sure you are on the Object Browser window.



3. Right‐click the screen that you want to copy.

4. Select Copy.

5. Click the top‐level Simulation node in the Object Browser window and select Paste.

6. On the Designing Paths tab, create some new paths (and record events) to connect the new screen with the rest of the simulation screens.

Note: If you make changes to the background image of the original or copied screen, the changes will appear on both screens.

Creating a New Screen in an Existing Simulation

Firefly Author > Create new screens and objects > Adding screens to an existing simulation

1. Open the simulation to which you need to add one or more screens.

2. On the Editing Objects tab, right‐click the top‐level Simulation node in the Object Browser window.

3. Select New > Screen to add a new, blank screen to the simulation.

4. Using the Properties window, you can add a background image to the page.

Note: This is where you would import the new screenshot you've taken in the case of an application change.

5. Using the drawing tools in the Screen Editor window, you can add new objects to the page and modify their properties.

6. On the Designing Paths tab, create some new paths (and record events) to connect the new screen with the rest of the simulation screens.



Changing the Simulation Scheme Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Changing the simulation scheme

1. Select Simulation > Customize Interface.

2. Select a scheme from the list of pre‐defined schemes.

Note: A sample of the selected scheme appears in the Preview pane.

3. To see an enlarged view of what the scheme will look like, click View Full Screen.

4. Once you’ve located the scheme you want to use, click Apply.

5. Click OK.

6. Click Close.

Customizing Simulation Graphics Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Customizing simulation graphics


2. Click the Customize Graphics tab.

Note: This tab contains a tree structure that lists of all the graphics in the simulation interface. Similar graphic types are grouped together.

3. Expand the appropriate node(s) and select the first graphic you want to customize.

4. Click Browse next to the File Name field. If a pop‐up menu appears, select Browse.

5. In the Select File dialog, navigate to and select the appropriate graphic.

6. Click OK.

Note: The Preview pane on the Customize Graphics tab updates to display the new graphic.

7. Click Apply.

8. If you decide you want to revert to the last saved version of the graphic, click Revert.

9. Repeat the previous steps for each graphic you want to customize.

10. When you’re finished customizing all of the simulation graphics, click Save.

11. When prompted to name the new set of simulation graphics, type a name for the new graphics scheme.

12. Click Select.

Note: The new graphics scheme is added to your list of schemes on the Schemes tab.

13. Click Yes to apply the new scheme to the open simulation.

14. Click OK.

15. Click Close.



Customizing Simulation Text Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Customizing simulation text


2. Click the Customize Text tab.

Note: The Customize Text tab contains a list of all the text strings in the simulation interface.

3. Click the first text string you want to customize.

4. Type the new text string into the Description field.

5. Click Apply to apply the new text.

6. If you decide you want to revert to the last saved version of the text string, click Revert.

7. Repeat last four steps for each text string you want to customize.

8. After you’ve customized all of the simulation text, click Save.

9. Click Close.

Setting the Number of “Test Me” Attempts for Test‐Me Simulations Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Settings Model Customizer window


2. Select the Settings I tab from the Settings Model Customizer.

3. Locate the following property in the Process pane: Number of ‘Test me’ attempts.

4. Enter a number that equals the number of tries a learner can have in a Test me simulation before getting a failure status.

5. Click Save.

6. Click Close.

Note: You'll be prompted to save and reopen the simulation.

Resizing User Prompts, Feedback, Scenario, and Summary

Resizing User Prompt Windows

Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Settings Model Customizer window


2. Select the Settings II tab from the Settings Model Customizer.

3. Locate the following property in the Viewer pane: Default size of User Prompt windows.



4. Modify the default x,y coordinates (300,200) to the size you want the user prompt to be.

5. Click Save.

6. Click Close.


Resizing Feedback Windows




3. Locate the following property in the Viewer pane: Default size of Feedback windows.

4. Modify the default x,y coordinates (410,205) to the size you want the feedback box to be.

5. Click Save.


Resizing Summary/Scenario Windows




3. Locate the following property in the Viewer pane: Default size of Summary\Scenario windows.

4. Modify the default x,y coordinates (330,300) to the size you want the scenario and summary boxes to be.

5. Click Save.

6. Click Close.


Removing the Previous or Next Button from a Simulation Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Settings Model Customizer window



3. Locate the following property in the Viewer pane: Show Next Button (for the Next button) or Show Previous. (for the Previous button).

4. Select false from the dropdown list.



5. Click Save.

6. Click Close.


Disabling the Skip Option in Simulations Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Settings Model Customizer window



3. Locate the following property in the Viewer pane: Allow learner to skip pages.

4. Select false from the dropdown list.

5. Click Save.

6. Click Close.


Using the Object Border Customizer Firefly Author > Set up and customize simulations > Settings Model Customizer window


2. Select the Object Border Settings tab from the Settings Model Customizer.

3. Select a border type for a specific object from the dropdown list or create a default border type for a specific object using the ellipsis (...).

Note 1: Selecting the border type for a specific object sets the default for future objects that you create using the Editor Toolbox or for future objects being imported from the .FFC when a new simulation is created (provided the Use Object Border Settings checkbox is selected on the New Simulation window). Note 2: The dropdown list of border types provides several border types by default. You can create your own xml file containing custom borders and add them to the dropdown list. For an example, log in to the Customer Experience Community and locate the download entitled “Firefly – Custom XP style Borders.” Download the file (customBorders.xml) to the ‘system’ folder within your Firefly installation folder. Go back to the dropdown list for a specific object and you’ll see the list has been expanded to include XP style borders!

Hiding the Directions Button in a Simulation Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Object Properties table

The directions button is on the navigation bar.

1. Select the top‐level Simulation node in the Object Browser window.



2. In the Properties window, select the Hide directions checkbox.

Note: Hiding the Directions menu also hides all other options on this menu, including Scenario, Disable Audio, and About Firefly Simulations.

Hiding Feedback in a Simulation Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Object Properties table

1. Select the top‐level Simulation node in the Object Browser window.

2. In the Properties window, select one of the following:

Hide authored feedback checkbox – Prevents authored feedback from appearing when you run the simulation (i.e. system generated feedback will still appear.)

Do not show any feedback checkbox – Prevents all feedback (both authored and system generated) from appearing when you run the simulation.

Adding a Table of Contents Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Enabling a table of contents


2. Select Show TOC in the Properties window.

Note: This enables the TOC when the simulation is run using the Run in Default Browser option.

3. Select Show TOC in Player in the Properties window.

Note: This enables the TOC when the simulation is run using the Run Player option.

4. Select a screen in the Object Browser window to be included in the TOC.

5. Select Include In TOC in the Properties window.

6. Click the ellipsis (...) button next to the TOC Entry property in the Properties window. Type the text to be displayed as the TOC entry for the screen. By default, Firefly uses the path description as the text unless you set this property.

7. Repeat the last three steps for each screen that you want to include in the TOC.

Note: To set the Include in TOC property for multiple screens at once, use Set Multiple Object Properties.


9. Set properties in the Properties window to enhance the look of the TOC.



Accessing the Table of Contents in a Simulation Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Enabling a table of contents

1. Run the simulation via the Run Player button on the toolbar or by selecting Simulation > Run in Default Browser.

2. Click the information button on the left‐hand side of the simulation navigation bar, and select Table of Contents.

3. Navigate to a screen by selecting it from the TOC.

Note: This allows you to move around within the simulation in any order, rather than requiring you to perform an action to reach a certain screen. The TOC does not list all of the screens in the simulation, only those identified as being included in the TOC.

Linking Simulations

Linking Simulations Together with No Event

Firefly Author > Create new events and paths > Linking between simulations

1. Right‐click the screen from which you want to create the external link.

2. Select Create External Path from the pop‐up menu.

3. In the Select Simulation File dialog, browse to and select the simulation you want the current simulation to link to the Preview pane will display a thumbnail of the first screen of the simulation.

4. Select the screen to which the link should connect in the list box below the Preview pane.

5. Click Select.

Note: Click Yes if prompted to copy the file into a valid directory. If the .SIMs are in different directories, you will receive this message, as the .SIMs must reside in the same directory for the link to work properly.


7. Select the ExternalScreen object in the Object Browser window.

8. Select the appropriate properties in the Properties window.

Linking Simulations Together with an Event

Firefly Author > Create new events and paths > Linking between simulations

1. Right‐click the screen from which you want to create the external link.

2. Select Record External Path from the pop‐up menu.



3. In the Select Simulation File dialog, browse to and select the simulation you want the current simulation to link to.

Note: The Preview pane will display a thumbnail of the first screen of the simulation.

4. Select the screen to which the link should connect in the list box below the Preview pane.

Note: The Preview pane will refresh to display a thumbnail of the selected screen.

5. Click Select.

6. Click Yes if prompted to copy the file into a valid directory. If the .SIMs are in different directories, you will receive this message, as the .SIMs must reside in the same directory for the link to work properly. The mode changes to Record.

7. Record the event that will link the two simulations.

8. If necessary, press Alt + End.

9. Click Yes to record the event linking the two simulations. The mode returns to Author.


11. Select the ExternalScreen object in the Object Browser window.

12. Select the appropriate properties in the Properties window depending on how you want the linked simulations to behave.

Creating a Drag‐and‐Drop Event

Creating the Object To Be Dragged

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Creating a drag and drop event

1. Select Draw Image Object or Draw Text Label from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the object to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the object is the desired size.


Setting the Properties of the Object To Be dragged


1. Select the object by clicking it once.

2. In the Properties window, select the checkbox next to the Dragable property.

3. If the object is an image object, browse to and select the object’s default image using the Image property.



4. Using the Drag mode property, select how the image object should appear while being dragged. Select Drag ghost to display a ghost (shaded) image when the image object is being dragged. Select Drag object to drag the object with no ghost image.

5. If you want a different image to appear as the ghost image while the object is being dragged, browse to and select the appropriate image file using the Drag image property.

Note: If you don’t specify an image file using this property, the default image will appear shaded (ghosted) while being dragged.

6. If the object is a text label, enter the text that should appear in the text label using the Text property.

7. Using the Drag mode property, select how the text label should appear while being dragged. Select Drag ghost to display a ghost (shaded) image when the text label is being dragged. Select Drag object to drag the object with no ghost image.

8. If you want a different background color to appear while the ghost image is being dragged, modify the Drag background property and verify that the drag mode is set to Drag ghost.

Creating the Drop Target


1. Select Draw Image Object or Draw Text Label from the Editor Toolbox. Your mouse pointer will become a crosshair when you mouse over the screen image.

2. Position the crosshair at the top‐left corner where you want the object to begin.

3. Click and drag the mouse until the object is the desired size.


Setting the Properties of the Drop Target


1. Select the object by clicking it once.

2. Click the Properties window to make it active.

3. Select the checkbox next to the Drop target property.

4. If the object is an image object, browse to and select the object’s default image using the Image property.

5. Using the Drop image property, select another image that should appear when an object is dragged and placed over the image object.

Note: If you don’t specify an image file using this property, the default image will appear shaded (ghosted) when an object is placed over it.



6. If the object is a text label, enter the text that should appear in the text label using the Text property.

7. If you want the text label to have a different background color when an object is dragged and placed over it, make the appropriate selection using the Drop background property.

Note: If a Drop background is not specified, the text label will appear shaded (ghosted) using the default color when an object is placed over it.

Recording a Drag‐and‐Drop Event with the Objects


1. Click the Designing Paths tab. The screen on which you created the new objects should be highlighted.


3. Click the highlighted screen and drag the mouse to the destination screen (the screen that should appear after the drag and drop event is performed).


5. Click and drag the object for which you previously enabled the dragable property.

6. Continue dragging the object and drop it on the drop target.

7. Click Yes to record the drag‐and‐drop event connecting the two screens. The mode returns to Author.

Writing Object‐Specific Feedback Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Writing object‐specific pop‐ups


2. Click the object for which you want to add feedback.

3. In the Value field of the Pop‐up message property, type the message that should appear when learners select this object.

4. Click Save.

5. Run the simulation using Run Player or Run in Default Browser to verify that selecting the object causes the object‐specific pop‐up feedback to appear.



Setting Multiple Correct Text Entries

Setting an Anytext Text Entry

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Setting multiple correct text entries

1. Before you can instruct Firefly to accept “any text,” the learner enters in a field or editable combo box, your simulation must contain a path that uses a text field or editable combo box.


3. In the Object Browser window, expand the Simulation Flow node of the page on which the text field or editable combo box event occurs.

Note: You may need to expand the sub‐nodes several times to reach the event you’re looking for.

4. Locate and select the event that includes the appropriate text field or editable combo box.

Note: For example, type Anna into the First Name field.

5. In the Properties window, select the Anytext accepted checkbox. Notice the event path in the Object Browser window now has (Any text accepted) added to it.

Note: The “Anytext accepted” property is path specific. If you have both a primary and an alternate path on a screen, you will need to select the Anytext accepted checkbox for each path.

Setting a Keyword Text entry

Firefly Author > Modify screens and objects > Setting multiple correct text entries

1. Before you can set a keyword text entry, your simulation must contain a path that uses a text field or editable combo box.


3. In the Object Browser window, expand the Simulation Flow node of the page on which the text field or editable combo box event occurs. You may need to expand the sub‐nodes several times to reach the event you’re looking for.

4. Locate and select the event that includes the appropriate text field or editable combo box.

Note: For example, “Type Laptop requires new battery in the Comments field.”

5. In the Properties window, click the ellipsis (...) next to the Keywords property.

6. Type the keywords that you will accept as valid text entries in the window that appears. Each keyword should be separated by a hard return.

Note: The event path in the Object Browser window now has the following text added to it: (All keywords required: keyword1, keyword2, keyword3).



7. To require learners to enter a minimum number of the specified keywords, enter the appropriate number in the Minimum keywords accepted property field.

8. To limit the learner to entering only one of the keywords listed without any other text or characters, select the Exact keyword match property.

Using the Translation Tool Translation is a three‐step process: (1) Export the text to be translated; (2) Translate the text; (3) Import the text back into the simulation.

Exporting Text Elements for Translation

Firefly Author > Translation tool > Exporting text elements for translation

1. Select Tools > Export Text and the Export Options window opens.

2. Select the checkboxes in the Export Text Areas section of the window to indicate which text areas you want to export for translation.

3. Select the checkboxes in the Export Objects section of the window to indicate which objects you want the export to “look at” when it is collecting the text to be translated.

Note: If you want to export the text for a specific object, you must select the checkbox for the object (in the Export Objects section) AND the checkbox for the text area you want exported (in the Export Text Areas section). For example, let's say you wanted to export the text for all of the annotations. You would select Annotations (in the Export Objects section) and Object Text (in the Export Text Areas section).

4. Click OK.

5. Use the Save in dropdown list to navigate to the folder in which the .XML file containing the text to be translated will reside.

6. Type a name for the .XML file in the File name: field.

7. Click Save. The exported text is ready to be translated.

Using the Translation tool

Firefly Author > Translation tool > Using the Translation tool

1. Select Tools > Run Translation Tool.

Note: The translation tool is accessible from the Firefly Author menu using Tools > Run Translation Tool or via a standalone version of the same translation tool, Firefly Translation tool SA. The standalone version is for those who do not have access to Firefly Author.

2. Use the Look in dropdown list to navigate to the folder in which the .XML file containing the exported text resides.

3. Select the .XML file containing the exported text.

4. Click Open.



5. Select the object in the left‐hand window pane.

6. In the Original Text window pane, type the translation for the text in the Translated Text window pane.

7. Click Apply to apply the translation to the text.

Note: If you've selected Auto Apply (Edit > Auto Apply), then the translation for the text is applied automatically when you. Click Next to move to the next object in the left‐hand window pane or select an object in the left‐hand window pane.

8. Click Next to select the next object in the left‐hand window pane.

9. Repeat steps the last three steps until all of the text has been translated.

10. Click Close. The translated text is ready to be imported back into the simulation.

How a Translator Uses the Translation Tool

Firefly Author > Translation tool > Using the Translation tool

Exported text (in the .XML file) can be translated by selecting Tools > Run Translation Tool. Alternatively, the .XML file can be provided to a translator, along with the standalone translation tool, Firefly Translation Tool SA. The translator can translate the text in the .XML file using the standalone translation tool, and then provide the translated .XML file back to the simulation developer. The simulation developer would import the translated text into the simulation.

1. Deliver the installation/setup file for Firefly Translation tool SA to the translator. The file is called TranslationToolSetup.exe, and it is located in your Firefly installation folder.

2. Provide the translator with the .XML file containing the exported text.

3. The translator would double‐click the installation/setup file and walk through the wizard to install Firefly Translation tool SA. Create a desktop shortcut for easy access to the translation tool.

4. The translator would double‐click the Firefly Translation tool SA shortcut on the desktop, and the Open window opens.

5. The translator would follow steps 2–9 in the previous section entitled “Using the Translation Tool.”

Importing Translated Text Elements

Firefly Author > Translation tool > Importing translated text elements

1. Select Tools > Import Translated Text.

2. Use the Look in dropdown list to navigate to the folder in which the .XML file containing the translated text resides.




3. Select the .XML file containing the translated text.

4. Click Open. An informational message displays.

5. Click OK.

Note: If you want to retain the original simulation, make a copy of it using File > Save As... prior to importing the translated text.

Editing Directions Pages Firefly Runtime > Integrating simulations > Editing Directions pages

1. Open Windows Explorer.

2. To edit directions for an individual simulation, navigate to and open the folder containing the simulation.

OR

To edit directions for all future simulations created using Firefly, navigate to the location where you installed Firefly. If you accepted the default directory, this location will be C:\Program Files\Mzinga\Firefly\.

3. Double‐click the directions folder to open it.

4. Open the .HTML file to be edited (letmetrydir.html, showmedir.html, teachmedir.html, or testmedir.html) in an HTML editor.

5. Make the necessary edits.

6. Save the .HTML file(s).

Manifest Maker

Manifest Maker

Creating a Simple Course with Manifest Maker Firefly Author > Publish simulations > Creating a manifest

1. Close Firefly Author or Firefly Capture.

2. Open Firefly Manifest Maker. A blank Course containing one Block is displayed on the main screen.

3. Click Add Blocks to create all the Blocks you will need for this course.

Note: As you create each Block, you can name it using the Block Meta Data tab.

4. Click the first Block to begin importing simulations into the Block.

5. Click Add HTML File . The Add HTML File window appears.

6. Browse to the directory that contains the externally created HTML file you want to add to this Block.

Note: You can select one file at a time using the Ctrl key, select multiple files using the Shift key, or select all of the files in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.

7. Click Add.

8. Click Add Simulation .

9. In the Add Simulation window, browse to the directory that contains the Firefly simulations you want to add to this Block.

Note: You can select one simulation at a time using the Ctrl key, select multiple simulations using the Shift key, or select all of the simulations in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.

10. Click Add. A progress bar appears to show you the importing progress. This may take a moment, depending on how many simulations you are adding.

11. Repeat steps 4–10 for each Block in your course. You can even add content objects to one Block from multiple locations on your hard drive.

12. When the course structure looks exactly like you want it to appear, and you are done adding all the content, click the Course object.

13. Type the course title in the Course Title field, and enter the course number into the Course ID field.

Note: If you do not enter a Course ID, the default Course ID of kp3359 will be used. However, you should always enter a new Course ID, since this is what most LMSs use to uniquely identify a course


Manifest Maker


14. Minimize the Manifest Maker and create a new, blank folder on your desktop or any

other easily locatable place. This is the folder where you’ll output all of the Manifest Maker files.

15. Click Generate or select Project > Generate… to generate the course. The Output Options window appears.

16. Select how you’d like to group the output, either as learning objects or as an entire course.

17. Select which tracking methodology you'd like to use, whether SCORM (1.2 or 2004), AICC (AGR‐006, AGR‐006 Multiple Domains, or AGR‐010), or via cookies. SCORM 1.2 is selected by default.

18. Select Output as zip file to store the generated files as a zip file.

19. Click Generate.

20. Navigate to the new, blank folder you created in and select the folder.

21. Click Save.

Note: Once you click Save, you will see a progress bar as the files are generated into the destination folder. Manifest Maker generates an XML manifest, along with all of the files necessary to import and run the course in an LMS, including the simulation files themselves.

22. Select File > Save Project. The Save dialog appears.

23. Navigate to the location on your hard drive where you want to store this Manifest Maker project (.MMP) for later use.

24. Click Save.

Technical Specifications


Minimum System Requirements for Learners

Minimum System Requirements

Pentium II 233 MHz

128 MB RAM

Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 (32‐bit)

Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 6.0, 7.0, 8.0

Mozilla Firefox 3.0

56 kbps Internet connection speed (64 kbps or higher recommended)

Sun JREs 1.3.1_x, 1.4.2_x, 1.4.3_x, 1.5.0_x, 1.6.0_x

Runtime Audio Requirements

Sun JREs 1.3.1_x, 1.4.2_x, 1.4.3_x, 1.5.0_x, 1.6.0_x

File types supported:

.WAV

.AU

Firefly supports the following encodings and compressions for audio files: PCM encoding, 16‐bit; CCITT A‐Law encoding, 8‐bit; and CCITT u‐Law encoding, 8‐bit.

Firefly supports sample rates from 8 kHz to 48 kHz, mono and stereo.

Windows 2003 Server Deployment

When deploying Firefly simulations in a Windows 2003 server environment the following MIME types must be registered in IIS in order for the simulation to run:

.texi as text/plain

.text as text/plain

.properties as text/plain

.sim as application/octet‐stream

Note: Anonymous access permissions may need to be set on the virtual directory where the simulation files are deployed.



Minimum System Requirements for Developers


Pentium III 650 MHz

512 MB of available memory

Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 (32‐bit)

Recommended System Requirements

Intel 1.5 GHz or better

512 MB RAM or higher

Windows XP, Windows 7 (32‐bit)




Minimum Capture Requirements


Pentium III 650 MHz

512 MB RAM

Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7 (32‐bit)

Web Capturing requires Microsoft I.E. 6.0 or greater

1GB allocated as virtual memory

Note: Firefly Capture does not capture objects through a Citrix virtual desktop or through PC‐sharing tools like Centra or PC Anywhere. Only screenshots will be captured. Firefly Capture will need to be installed on the machine that hosts the application. For example, in the case of a Citrix environment, Capture would have to be installed on the Citrix server and accessed on the server.

Firefly Training Evaluation

Firefly Training Evaluation Your Name (optional): Training date(s):

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Mzinga OmniSocial Branding Guide 87

Firefly Training Evaluation

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OmniSocial Branding Guide

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