LodeStar

MnSCU recently purchased a site license for an authoring tool called LodeStar. LodeStar has built in templates to create a variety of drills, tutorials and presentations that are web-ready and user friendly.

  1. Download the latest version from http://www.lodestarlearning.com/c_el.html
     
  2. License Key - contact Instructional Technology at: 477-2596
     
  3. You will be provided with a code key to paste into the License Information tab
     
  4. The Authoring Guide will be in the Program Files>LodeStar>Orientation>Instructions on how to use LodeStar
     
  5. Upload to D2L Instructions

 		 Presenter makes the task of creating stunning lesson pages trivial. Instructors can choose from multiple layouts, insert images, create smooth text (anti-aliased) and automatically create hyperlinks and a table of contents.

 		 Crossword enables instructors to create a crossword puzzle from any group of words they wish. Instructors can type in science terms, historical facts, literary expressions or whatever they choose.

 		 FlashCards present students with a series of cards. Students are required to answer a question or identify an image by typing in text. Instructors can require students to type in exact spellings and exact phrases or instructors can use special characters such as * and ? to allow for variations.

 		 SlideShow allows an instructor to add images and SWF animations to a slide show. Students can move forward through the slideshow one slide at a time or set the show to autoplay.  Instructors can retain the original resolution of an image so that students can zoom in and explore the image in detail.

 		 Timeline enables students to scroll through time, click on key events, read descriptions and see the relationship of events graphically represented.

Timeline is easy for instructors to configure. Instructors add key events, type in relevant information and save their work. The Timeline interaction automatically performs the calculations to best represent the information to the student.

 

 		 BoardMaker retains all of the advantages of a traditional display board but in an online setting.  Instructors can choose from multiple layouts with text, imagery, SWF animations and SWF video.  Students can see the whole presentation at a glance and then drill into individual panels to read the text or view the image.

Sample Templates:

Matching

TimeLine