Brainshark

Brainshark is an online tool that is very useful in making presentations interesting. With this website, users will be able to combine their Powerpoint Presentations with their own voice presenting the slides.

Here is an example of how useful Brainshark is:




For video guide on how Brainshark works, please click here.


What I like about Brainshark:

• This amazing website is currently free to be used by everyone. Therefore, it is affordable and accessible to everyone. 
• A majority of second language learners are afraid and not confident to communicate using the target language in public. This issue can be addressed by having them to do presentation slides with Brainshark, in which they can do it personally and with confidence. 
• Getting students to speak and use the target language verbally will also assist them in improving their pronunciation.    

However, bear in mind that:

• Teachers should assign students with easy and accessible topics depending on their proficiency level. This is important as for second language learners to speak using the target language is considered as a big test for them. Teachers should start easy and gradually increase the difficulty level as students progress. 
• This website is not accessible for first tome users. Basic training may be needed in order for students to operate this website. 

Wallwisher

Wallwisher is an online ‘wall’ where users will be able to write and share their thoughts and comments. This website is similar to the analogy of notice board and stick-notes, where users will write their thoughts and comments on stick-notes and stick it on the virtual notice board (the ‘wall’). The comments will then be shared among the participants of the discussion.

Before users can start sticking their notes, the ‘wall’ has to be created by a host. Then, users who wish to participate in the discussion must enter the virtual ‘wall’, write their names on their stick-notes, and they are now ready to stick their thoughts on the notice board.

The ‘wall’ can then be embedded to users’ web pages and blogs. Users can also share the link of the ‘wall’ by copying and pasting its URL on their websites or blogs, so that their page visitors can open and join the ‘wall’ as well.

What I like about Wallwisher?

• It makes sharing better and broader by allowing users to insert images, music, videos, and webpage onto their stick-notes. Comments and discussions are no longer limited only by words.
• The fact that it is free and share-able makes Wallwisher as one of the best tool in brainstorming and discussion. 

What might be the problems?

• The host does not have the power to control users’ comment until it is shared on the wall. It might result in improper use such as students posting ridiculous answers or explicit comments. Therefore, teachers should make it compulsory for students to write their own names for supervision purpose.
• Depending on how active the discussion is, the ‘wall’ will be packed with stick-notes at some point which makes it look messy and un-organised.

For further information on how to use Wallwisher, a video guide can be found here.


If you like Wallwisher, I would recommend that you have look at TodaysMeet.

PIMPAMPUM - Bookr!

Bookr is a website developed by a website called PimPamPum.  It serves as a site for users to produce their own photo books from selections of photos available. These photos are taken from Flickr; a website that hosts thousands of pictures uploaded by people around the world. Users will also be able to write about each picture in the text box provided.

In addition, users are given the options of emailing the photo book that they have produced or embedding the photo book onto their site and blogs.

How Bookr will be useful in ELT?

• What is best about Bookr is the fact that it is a free source. No payment is needed in order for teachers and students to use it. Plus, every photos used is linked to Flickr and not taken physically. This saves users from violating the copyrights.  
• Applying the concept of using pictures as teaching aids, Bookr saves teachers' time and effort of preparing actual pictures to be used in lessons. 

However, bear in mind that:

• Bookr is merely a tool where students produce compilation of photos. It does not encourage students to use the target language. Thus, it is crucial for teachers to come out with ideas on how to integrate the use of target language with Bookr.
• The photo book produced is not printable. Therefore, computers are needed in order for students to produce their final product. 

For more info on how to use Bookr, visit here.

Websites with similar concept: Bubblr!