lodeStar Learning Web Journal

LodeStar Learning brings the power of Google maps to the learning object. LodeStar’s latest addition to its template family, Mapper, introduces instructors to yet another strategy to engage learners and let them have some fun in the process. Mapper further expands LodeStar’s capability to do mashups.

A mashup is an application that combines data from more than one source into a single, integrated presentation. First, we’ll describe Mapper’s functionality, and then we’ll discuss all of the data sources that LodeStar can mashup for the learner’s benefit.

An example of Mapper is found at http://www.lodestarlearning.com/samples/Demo_Mapper/page.htm In this example, the instructor chose a set of images that displays the diversity of the African landscape. Each image is tied to a location on the map through latitude and longitude and zoom level.

When using a learning object created with Mapper, the student can page through the instructional content. As each page displays, the Google Map re-centers to the coordinate that is linked to that page. Each page can display a mix of text, graphics, animation, video, audio and questions. Alternatively, the student can navigate through the page and click on markers that appear. The Google Map then calls up the page that is linked to that point on the map.

In the LodeStar authoring process, an instructor selects a template – in this case, Mapper. She then adds a page and decides what type of content should be displayed on that page and with what layout. In the example, the instructor chose full page image. The instructor imported an image and then filled out the top field with a latitude and longitude coordinate, following this format.

14.3423,-28.5674

The first coordinate is latitude; the second, longitude.
The next decision she made related to zoom level. An instructor can choose a zoom level between 0 and 17. Seventeen currently represents the closest, zoomed-in view. As a result LodeStar automatically adds a marker to the Google Map. When the learner turns to a specific page, the map zooms into the corresponding marker and turns it green. When the learner moves around in the map and clicks on a marker, it turns green and then causes the matching instructional content to display.

With the addition of Mapper, LodeStar’s mashup capability is expanded.
It is now possible to combine Google Mapping with streamed in video, streamed in podcasts, and the instructor’s own images, animation, text and questions.

One final note about Mapper. In order to use Mapper on a specific website or in an LMS, instructors must create a Google account (it’s free) and generate an API key (also free) for each web address. If for example, an instructor intended to publish to http://www.engageLearner.org and then to http://demo.moodle.org, the instructor would apply for two api keys. It only takes seconds, and it unleashes a wonderful new instructional strategy.