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LodeStar
What LodeStar is
LodeStar is desktop eLearning authoring software for educators and instructional designers. It creates interactive courses, branching scenarios, case studies, and accessible learning activities for self-paced delivery. Activities can be published for SCORM- and cmi5-compatible learning management systems, including Inspire, D2L Brightspace, Moodle, Blackboard, SCORM Cloud, and LCVista. Templates include ActivityMaker, ARMaker, Detective Challenge, and WebQuestMaker. ActivityMaker supports responsive presentations with video, case studies, troubleshooting workflows, short-answer and multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop tasks, timelines, and flashcards. ARMaker creates mobile walking tours guided by geolocations and instructor content. AI tools can turn source documents into structured learning content and generate narration and animated characters. LodeStar runs on Windows and macOS, with a free 14-day trial. Licenses start at $149 a year for a single educator subscription.
Who it suits
LodeStar suits educators, instructional designers, instructors, and trainers in corporations, higher education, K–12, and government agencies. It is intended for teams creating interactive, accessible learning that can be delivered through compatible LMS platforms.
What it does well
- Publishes to SCORM- and cmi5-compatible LMSs
- Includes branching paths and interactive activities
- Offers AI content and narration tools
- Runs on Windows and macOS
- Free 14-day trial available
What to know first
- Assessment items are not for high-stakes exams
- Paid licenses start at $149 a year
- Desktop software only, on Windows and macOS
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single Educator License - Annual Subscription License | Per Academic Year · Single educator · free major and minor updates for 1 year · annual renewal required | $149 a year |
| Individual Training Seat | Per Event · Individual seat for training | $249, paid once |
| Single Educator License - Perpetual License | Per Major Release · Single educator · free minor updates · no annual renewal | $249, paid once |
| Single Government/Not-For-Profit License - Perpetual License | Per Major Release · Government and not-for-profit · free minor updates · no annual renewal | $549, paid once |
| Single Corporate License - Perpetual License | Per Major Release · Single corporate license · free minor updates · no annual renewal | $649, paid once |
As lodestarlearning.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
LodeStar provides broad authoring tools, templates, AI assistance, and LMS publishing for educational content. Its assessment restriction and paid licensing should be considered before adoption.
Facts from LodeStar's own pages
- ActivityMaker
- ActivityMaker supports responsive presentations with video, case studies, troubleshooting workflows, short answer and multiple choice questions, drag and drop, timelines, and flashcards. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- AI tools
- The maker says LodeStar can turn source documents into structured learning content and generate narration and animated characters with AI. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Assessment limit
- The maker says assessment items are for learner feedback and should not be used in high-stakes assessments such as midterms or finals. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Geolocation
- ARMaker lets instructors create mobile walking tours guided by geolocations and instructor-created content. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Stillwater, Minnesota, USA · lodestarlearning.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes LodeStar as built primarily for educators and says it is used by instructors and trainers in corporations, higher education, K–12, and government agencies. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- LMS compatibility
- The maker lists Inspire, D2L Brightspace, Moodle, Blackboard, SCORM Cloud, LCVista, and other SCORM-conformant systems as import destinations. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The authoring-tool privacy notice says LodeStar Learning does not collect or share personal information, while trial requests store contact details and subscribe the requester to its mailing list with an opt-out. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Publishing
- LodeStar publishes learning activities for SCORM- and cmi5-compatible learning management systems. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- LodeStar is desktop eLearning authoring software for educators and instructional designers to create interactive courses, branching scenarios, case studies, and accessible learning activities. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The download page states that LodeStar 12 for Mac is security signed and notarized. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support and training
- The maker offers in-person or Zoom training, post-training videos and resources, and six hours of Zoom coaching for group or individual use. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Templates
- Included templates include ActivityMaker, ARMaker, Detective Challenge, and WebQuestMaker. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Trial
- A free 14-day trial is offered for Windows and Mac, including Intel-based and Apple Silicon Mac downloads. · lodestarlearning.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where LodeStar stands on Freedom251
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