[sharnon007]

I have some games that I use that I have to use the game & a text file.
I have no clue how to do this.
I'm thinking that xml is probably the thing to use- but I'd like just to know HOW to do this first- without using xml.
Some of the games are here- My link and
Flash Multiple Choice Quiz Templates by Diane Stonebrink
A lot of those games come with the swf, text file & an html file. What do I do w/the html? Do I upload it?(I don't think so, but I'm not sure) Do I have to change it somehow?
I also have the spellmaster.com games- and the have the same stuff in 'em.
I dunno' what to do.

Can you guide me on what I need to do?
does it have something to do with a database (please say no)- or can I put each game & text file in the same folder & just upload it that way?
How do I link to it?

Will I able to do this in a wiki (which one)- or should I do it in moodle? Can I do it in wordpress?

Lord knows, Andy, you've spoiled many of us w/your EASY to make & upload games.

I know I've got to seem like an absolute ignoramus- I'm hoping to remedy that- with help from all of y'all.

ThanX to any of y'alls feedback!

Have a great day!

[goneunderground]

Hi there ! Yes - you are right - Andrew's games are so easy to use they make other games seem difficult! I have the spellmaster games and other xml based games - I presume your other ones are like that too. You will get inside the folder a text file and you change the answers for your answers in there - then you zip/compress the folder and upload it to wherever - in Moodle you upload it to the course files and then unzip it - you can then make a link on your course page to the swf file - I did a blog post ages ago and it has an XML based game in it from Spellmaster - you might like to look at the other link too - I believe since I wrote that post they have made their games easier to put online as well. Also, when you get your head around this type of xml/flash game, have a look atSandfields games-they work in a similar way ..bishbashbosh is great for example!

sharnon007, on 02 February 2010 - 02:41 PM, said:

I have some games that I use that I have to use the game & a text file.
I have no clue how to do this.
I'm thinking that xml is probably the thing to use- but I'd like just to know HOW to do this first- without using xml.
Some of the games are here- My link and
Flash Multiple Choice Quiz Templates by Diane Stonebrink
A lot of those games come with the swf, text file & an html file. What do I do w/the html? Do I upload it?(I don't think so, but I'm not sure) Do I have to change it somehow?
I also have the spellmaster.com games- and the have the same stuff in 'em.
I dunno' what to do.

Can you guide me on what I need to do?
does it have something to do with a database (please say no)- or can I put each game & text file in the same folder & just upload it that way?
How do I link to it?

Will I able to do this in a wiki (which one)- or should I do it in moodle? Can I do it in wordpress?

Lord knows, Andy, you've spoiled many of us w/your EASY to make & upload games.

I know I've got to seem like an absolute ignoramus- I'm hoping to remedy that- with help from all of y'all.

ThanX to any of y'alls feedback!

Have a great day!

[sharnon007]

So, after redoing the txt, I pip up the program & text file- then upload- right? Then,I'm not sure what I do. Do I have to use moodle in order to do it like this, or will it work in a wiki & or wordpress?
I looked for the e2s download- and am having a hard time finding it- do you have a copy of it?
I thought I was the only one that had found the Australia site w/all those content creators- that was going to be my next question- how to link all the data files & everything & make it work online. I looked for the e2s download- and am having a hard time finding it- do you have a copy of it? That's seems like the perfect solution for that one.

I appreciate you getting back to me.
I've made a blogpost that has some pretty good content creators as well- but not how to embed 'em.

goneunderground, on 02 February 2010 - 01:21 PM, said:

Hi there ! Yes - you are right - Andrew's games are so easy to use they make other games seem difficult! I have the spellmaster games and other xml based games - I presume your other ones are like that too. You will get inside the folder a text file and you change the answers for your answers in there - then you zip/compress the folder and upload it to wherever - in Moodle you upload it to the course files and then unzip it - you can then make a link on your course page to the swf file - I did a blog post ages ago and it has an XML based game in it from Spellmaster - you might like to look at the other link too - I believe since I wrote that post they have made their games easier to put online as well. Also, when you get your head around this type of xml/flash game, have a look atSandfields games-they work in a similar way ..bishbashbosh is great for example!

[goneunderground]

Offhand (I really should get up and go to school!) I am sure with those Australian languages online games that they have now changed them so you can save more easily to the web -you don't need the exe to swf converter-worth taking a closer look. The games you should be able to upload to any site where you can keep all the files in one folder -if you are selfhosting in Wordpress then it ought to work, but I haven't tried it on my wordpress site. I don't use wikis so can't say how their file storage operates - Andrew would know more but I think his school is being inspected which is probably why he's gone a bit quiet at the moment!

[sharnon007]

Thank you for the help.
I tried uploading a game & the txt file in one folder.
It worked fine on my pc- but it's not working online.
I hate that I am having such a hard time.
I appreciate so much the help you're giving me.
I'm not a complete idiot- I'm sure a lot of it- is making it harder than it is.
I'm attaching my two files that I had a hard time with.
Do I need to zip 'em- arrrghhhhh!
I'll keep working on it and let you know.
Take care!

=)

Attached File(s)

•  flashquiz.txt (2.16K)
  Number of downloads: 35
•  dinosaurmc4quiz.swf (328.64K)
  Number of downloads: 43

[Andrew Field]

The complexity here is that the files do work perfectly on your own computer but don't when they are online. This is closely related to the reason I developed my http://www.ContentGenerator.net solution where you have everything packaged in one .swf. Yet even with my solution I'm now looking to add in additional files as people have requested images in questions and more complex options.

The simple answer is that you need to have the attached .swf file and the .txt file in exactly the same folder. I think you may be running into Flash security issues though when they go online. It may be that the .swf file cannot find the .txt and is thus producing an error.

I've uploaded both files to this site at http://www.effective...saurmc4quiz.swf

With the both uploaded to the same folder - i.e. I've uploaded the .swf and the .txt - it seems to work perfectly

[goneunderground]

Just a caveat here - (my favourite word at the moment -caveat!) I have found inexplicable differences in Moodle's ability to get xml/flash based activities working -according to your version of Moodle and /or your webhost they seem either to work or not, at random.It's been discussed on the main Moodle forums but with no resolution as yet. I'm not technical enough to work out why but it's obviously to do with the swf file finding the txt file within Moodle. I just uploaded your 2 files to the latest version of Moodle 1.9.7 hosted by a webhosting company I use -and it didn't work - I thought it might be the webhost - so I tried it on our own school Moodle, 1.9.5 and it works fine - so I went back to my webhosts and tried it on an older version 1.9.3 - and it works fine there too -so it's not the webhost - it's not the version of Moodle and it certainly won't be your files. So you might be doing everything right yet it still won't work Andrew -is your Effective Ict Moodle 1.9.7?

[Andrew Field]

The above example was just uploaded via .ftp to the website, outside of Moodle. This is, of course, one way to get such files always working.

Within Moodle itself I'm sure the issue is related to the file path. Thus if you upload a .swf file via the 'Add a resource' option, and then repeat the process with the '.xml' file there is potential for trouble. This could be a number of things, but they all come down to the file path. Within Moodle itself, it is important that the file / game is referenced correctly - i.e. both are looking in the same place for the file. Here the use of http:// in one file but not the other could cause issues - as could a link saying http://www. and a link which has dropped the www.

I think you're thus dealing with the security 'protection' of the .swf which won't import the data file unless it is the same domain, the issue with Moodle uploading a file to a slightly different location (i.e. not the exact same directory, causing the path to change) or an issue with Moodle trying to 'helpfully' display Flash files in a slightly different way. I suspect the whole thing is something to do with a Moodle sandbox where it keeps the .swf file 'safe' but that in turn blocks additional connections.

[goneunderground]

Hmm... the puzzling thing is -I uploaded the files into a folder in exactly the same way into moodles and they worked in two but not in another. I recall a lady on moodle.org saying she'd used a lot of Spellmaster games (that work in a similar way) at her old school in Moodle and they'd worked fine - she had uploaded them in the same way at her new school into their Moodle - and they didn't work - nobody came up with an answer. The same on our CLEO Moodle help forums with flash Flip books (can't remember their exact name - a flash type book that works like these games) They worked fine on one CLEO Moodle but not on another -with apparently no difference in settings - very strange... I had a go - they didn't work on my school Moodle but they did on a Moodle hosted by Carl...

[sharnon007]

I just tried to upload via ftp on my regular site- not moodle.
I had done something similar the last time I tried moodle- and had no problem. This is what made me decide to put all my games on moodle.
Before making the initial post, I made a folder ( 55-1dinos ) and put both files in- and tried to link to the swf- and it didn't work. Which is when I posted here.
So tonite or tomorrow I'll put over in moodle- probably with NO problems. I'll touch up on that.
Thanks for EVERYTHING!

goneunderground-I've read a few complaints about what you're talking about- where flash games neem to work fine in one moodle and not in another. were the moodles COMPLETELY the same version- with no extra daily upgrade or anything?

Thanks again y'all!

~~~ Sharnon ~~~

[Andrew Field]

I guess in one regard this is why people should use my Flash games - but that isn't the issue here. Especially as I plan future versions where there will need to be additional linked files.

To get the games working you need to upload both the .swf and the .txt and make absolutely sure they are in the same directory. Then you need to link directly to the .swf file - it should then work. There are a range of reasons why Moodle (and other VLEs) might be finding issues - I am sure it is related to pathways (i.e. where Flash cannot find and consequently load the .txt) or security (where the method Moodle is using to display the .swf file prevents it communicating).

It becomes really frustrating when it works perfectly for you on one computer / browser / Moodle but then when it is transferred elsewhere it doesn't. We'll have to look further at the threads where the issues have been posted.

[sharnon007]

goneunderground,
Caveat IS a GREAT word!
ooh- When you get finished with it- I think I'll take it on for a bit, myself.

Andy & goneunderground,
I apologize for asking questions and not being able to do it this week.
Several times, I've got online, tweeted for 15-30 minutes while doing my email and then even tweet that I'm going to work on my moodle.
I KNOW this something that I need to put my undivided attention to while I'm doing it- so I can actually learn what/WHILE I'm doing it.
I'm actually going to get to work on it today. Please don't allow this to reflect on me about my seriousness & commitment to doing this, this second time around.
I would hope that you both understand that my desire is there, but life doesn't always happen on the timetable we want it to.
So please be patient with me- and as soon as I get some stuff up- and going- I'll post it.
Thank you both for the encouragement and MOST ESPECIALLY for taking the time to explain things in a way, that I feel confident in myself and in the fact that you two- have been there, done that- and you also recognize the passion and struggle that anyone faces, trying Moodle or anything else they're 'dying to learn' but aren't quite sure how.

goneunderground-
Andy told me that you're the author of the Beginner's Moodle guide for teaching 8-14 year olds. I have so much respect for you- for how you've treated me- and just how cool you've been. I'd never have guessed an other way- maybe that's a 'sign 'o the times as well'- since the 'Net is allowing intelligent, talented people to get their stuff out without jumping through hoops. However, as far as I know- this is a 1st for me- actually experiencing help & friendship, in a non-snotty way- from an an accomplished author.
That's cool!

Andy-
I agree about the simplicity of using your games- and I love them- I promote your product, it's my favorite- as far as it catches their eye, but doesn't detract from learning.
However, it's being able to put your games online, learning how to embed them, etc- that gave the boost I wanted/needed, to go further- and learn more- and perhaps be able to show people how EASY it is to do things. At first computers weren't school ready- at least I don't think so. I remember the Texas Instruments & the Tandy computers- and that was too much of a learning curve for a lot of teachers (I think). So, I'm sure that's a big reason that a lot don't embrace it. (we have a big problem in the US w/teachers & parents not being supportive of tech in schools).
I want to learn more for me- 'cause I like to know why & I want to show people how. If ONE of my tutorials helps 1 teacher use tech in their class, when they otherwise wouldn't have ever used tech- then I guarantee, the bug will have bitten, and the chain has formed & the reaction will follow.
Google and youtube are the simplest tools for finding tutorials- people need to 'figure that out'. I'm hoping to help new teachers to tech (we're talking from 20 year olds- 110 year olds) realize that things aren't rocket science. Honestly, when I put the games I make (add questions to) online, teachers act like I've done the impossible. And all it takes is 20 minutes of copy & paste (if I'm lucky), a 45 second download and adding a link.
Figuring out how to put your games on posterous, through my gmail- was a BIG inspiration- because I figured it out. I didn't look it up, it just dawned on me to try it. And things started to make sense. Now I need to know more- about this aspect of computing. I've always been hungry for tech- but I liked the already done stuff- now it's time I learn make the meat & potatoes & veggies myself.

Thanx Y'all!
=0)

[sharnon007]

goneunderground
DUH!!!
YOU'RE the MOODLEFAIRY!
Well, I've said before, and I'll say it again- 'I'm no rocket scientist'.
Hey!
I did have the good sense to follow you on twitter- and then when I couldn't figure out how to talk to you (outside of 140 characters)- followed your link and emailed you.
OMG! I sound like a nut! I promise I'm not stalking you!
I've found out online that you can contact someone- and if they don't respond, it doesn't hurt or make you feel let down like it does in real life. So, I've learned to take chances!

=0)
~~~ Sharnon ~~~

[goneunderground]

[Andrew Field]

Sharnon, please don't apologise in any way, shape or form. As I responded to your first post it is fantastic to see such enthusiasm. Do continue to feel absoutely free to post any related questions and we'll do our best to help. This is why this forum exists - to help and encourage colleagues to make effective use of ICT. Your comments about the 'chain-reaction' are exactly the kind of thing I like to read.

Using ICT - both for teachers and students - is so much about a confidence issue rather than any technical hurdles. Yet when someone encounters something that doesn't quite work it can really hit their confidence or enthusiasm to make the best of the technology.

I created my programs so colleagues could generate their own games without as many technical hurdles - to bridge the confidence gap - but then it is great to see others wanting to push their own skills further.

Glad you've unmasked MoodleFairy too.

[sharnon007]

I uploaded one of those games with text file that the info, awhile back & it worked.
Then, I ended 'tweaking some kind of setting and I can't get the same type of game to work somewhere else. I contacted the author (Charlie Williams of Parapal) and he helped me with one setting-
Site Admin > Modules > Filters > Manage Filters...... Filter Uploaded Files > None
So, I changed it- STILL I can't seem to get the Look, Cover, Write & Check on his site to work. He told me that it should be no problem. Can anyone else think of a setting that I need to 'fix' in order for an html, text, swf trio to work on moodle?
Here's the link to his exercises- the spelling & Hangman are the ones that didn't work. The xml cards did.
http://www.parapal-o...lates/index.htm

Even if it has something to do with settings that I don't to change for all of moodle, I thought I could make a special 'course' for each grade & add these types of games to it & link to them just as I would any other type of web resource.

Any ideas?

ThanX!

[goneunderground]

Hi there Sorry for the delay replying - I don't have much helpful to tell you however - I went to his site and downloaded a copy of one of the ones you couldn't get to work - and it worked fine on 2 of my moodles, a 1.9.3 and a 1.9.8. I have to confess that getting xml/swf/html file games to work consistently across all versions and hostings of Moodle has been a bugbear of mine (and other people) There doesn't seem to be any ryme or reason to it. I have even posted the query on moodle.org and nobody has come up with a suitable answer as to why they work on some but not others. No help, but sympathy at least...

[sharnon007]

At least I know I'm not crazy! I 'moodled' and 'googled' it, too. And couldn't find anything.
If I do, I'll definitely update this thread.
ThanX for the sympathy- at this point, it really DOES mean a lot!

~~~ sharnon ~~~