What is MyBrainShark?
MyBrainShark is a tool that allows users to insert narration to their PowerPoint presentation, word document, video, and photo album. All we have to do is to upload our files and add audio by phone, microphone or MP3.
How can teachers use MyBrainShark?
Teachers may use this tool to allow students to practise speaking, and probably writing as well. An example of activity that can be used using MyBrainShark is by asking students to produce a PowerPoint presentation about themselves, their family, or about any other topics like global warming, population explosion, pollution, festivals, or about their idols.
It can be carried out in the classroom or as but I would personally suggest that it is used as a homework in order to allow students to work individually at their own pace. In addition, students may need a quiet surrounding in order to record the narration in which may not be possible in classroom environment where every student is trying to record his or her own narration. Students may then be required to upload their presentation to MyBrainShark and add narration to their slides and finally email it to the teacher. Teachers may then reply to students with responds regarding their language. Teachers may also decide to show several presentation to the rest of the class.
This tool, in my opinion, is suitable for students in upper secondary (16-17 years old) because it may require a slightly higher knowledge in technology and I personally believe it is also suitable for adult learners. Students who have intermediate level of English to advanced students are probably the most suitable to use this tool.
How can teachers use MyBrainShark?
Teachers may use this tool to allow students to practise speaking, and probably writing as well. An example of activity that can be used using MyBrainShark is by asking students to produce a PowerPoint presentation about themselves, their family, or about any other topics like global warming, population explosion, pollution, festivals, or about their idols.
It can be carried out in the classroom or as but I would personally suggest that it is used as a homework in order to allow students to work individually at their own pace. In addition, students may need a quiet surrounding in order to record the narration in which may not be possible in classroom environment where every student is trying to record his or her own narration. Students may then be required to upload their presentation to MyBrainShark and add narration to their slides and finally email it to the teacher. Teachers may then reply to students with responds regarding their language. Teachers may also decide to show several presentation to the rest of the class.
This tool, in my opinion, is suitable for students in upper secondary (16-17 years old) because it may require a slightly higher knowledge in technology and I personally believe it is also suitable for adult learners. Students who have intermediate level of English to advanced students are probably the most suitable to use this tool.
Below is the example of a slide presentation with narration created using MyBrainShark.
For those who may need some help in using this tool, you can go to Russell Stannard’s website which shows you how to use MyBrainShark. For those who are interested to learn more, click here to view the second part of the instructions provided by Russell.
What I like about MyBrainShark...
- It is TOTALLY FREE.
- We do not break copyright.
- Improves multiple skills like writing and speaking, but mainly focuses on speaking skill.
- An effective communicative activity which requires students to talk through their presentation.
- Can be shared to public and can also be set to private.
- Reduce affective filter as students can speak in the language without having anyone watching them and reduce their anxiety.
- Allows students to be creative (can incorporate audio recordings, live web pages, surveys, background music)
- The presentations can be emailed and embedded.
What I dislike about MyBrainShark...
- It can only be viewed online and cannot be downloaded to your computer. It may cause problem if there is no internet connection.
- Needs a microphone, a computer and the Internet. It may not be accessible to all of the students if this activity is carried out as a homework.
- Time-consuming for narration.
- It may not be authentic spoken activity as students may have written their script and just read and record it.
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