Tech+Tools+for+Communication+&+Collaboration

===In our discussions, we said that PD should be offered on-line in an asynchronous format. This way, teachers can learn together and collaborate despite conflicting schedules or differing "off" periods. There are several on-line tools that can be used to conduct such discussions. You are probably already familiar with many of these! Feel free to add more :)===

__**Wikispaces**__ (www.wikispaces.com)

 * Pros**
 * is free for educational purposes and/or if allowed to be an open site
 * editing style is based on Microsoft Word making it easy for most users to adapt to it
 * can be organized into different pages
 * discussions are possible
 * can "tag" pages for easy navigation
 * videos, powerpoint, and other files can be imbedded and linked
 * available on most school networks
 * tracks history
 * can have one main site administrator
 * can be subscribed to
 * web-based


 * Cons**
 * not all formatting is completely intuitive (sometimes takes a bit to get the text, font, size what you want)
 * free option means it is open to other users, cannot be private unless you want to pay for it


 * Pros**
 * is free
 * people commenting need to have a username
 * accounts are based on google
 * editing style is based on Microsoft Word making it easy for most users to adapt to it
 * blog posts are announcements, chronological posts
 * can "tag" posts for easy navigation
 * discussions are possible
 * videos, powerpoint, and other files can be imbedded and linked
 * available on some school networks
 * can have one main site administrator
 * people can join as followers
 * can be subscribed to
 * web-based
 * no ads


 * Cons**
 * accounts are based on google
 * not always available in schools because of easy access to other blogs

** __Wordpress__ ** (www.wordpress.com)

 * Pros**
 * is free
 * claims to be "elegant" blogging format
 * very customizable
 * numerous theme options
 * editing style is based on Microsoft Word making it easy for most users to adapt to it
 * blog posts are announcements, chronological posts
 * can "tag" posts for easy navigation
 * discussions are possible
 * videos, powerpoint, and other files can be imbedded and linked
 * available on most school networks
 * can have one main site administrator
 * can be subscribed to


 * Cons**
 * not web-based, has to be downloaded and installed
 * occasional ads

** __Google Docs__ ** (www.google.com)

 * Pros**
 * free
 * can create, save, and share documents, excel files, presentations
 * can share with editing or viewing purposes
 * can invite others to edit content
 * ownership and visibility options
 * accounts are based on google
 * editing style is based on Microsoft Office apps making it easy for most users to adapt to it
 * can organize documents into folders
 * can also share calendar dates/events
 * google-based so should be available on all school networks
 * can upload images and videos
 * lots of storage space


 * Cons**
 * accounts are based on google
 * discussions are not really possible unless they are embedded in a document

** __Skype__ ** (www.skpe.com)

 * Pros**
 * free
 * can make calls and video calls
 * video conferencing and file sharing
 * instant messaging options
 * can hold in person meetings, interviews, etc.


 * Cons**
 * can only "call" other Skype users, fee for calling other phones
 * not web-based, has to be downloaded and installed
 * occasional ads

** __Todays Meet__ ** (www.todaysmeet.com)

 * Pros**
 * free chat room
 * ridiculously easy set-up
 * can set expiration date for chat room
 * individuals making comments can use any user-name
 * do not have to sign up or provide your email
 * simple format
 * web-based
 * can print/save transcript


 * Cons**
 * good for quick conversations only
 * can get confusing with two many users
 * have to set a delete date for chatroom

** __Survey Monkey__ ** (www.surveymonkey.com)

 * Pros**
 * free "Basic" plan
 * unlimited number of surveys
 * 15 available question types
 * numerous templates to choose from
 * customizable
 * available in multiple languages
 * tracks survey completion
 * up to 100 responses per survey for Basic plan
 * Can collect responses using email, facebook
 * embeddable
 * can look through individual responses
 * open-ended comments are an option


 * Cons**
 * not sure how accurate the language translator is
 * can only do 10 questions with basic plan