Week 6, Reflection 5

The tool I decided to explore this week was ZooBurst. I began this exercise with the usual trepidation, though within minutes I realised that not only was ZooBurst easy to use, it’s applications were endless. The site allows users to create 3D books that can be saved and shared. I also chose to upgrade my membership so that I could download my books.

The process to create a book was simple, the navigation tools excellent. Users are given a number of background options, and the ability to import their own images and write text across each page. Text is also able to be added to every image and with the upgrade, users are able to introduce sound. The text can be spoken or simply used as a visual prompt. One can spin the book around to better view images at the “back” and it certainly felt like I was playing a computer game, one that allowed me to “walk” through terrain.

I chose to develop a lesson around the KLA ACHGK035 featured in ACARA. Further research led to examples of a year Year 6 Geography portfolio that responded to this same KLA. (LINK here) 

So how could ZooBurst help me create a more engaging learning environment? One that would lead to Higher Order thinking? Once I immersed myself in the process, it became obvious. The original example from the student portfolio was a table on the numbers and origins of migrants to Australia. This data was easily added across the bottom of each page. I then took it further by giving student a feel for each country of origin. 

Every page of my 3D book includes a map, visuals of the people in their native environments. Things that connect us such as sport, while the majority of Australians have vastly different religious beliefs to many Indian migrants, we all share a love of cricket! There began to emerge connections between many of the countries, with recurring images of military regimes, overpopulation, primary industries and lower socio economic environments. All of a sudden we could SEE why a number of these migrants were coming to Australia, and the richness of difference they brought with them. Following is my 3D book (please note much of the detail and some features are lost when embedding, tool is best viewed via link to actual site):

My 3D Book Created Via ZooBurst

I have applied SAMR to theZooBurst tool below:

Substitution	When used as a tool to present a Key Learning Area. The data across the bottom of each page was a simple transfer of this original data.
Augmentation	The introduction of maps, 3D images and vocals extend the original word document.
Modification	Students become actively involved in the process when they are given the opportunity to view the 3D book, they are developing higher order thinking with the linking of themes and circumstance.
Redefinition	The students could easily develop their own 3D Book on any subject. Challenging yes, but it is this process that will allow them to develop links visually, geographically, economically and to go forward with something not seen before.

I really enjoyed the process of building my 3D book and I would like to explore the various tools in more detail as there are numerous features I did not employ. I feel that ZooBurst would be an excellent tool for me to use as a topic introduction in younger grades and something older students could easily use themselves.  Following is a brief PMI overview:

PLUS Extremely easy to use. Accessible to anyone with web. Introduces connectivisim in an extremely visual manner. Appeals to a variety of learner styles. Has applications suitable for Geography, History, Science and English. Easy to share books. Encourages Higher Order Thinking. Introduction of student videos Redefines the process.

MINUS Licencing costs if you were to use in the classroom. Time needed to really understand the more advanced options. Challenges with embedding document. Copywrite considereations. (I referenced sources of images on the actual photos where necessary). Challenging when moving photos around as they tend to “duplicate”. Detail lost when embedded. Need to sign up day prior to ensure sharing option will be availble (ie once user name approved).

INTERESTING I felt like I was “within” a computer game, walking amongst the images. Something our tech savvy students would be familiar with. May be used as a Powerpoint. Can be used on an Ipad or a computer. Using a camera in the classroom there is an advanced option to introduce this video.

So what happened next? I tried to embed my book into my blog. It didn’t work. Four hours later I was still trying. I felt like crying. I could share the link, I could download it, and following the technical support of Craig from ZooBurst and my peer Geoff Joyce, I knew I was doing everything correctly.  Below is a screenshot from a document Geoff created and emailed me in an effort to help. His willingness to help me was in itself an example of how using ZooBurst promotes collaborative experiences, not to mention an example of his academic generosity (thank you again Geoff!). 

Ultimately I believe there may have been an issue from ZooBurst’s perspective as Craig who was helping me did have to approve my username as it was still “on hold” – they only do this once a day and Craig suggested this may have inhibited my ability to share and embed. 

Renowned academic and assessment expert Professor Royce Saddler spoke to us today and one of the things he said that I strongly connected with (especially after my problems embedding my book) follows:

“ Enduring learning comes about with wrestling with substance, with a new skill, before mastering it”. 


My experience today certainly involved both a struggle and a revelation.