Flash 5 Virtual Classroom is aimed at newcomers to Flash 5 as well as those at the intermediate level. While its not necessary to have had any previous knowledge of Flash 5 specifically, it would be beneficial to have had some previous exposure to Web design to appreciate Flash 5s application potential.
The book consists of point-by-point steps that are regularly interspersed with the use of graphics, tips and notes for further explanation. The opening chapters commence with lessons designed to teach you the tools available for use in Flash 5, how to create and modify objects, importing non-Flash graphics and creating reuseable graphic symbols. The book then moves into working with layers, creating frame-by-frame animations, animating objects with tweening and creating complex animations. The final chapters of the book deal with creating buttons, creating interactive movies and publishing Flash movies.

Flash 5 Virtual Classroom is accompanied with an instructional CD-ROM containing ten lessons which complement selected topics discussed in the book. Some topics presented in the CD-ROM include motion paths, morphing, rollover buttons and complex websites. The book provides you with detailed, textbook style information that is presented in a clear and easy-to-read manner. The CD-ROM assists in adding a visual dimension to the presentation of Flash 5 material and could be equated with having a one-on-one lecture on Flash 5, the main benefit being that if you missed any particular point or topic discussed by Sahlin you can replay a session to your hearts content. The CD-ROM contains over an hours worth of instruction plus there is reference to a website where you can download another hours worth of lessons for free.

This is the kind of text book where you will spend time highlighting, tabbing with post-it notes and writing notes in the column on all the aspects of Flash 5 that you wish to remember when you are working on your own exercises or Flash movie. Sahlin explains all terms such as layers, key frames and symbols as they arise in the book. However, Im sure it would have been useful to have these terms summarised in a glossary at the end of the book as a convenient reference, especially for newcomers to Flash.

Nancy Choi