Collaborative+tools

=//WIKIS// = = = //Q. How many Wiki people does it take to change a light bulb? A. One, but anyone can change it back."//  Wiki is a Hawaiian word meaning "quick," and it 's use education and the work world is continually growing. Wikis are essentially webpages that can have multiple contributors. Wiki organizers can control who contributes and edits content. **(Wikis can be private--viewable by members only--or public--viewable by anyone who has an internet connection. **Unlike web pages, wiki contributions and edits are easy to do. Take a few minutes to watch the video below to learn the basics of creating and editing wikis. media type="custom" key="3688663"

There are many uses for classroom wikis:
 * Group projects:** Students work together in one place to research, outline, draft, and edit projects within the wiki**Assignments:** Post homework, course materials, study guides, and more.
 * Resource Collections:** Organize articles, websites, videos, and other resources for students
 * Peer Review:** Post questions for student brainstorming, or have students post papers for peer feedback
 * Group FAQ:** Students and/or teachers post and respond to questions on a given topic
 * Parent Involvement:** Give parents a chance to be a part of the classroom and stay up-to-date on classroom news and events
 * Online Newspaper:** Create a student-published online newspaper

Here are a few examples of Wikis in the classroom: Examples of Educational Wikis [|History Fair Project] [|History Happening...]

More reading about Wikis: [|Comparative of Wikis and Conventional Web Pages]

These Wiki sites offer educators access to protected or public wikis, free or subscription services: [|Wikispaces] [|PB Wiki] [|WetPaint] (Here's a sandbox to play in! Learn to use [|WetPaint's tools on this page].)
 * All three are great choices!**

= Blogs =

[|Blogger.com] and [|Wordpress] probably the most common blog sites, but there are others. The benefits of blogging are numerous. Blog creators do not need to know about web design to create pages. They can control who sees their page and who contributes. Readers can follow contributions in different formats, mostly threaded discussions. Blog readers can search for blogs of interest by using [|blogsearch.google.com] or [|Technorati.com]. **
 * Like Wikis, blogs offer participants interactive tools that allow members to become contributors. Unlike wikis, the original author is clearly defined, and posts often appear in threaded lists.

//** If a teacher wants to use a blog in the classroom, but students do not have email access to create accounts, check out [|Edmodo] (It's one of my favorite sources for teachers!) [|Edmodo] is a microblogging site for teachers to use in the classroom. It's private, and it offers features such as a calendar and file storage. Each group on Edmodo can also decide if any information should be posted on public pages (a new feature). **//

media type="youtube" key="NN2I1pWXjXI" height="344" width="425" **Blogs for Education:** [|20+ Must Read Technology Blogs for Teachers, Students, and E-Learners] [|Blogging in Math Class?]

[|KASBO]
 * Here's one for you to try:**

= Twitter =
 * Twitter is like a miniblog. Twitterers are able to post short entries that others can follow, and they can follow people who interest them. Many people have Twitter accounts, even President Obama! Here is a picture of Suze Orman's Twitter page. You can follow her posts--which can never be more than 140 characters, see who she follows, and access her website: **[[image:Suze.JPG width="760" height="409"]]

Want a nice overview of Twitter? Check out this video: ** media type="youtube" key="ddO9idmax0o" height="344" width="425"
 * 

=**Skype** = **[|Skype] is video phone service on the internet. This is an excellent way to connect to other people anywhere? Participants download the application, create an account, search for others...and start talking! There are several ways to use Skype in the classroom. Students can interview primary sources from just about anywhere! The download is free, as is the account, and video can be added with the purchase of a webcam--about $20.00+. Internal microphones work well, but external mics can be used as well.

Skype also offers a chat feature to be used in isolation or with a phone call. Pair this application up with a projector, and now an entire class can participate!**


 * Skype also offers conference calling. [|Conference Calling] to learn how to make a conference call.**
 * //NEW:// In our session at KASBO, Skype security was questioned. If you would like to know more, read this article from [|Business Week]. Overall, Skype has been determined to be safe to use in business settings, and remember also that Skype is only one internet phone service. Do a little research of your own before making a selection on an internet phone service. :)**

=**Diigo** = [|Diigo] **<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">//"Digest of Internet Information, Groups and Other stuff."//is a social information network site. You can save your bookmarks and annotate websites with highlights and sticky notes to review whenever you visit your favorite sites. Bookmarked pages can be posted on websites, highlights and stickies can be shared with Diigo groups. It's a great way to share information and interact with web text. **