Defining hotspots using the Hotspot tool

You can define the following hotspot types using the Hotspot Tool:

When adding audio or video hotspots to an eText with linktype=flv, linktype=mp3, or linktype=swf (for animations, activities, etc.) linktype=H264(for iPad compatible video), we recommend that you use files only with the following extensions:

• MP3
• FLV
• SWF
• H264

MP3, FLV, and SWF files are played natively in an internal window controlled by the eText Viewer; this means that eText Viewer can control the user experience (for example, the media player UI design and sizing, player controls, and stopping the media automatically). You can also use audio and video with other extensions (for example .MOV files); however, these formats open in separate windows and are controlled by the browser. Consequently, the eText Viewer cannot control the playback of the media.

If you have audio or video with other extensions that you want to use or if the media player is embed within a web page, associate the files with the URL link type (linktype=url) and be sure to tell the user to close the player (the window) when the playback ends. Identifying a media player that is embedded within a web page can be tricky sometimes. Here are some tips to help guide you:

• Look for a URL that contains a full web page address followed by a question mark and additional information. For example: http://filez.pearsoncmg.com/MyLab/viewer.php?ID=MyLab&clipID=clip999.flv.
• Examine the URL and find the page name. In the previous example, you will see it is a PHP page, a clear indication that the media (clip999.flv) is hosted by an external page.
• Use the URL link type for hotspots and basket entries.

Note: The FLV and SWF link types are not supported on the iPad. You must use the H264 link type.

When adding a video hotspot to an eText with a linktype=H264, it is recommended that the specifications for the video file be Baseline Profile video with AAC-LC audio in M4V, MP4, or MOV file formats. These specifications ensure that the video is compatible with the iPad and Flex eText viewer.

Hotspots that have a link type of URL, VLA, chromelessurl or jazzasset that require a browser plug-in to view content or contain Flash assets, do not display on the iPad. These hotspots do not render on the page when using the Authoring Preview for iPad.

To author assets for PSN only, user can use VLA link type (linktype=virtuallearningasset) which works in a manner very similar to the URL link type.

To define a hotspot using the Hotspot Tool:

1. From Authoring Home, select or search for an eText.
2. From the Authoring menu, click Review eText Pages, Region Hotspots and Zoom Areas.
3. Click the Hotspot Tool button shown in the following figure.

4. Drag the Hotspot Tool to cover the required area on the page.
5. In the Property Editor panel, select the type of hotspot and complete the appropriate fields (see Hotspot marker types and associated parameters for more information on how to complete these fields).
6. Click Save in the Property Editor panel.

Note: To change the cursor from a marker or file-type icon to a pointer (arrow) icon, click the Arrow tool, shown below.