Using Your Records

The dynamic messages you can create in this facility are not used unless and until they are referenced elsewhere. The primary use of the dynamic messages is in the FlexTraining Authoring Tool (for specific procedures, see the FlexAuthoring/Authoring Tool section of this Management Guide).

However, the messages can also be referenced and, therefore, integrated into web-based training content created in other, third-party web authoring tools such as Microsoft Front Page and NetObjects Fusion. The messages can be tied to hot-spots in pages you create to form a very effective interactive point-and-click training technique.

Note: You can also reference these pop-up multimedia messages from any web pages you create to use as training content in an external authoring tool (such as Front Page or DreamWeaver).

To utilize the dynamic messages in your own pages:

1. Place the following line in the HEAD section of your HTML page

This will load all the JavaScript needed to open the windows. This assumes your page is being placed in the directory asp/content/sections. If it is in a lower directory, you would include a .”./" in front of the "popup.htm.”

2. Whenever you need to link to a message, use

<A HREF="JavaScript:m1()"> if you want to play your message that you are calling message 1, and

<A HREF="JavaScript:m2()"> to link to a popup window that plays message 2, etc.

That should do it. You can put these HREF tags (links) around text or images the same way you place other links within your HTML page.

We suggest you put your pages in the directory asp/content/sections. If you do not you will also have to edit popup.htm to add some .”./" strings to the URL that refers to the page called "message_popup.asp.”

Define your "dynamic messages" using the Management Center menu and the screen will list your message numbers so that you can easily refer to them later.

Again, keep your pages in asp/content/sections. You should be in good shape, and this feature should be easy to use.

Training

As a technical resource, it is important that the National ITS Architecture be maintained and updated as necessary in response to user input or to add new user services, but formal adoption of the National ITS Architecture is not necessary. However, the FHWA recognizes the need to maintain the National ITS Architecture and to establish an open process for configuration control that includes public participation. The process currently used by the DOT to maintain the National ITS Architecture is very rigorous and involves significant public participation. That process is currently being reviewed by the DOT with the intent of establishing a configuration management process that engages the public at key stages and ensures a consensus for updating the National ITS Architecture.

Four comments suggested that this rule should not be implemented until the National ITS Architecture was complete. The National ITS Architecture will never stop evolving since there always is a potential need to regularly update it as more is learned about ITS deployment. The FHWA believes the National ITS Architecture is developed to a stage where it can be used as a resource in developing regional ITS architectures, as required by this rule.

Seventeen comments asked the FHWA to define the agency that is responsible for the development and maintenance of the regional ITS architecture; specifically MPOs and/or the State as those entities that are already responsible for the planning process.

Performance Issues When Building Online Courses

Online Performance

Training