There was a time when being a good web designer depended almost entirely on creativity and on your informal knowledge and passion for the field. However, with Flash being such a key element of the current "Web 2.0" vogue, it is vital that designers ensure that their ability with Flash is up to date. Not only have existing popular sites reinvented themselves to incorporate more features using Flash, but many of the current most popular websites simply would not be possible without the use of Flash features. Its use is set to increase in future, as televisions with Flash software built in have been announced by the major manufacturers, meaning the technology is likely to play a part in the integration of internet technology with more traditional technology, providing much more potential design work.

For those already familiar with Flash, there are likely to be some areas that you're not as strong on, or that you could know more about. The beauty of good web design has always been that there is a constant learning experience for the designer, and you are able to incorporate new things that you've learnt into your pages all of the time. Learning more about what you can do with Flash will mean that you can use the software more creatively than before, and achieve more for your clients. With a home study course you are not bound by the pace of the teaching in the classroom. This means that you are able to choose for yourself which topics to really focus on (e.g. if you've used Flash for videos before, but not for your own animation). Taking this approach can give you a really well rounded skill set, whilst allowing you to have a deeper knowledge of those areas that interest your most rival designers.

On a Flash course, learning how to use the time lines properly, using dynamic effects, image formatting by colour and shape, animation including tweening and looping, gradients and vector shapes, interactive buttons and audio are all an important part of Flash and are covered properly, as well as standard video and text within Flash, and how to publish the completed work. A good course in Flash should be combined with knowledge and/or training in Dreamweaver, to give you the most up to date web design skills possible, and make the most of what current internet technology has to offer.

As well as the noticeable effect on your own skills, undertaking a training course in Flash is a great way to improve your job prospects and your employability. Even with examples of your work, showing a potential employer or a client evidence of your ability via a qualification recognised by Adobe themselves can give you the edge over other designers. Therefore, it is important to choose a course that is designed to allow you to take exams in Flash, that can lead to the status of Adobe Certified Associate, or ACA.