My Brainshark - A Fantastic Way For Presentation

What is My Brainshark? What does My Brainshark do?

My Brainshark is a simple, fast, and free web-based tool which enables users to combine videos, photos, documents, or PowerPoint slides with voice for presentations that can be viewed online any time.

How to use My Brainshark?

    1. Go to www.brainshark.com and register for your free My 

        Brainshark account.

    2. After logging in, click "upload content" to upload for example, 
        PowerPoint files. You are also able to add some information 
        such as title, description, categories, and tags.

    3. Click the microphone to record your voice. Then you can 
        make the recording for each slide.

    4. Click "End Recording Session" and then everything is done. 
        You can preview immediately, get the link, embed in your 
        blog, or even share it on Youtube.

The following is a self-made presentation about my hometown. Enjoy it!

Why is My Brainshark relevant to language teaching?

    1. It's a great tool for Ss to practice speaking, from pronunciation 

        to presentation. Moreover, in order to protect their 'face', most 

        Ss will practice a lot in advance for better recordings.

    2. It increases Ss' learning opportunities. For example, in my 

        context, I have to be responsible for large class. Thus, I hardly 

        have time to help Ss with their speaking. Also, some Ss are too 

        shy to speak in public. By using My Brainshark, each S can 

        practice as many times as possible after school until they are 

        satisfied. 

    3. Ts can use My Brainshark in / outside class, even for distant 

        teaching. If Ts only have limited time, then he / she can do  

        supplementary teaching by using My Brainshark and embed it 

        in blog for Ss to watch. It really breaks the limitation of time 

        and space, and makes teaching more flexible.

How can My Brainshark be used in / outside class?

    1. T can use My Brainshark to design warm-up activities. For 

        instance, introducing the main topic today, asking pre-reading 

        questions, and so on. 

    2. T can select one or more topics for Ss to make a presentation. 

        However, it is necessary to make regulations of time limit 

        based on Ss' abilities. Storytelling is another amazing activity 

        which matches well with My Brainshark. They do not need to 

        spend a lot of time making PowerPoint slides. Instead, they 

        can present their stories with only a few pictures. 

    3. My Brainshark can be used not only for individual 

        presentations but also team / group presentations. When 

        preparing team / group presentations, Ss can improve their 

        English as well as the abilities to cooperate / collaborate with 

        peers.

    4. T can provide supplementary teaching to overcome the lack of 

        time. Also, T can provide distant teaching when necessary. 

        (e.g. The school is closed due to weather condition.)

What limitations are there?

    1. The maximum of recording is 15 minutes. It may not be 
        enough for advanced learners to give a presentation.
    2. The video is not downloadable and can only be played online.
        This will be a problem if there is no sufficient computer / 
        Internet equipment at Ss' homes.
    3. It is a bit time-consuming for Ss to go through the whole 
        processes (selecting the topic→making PowerPoint 
        slides→thinking about oral presentation→doing technical 
        work). Some Ss may give up or choose to be perfunctory.
    4. T may spend much more time checking Ss' works. It will be 
        even more time-consuming for T to give individual feedback. 
        This disadvantage may result in T's unwillingness to use this 
        tool.