Overview:
This method describes how to embed flv files to be played or "streamed" directly from a content item on the Pearson LearningStudio platform. This method is easy to apply and it is stable in that all end users on all browsers and all operating systems will get the same experience. This technique uses something called Progressive Download and does not require a streaming media server to work - the media files can live directly in the file manager. The method relies on using a special .swf file - which is just an audio/video player built in flash to "wrap" around the flv file - so instead of embedding the flv file you are actually embedding the flash player and then passing it the location of the flv.
1. Upload the .flv file(s) to the file manager (either to the main root folder or create a video folder) - not in the streaming media server. To upload go to Course Home > Author, then select File Manager. Click Upload files. Choose/browse for your flv file, then click Upload file.
2. If you place it in the main root of the file manager, the path will be: /CurrentCourse/filename.flv for each of these files. If instead, you create a videos folder, the path would be /CurrentCourse/videos/filename.flv
3. Download the JW Media Player package from this url: http://www.longtailvideo.com/players/jw-flv-player/ (This is a free, open source tool when used for non-commercial purposes. The instructor should therefore be responsible for downloading and using it and obeying the licensing terms.) I suggested UNCHECKING the boxes for “Keep me informed of news, offers, and updates.” and “Include Viral, a video sharing plugin” then enter your email address and click DOWNLOAD NOW.
4. Extract the JW Media Player .zip archive that has just been downloaded, and upload the following files to the file manager of the .NExT course. (Note their path will be /CurrentCourse/swfobject.js and /CurrentCourse/player.swf):swfobject.js player.swf
5. Open the content item where you want to display the player for the flv file, and switch to "Plain Text Editor" mode. If you do not switch to this mode then the embed code you are about to insert could be removed by the visual editor. Note that at any time in the future if you switch this item back to "Visual Editor" mode and save it then the embed code will be stripped out.
6. Paste the code below into the editor window. Make sure to change the three items in red to the correct /CurrentCourse/ paths of where you uploaded the corresponding files (swfobject.js, player.swf, and the .flv file). You will not need to change the path UNLESS you upload it into a special video folder. You will need to do this once for every flv file you want to embed. Be sure to paste the embed code in at whatever point you want the player for the flv file to appear. You may use this code multiple times on a page if needed.
<p id="preview" style="text-align: center;">The player will show here</p>
<script type='text/javascript' src='/CurrentCourse/swfobject.js'></script>
<script type='text/javascript'>
var s1 = new SWFObject('/CurrentCourse/player.swf', 'player', '500', '400', '9');
s1.addParam('flashvars', 'file=/CurrentCourse/14-02.flv');
s1.write('preview');
</script>
6) Save the item and view it in Course View. The following player should appear wherever you inserted the code:
Note, for uploading multiple flv files into your course, you only have to place the swfobject.js and player.swf files in ONCE. The same js and swf files will be used for all of the videos.
|
