CONNECTED CLASSROOM USING THE BRAINSHARK

Hye all!

I cant wait to tell you guys about an interesting website that i just figured out! It is called Brainshark. (I dont know why the word 'shark' is there as the website dont have any connection shark at all). It is very cool website where you can upload powerpoint presentation, videos, documents, pictures and talk about them. Yup. The website allow you to narrate your files. Its cool, right?( You have to tried it!)

Does this logo looks like shark to you?...

I cant wait to tell you the details about this websites. Here there are:

WHAT IS IT?

It is a tool which allows you to transform your power point presentation content (or other files which are listed in the website) into a narrated presentation.

WHO CAN USE IT?

This tool is suitable for students who:

• aged 13 years old and above. Those who are below 13 might not have the skills to use the tool
• lower intermediate, intermediate and advance level of English. As Brainshark requires skills like speaking and writing (preparing power point presentation), those who is lack of these skills might not be able to use Brainshark. ( But again, it depends on how the teacher want to use the tool)

HOW TO USE IT IN TEACHING ENGLISH

• Speaking activity

Speaking alone might be boring and nerve breaking. Using Brainshark, teacher might ask student to prepare power point presentation on selected topic and use Brainshark to narrate it. then, the teacher can play the power point presentation in the classroom and together with other students, the teacher can comment on it. Teacher may give questions based on the presentation afterwards. 

Note: To make sure the students don't cheat by secretly asking their brother and sister to narrate the presentation for them, remind them before making them using the tool that you have a way to know if someone is cheating. (although you don't.:p,It works)

• Ice-breaking activity

If it is your first time teaching a classroom, you might want your students to use Brainshark for ice breaking activity. You can ask each students to prepare a presentation about themselves and send it to you. It is quite helpful to know your students before starting the lesson. Besides, it saves time too.:-)

THEORY OF LEARNING USING THE TOOL

• The tool integrating different skills as it require students to write (prepare the power point) and to speak. 

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT IT

• It can improve students' speaking skills
• It motivates students to speak
• It can develop students' writing skill
• It support integrated learning
• It is easy to use
• It is FREE!

HOW TO USE BRAINSHARK?

Step 1: Go to Brainshark

Step 2: Create your account- Its free

Step 3: Choose a content to upload ( powerpoint, 
            document, picture etc. Just choose one)

Step 4: Add your voice

Step 5: Save your file

Step 6: Send your file to emails or embed in blog

This tool is very useful and fun. I also had tried it and I do love it. Here is mine. Enjoy!