Week 6 Engagement Activity 12 - Animations and simulations: Zooburst

Week 6 Engagement Activity 12 - Zooburst

ZooBurst is a digital tool that enables users to tell stories by creating 3D 

pop-up books. Authors are supported in arranging characters and props 'within a 3D world that can be customized using uploaded artwork or items' found in the Zooburst database (Zooburst, 2012). Completed books can be shared with a global audience through the provision of a hyperlink which can easily be embedded in any website or blog. 'Authors can also maintain a moderated discussion forum for each book, providing a virtual space' for interaction and communication about the text (Zooburst, 2012).  

In playing around with Zooburst I initially found it difficult to navigate (there is a detailed user guide available for download which improves usability here). The free site enables users to select from a wide range of clip art images and templates, or upload images from their own computer, which can then be arranged on pages using a drag and drop tool. Once the characters are in place, there is the option to assign them speech via a speech bubble, in addition to narrating the story via text on each page. 

I would have loved to augment the text and image options with audio however, this was a 'premium' option only available to paying account holders. 

Here is my first attempt at creating a digital story using Zooburst: