ZooBurst – Augmented Reality for Books!

ZooBurst image from:  http://cf.zooburst.com/images/ZooBurst_StoryCode_LittleRedRidingHood.pdf

ZooBurst is an augmented reality program that creates dynamic pop up books on your computer screen using a webcam and an internet connection. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of augmented reality a simple explanation for this is that is a view of a physical, real world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

The ZooBurst book builder allows narration, images, animations, and speech balloons to be added to a story. Once created these books can be viewed using an online viewer or embedded in a website. Due to the simplicity of its interface this program would be most beneficial for primary age students to use in order to create and illustrate their own stories.

The advantage of using augmented reality in education is that it provides students with more effective ways to tell stories, deliver presentations, write reports, express complex ideas and access content. For teachers the benefit of using a program such as ZooBurst is that it gives students the chance to practice digital story telling by becoming creators of content and it is also a great way for students to engage with text.

Are you ready to incorporate one of the most creative, engaging experiences imaginable in your classroom?

To view this story book:

1. Install the free ZooBurst iPad app from the iTunes app store.
2. Launch the app and tap the “Story Code button”.
3. Point the device at the story code when prompted.