The document discusses using the mybrainshark tool to upload content and record audio. It describes how to sign up for an account, upload documents like PowerPoint slides or PDFs, and then record audio narration for each slide. The goal is to get students to work autonomously on speaking skills outside of class. Users can also upload existing audio files or record directly from a microphone. The document demonstrates the uploading and audio recording process and asks for feedback on using this tool for podcasts and narrating documents.

1. 2. Uploading content and recording audio
With Phil Longwell
phil.longwell@btinternet.com

2.  Any questions ?
 Any new thoughts or problems that have
come up in your minds ?
 Have you had a look at the website yet
and signed up for a free account ?

3.  A quick thought about pedagogy…
What kind of learning theory or theories
are we drawing on by using a tool like my
brainshark?
 …please spend a few minutes discussion this
with the person next to you.

4.  The main reason for using this tool is to get the
students to work autonomously on their
speaking skills.
 The tool is not meant to be used for all 4 skills or
replace textbooks entirely (at this stage).
 Classroom can be a place to do pair-work, group-
work, interactive, task-based learning.
 We can ‘connect’ the work students do out of
class with what they do inside the class.

5.  There are currently around 2,800 presentations
already uploaded and active.
 You can upload one of the following:

6.  The main reason for using my brainshark is to
talk over an existing file (e.g. PPP, PDF, video).
 The most simplest thing to do is to either record
your voice from an in-built or plugged-in laptop
microphone -> create a podcast.
 Or you can upload an existing mp3 file to share:

7.  Podcasting is not new and there are many other
tools out there that can be used to upload, create
and share audio files.
 Do you know any?

8.  If you haven’t already done so, sign in to your
‘mybrainshark’ account. Click here for link.
 Chose a word (or similar) document to upload
from your device (e.g. netbook, laptop etc.).

9.  once uploaded…
 Spend 5-10 minutes playing around with the
document.
 What do you notice?
 What things can you do with it once uploaded?
 mybrainshark automatically formats your
document ready for adding audio to each slide.

10.  Watch this demonstration of adding audio to the
document you have uploaded.
 Audio Input issues – microphone or headset?
 Display issues –document not shown.
 Click link to tutorials here.
 Try it yourself.
 Comments and questions?

11.  In what ways could the students use documents?
 What other documents can be uploaded?
 Further questions or comments?

12.  So what do we think about using
 the tool for podcasts and narrating
 documents?
 Would you use this tool or a
 different one?
 Screencast videos are available at:
 http://www.screencast.com/users/teacherphili
 Or direct link to CAFA videos:
http://tinyurl.com/d7prpwp
 Next time: working with pictures and videos.