myBrainshark

Hi there,
today I would like to introduce you to a new fun and interesting tool, myBrainshark. This is really useful to help both teachers and students in their presentation.

                                       
                                Video on how to use myBrainshark

By using this tool, we can add audio narrations to the powerpoint presentation slides. In addition, we can add audios or narrations to the pictures, documents and even to the videos if there are no audios .

How this is beneficial in the English classroom:

• This is beneficial to teachers. Teachers can add their own voices to the slides presentations to make the slides more interesting. Plus, if teachers are away, the lesson can still ongoing by having this slideshows with the teacher's narration voice. Thus, there is no more problem arises if teachers are away and not able to teach in the classroom. The lesson can still happen even without the teachers.
• For students, this might help them to make their presentations more interesting. They can do their slides based on their creativity; by using powerpoints or pictures  and then add narrations to the slides. This will give them more confidence to do the presentations as they made the slides by themselves.
•  Besides, if students want to practice before presenting in the class, they can send their presentations to teachers so that teachers can give comments on their presentations.
• Students can share their slides with each other too. They can give comments on each others' slides and this will help to improve themselves (peer feedback)

 What are the weaknessess of this tool?

• Beginners may find it difficult to use this for the first time. But do not worry. You can learn it easily and faster. Just follow the simple instructions on the website, and then you can start making your own presentations.
• Students may not focus on teachers in the class as they think they may refer to the slides later on. As teachers, you should know how to gain control in the class. For example, teachers may gain control in the class by asking students questions related to the slides. This is to ensure whether they focus on the class or not. Besides, teachers should do activity in the class which related to the slides. Therefore, students will always focus in the class as they have to refer on the slides in order to perform the task given by teachers.
• There might be no real communication in the class if both teachers and students add narrations to their slides . But as teachers, you can ask students questions based on the slides presented by them. Even teachers can ask to have discussion based on the slides. Thus, this will provide real communication in the class.
• Students may not able to ask questions if they do not understand the slides. Again, as teachers, you should ask students whether they have enquiry or not after the slides presentation. If the teachers are away, students can ask teachers later when they are available.

Despite of these weaknessess, I think this tool is very useful or both teachers and students. As teachers, you have the ability to gain control of the lesson in the class and should be able to avoid such problems in the classroom later.

Below is my presentation entitled "About Me". Enjoy it!

Bye!