Collaboration+Tools

is a powerful web-based application that enables users to easily create, edit, store, and collaborate online on documents, presentations, forms/surveys, and spreadsheets. How can it be used in the classroom? Here are a few ideas:

**Teachers** can use Google Docs to: (provided by CUE and WestEd for Google)
 * Provide timely feedback to student on submitted work.
 * Collaborate with colleagues on shared materials and assessment data.
 * Publish handouts, presentations, and classroom materials for students and parents.

**Students** can use Google Docs to: (provided by CUE and WestEd for Google)
 * Work on their files from any computer - wherever they have Internet access.
 * Get instant feedback on their work from multiple collaborators and their teacher.
 * Publish their work on the web for an authentic audience.

Have you ever wondered, "What exactly is a wiki?" Simply put, a wiki is "a web page with an edit button" as one wiki user characterized it. More specifically, it is a collaborative website that allows multiple users to contribute to and edit its pages. Users can add content, upload documents & other instructional resources, showcase student work, and collaborate via the discussion board. Just check out the Wikispaces blog for proof of its popularity! **"Wikis in Plain English" Video** by Common Craft media type="custom" key="20865868" align="center"

Click here for ** 50 ways you can use wikis in the classroom **.

Take a look at some ** examples of educational wikis ** created by teachers around the country: http://educationalwikis.wikispaces.com/Examples+of+educational+wikis

** Collection of NCASD Teacher Wikis: ** @http://goo.gl/ej8VM

***To get started with creating a wikispace, you will need to register for a Wikispaces teacher account:** @http://www.wikispaces.com/content/for/teachers **ADDITIONAL WIKI RESOURCES:** Wiki Etiquette for Students Sample Wiki Warranty
 * Screencast with video instructions for signing up for a wikispaces teacher account
 * Video Tours for getting started with your wikispace from Wikispaces.com
 * Wikispaces Quick Start Guide for teachers
 * Additional teacher tips

is a free web-based application that enables registered users to call ** (*microphone required) ** and video conference ** (*webcam and microphone required) ** with people all over the world. If you have never used Skype, there's no better time than the present to give it a try! Educators can use this powerful tool to connect and collaborate with classrooms and experts around the globe, thus creating a dynamic learning experience for their students. Here's how it works: ** Video: Skype - The Basics ** media type="youtube" key="cr5ktSnE7HM" height="315" width="420" align="center"

** Video: Skype - Beyond the Basics ** media type="youtube" key="BvOkFTDZzww" height="315" width="420" align="center"

Once you've created an account, visit the Skype in the Classroom homepage and sign in with your Skype account to begin browsing the database for resources, projects, and teachers/classrooms that are interested in collaborating via Skype. Watch the power of Skype at work in the CBS video below:
 * TO GET STARTED: **
 * Register for a FREE Skype account if you don't already have one ; click here.
 * Submit a request through the Help Desk to have Skype downloaded to your computer (if it's not already).
 * Be sure that you have microphone and webcam accessibility:
 * District netbooks are already equipped with an internal microphone and webcam; most district laptops have an internal microphone only (no webcam).
 * External webcams can be requested through the Help Desk or the Office of Instructional Technology (tyeropoli@ncasd.com).

media type="custom" key="20867550" align="center"

** SKYPE RESOURCES: ** ||  ||  ||   ||
 * The Complete Educator’s Guide to Using Skype Effectively in the Classroom || posted by Sue Waters on The Edublogger ||
 * Skype in the Classroom || a directory of Skype projects and resources, as well as a searchable database of teachers/classrooms from around the world that are interested in connecting with other teachers/classrooms via Skype ||
 * Skype an Author Network || a wikispace sponsored by author Mona Kerby and library media specialist Sarah Chauncey devoted to providing a searchable directory of authors who are interested in and eager to participate in virtual author visits via Skype ||
 * [[image:https://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/application/pdf.png width="32" height="32" align="center" link="file:Skype Call Activities.pdf"]]
 * [[image:https://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/application/pdf.png width="32" height="32" align="center" link="file:Skype Call Student Handouts.pdf"]]