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Netbooks, cloud apps encourage collaboration Students who have access to mobile devices at home constantly communicate on Facebook, Twitter and other sites, said Wayne Weber, the Laconia High School principal. But at some schools, administrators tell them, "Stop collaborating, stop communicating and put those devices away."

We often read that there are 4 C's in a true 21st century education: critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation. The iPad is a success at engaging individual students in critical thinking and creativity, but how about collaboration? After all, tablets are consumer products, designed to be used by one person at a time, not by teams of students. It's up to teachers and instructional technologists to figure out how best to deploy them in the classroom in a way that supports project-based learning and fosters teamwork. We asked several teachers involved in iPad initiatives which apps they've had the most success with on the collaboration front. Here is what they told us.

Global SchoolNet's mission is to support 21st century learning and improve academic performance through content driven collaboration. We engage teachers and K-12 students in meaningful project learning exchanges worldwide to develop science, math, literacy and communication skills, foster teamwork, civic responsibility and collaboration, encourage workforce preparedness and create multi-cultural understanding.  We prepare youth for full participation as productive and effective citizens in an increasing global economy. Founded in 1984, GSN is a 501(c)3 non-profit education organization.

"Collaborize Classroom™ allows teachers to extend their classroom discussions to a structured and private online community. * Get 100% student participation. * Save on monthly printing costs. * Reduce grading time by up to 2 hours per week."

Flat Classroom™ Projects Connect, Collaborate, Change Table of Contents Flat Classroom™ Projects Flat Classroom Conference Documentary Announcing New Projects - June 2009 Press Releases Education Networks Current Projects Flat Classroom™ Conference Welcome to the home of the Flat Classroom™ Project and associated global collaborations including Horizon Project (2007 and 2008), Net Generation Education, Digiteen and Eracism Project.

" EtherPad 2 EtherPad is the only web-based word processor that allows people to work together in really real-time. When multiple people edit the same document simultaneously, any changes are instantly reflected on everyone's screen. The result is a new and productive way to collaborate on text documents, useful for meeting notes, drafting sessions, education, team programming, and more."

"VoiceThread is a trusted collaboration solution at institutions world-wide:"

"Protagonize lets you create, publish & share your writing, collaborate with other authors, & connect with your readers."

" Google Docs is such an incredible tool for college students, offering collaboration, portability, ease of use, and widespread acceptance. But there are so many options, both hidden and obvious, that there's a good chance you're not using Google Docs to its fullest capability. We've discovered 52 great tips for getting the most out of Google Docs as a student, with awesome ideas and tricks for collaboration, sharing, and staying productive."

Combine the Power of Visual Thinking and Outlining to Enhance Thinking, Learning and Collaboration    Use Webspiration to map out ideas, organize with outlines and collaborate online with teams or colleagues. Webspiration unleashes your creativity, strengthens organizational skills, and transforms your ideas and information into knowledge

iEARN (International Education and Resource Network) is the world's largest non-profit global network that enables teachers and youth to use the Internet and other technologies to collaborate on projects that enhance learning and make a difference in the world.

Disneys online world where students can meet and collaborate

Use drop.io to privately share your files and collaborate in real time by web, email, phone, mobile, and more. Create each drop in two clicks and share what you want, how you want, with whom you want

" With Collaborize Classroom: Get 100% student participation. Save on monthly printing costs. Reduce grading time by up to 2 hours a week. Receive detailed participation reports"

" What amazed me most about Classtools.net was not the valuable tools provided, but the ability for teachers to easily customize these tools and use them in any subject area. If that is not enough, how about the ability to embed your newly made instructional resource on your own classroom website, wiki, or blog? Any educator will also like the fact that students have no need to log in or sign up for an account… and neither do teachers! Need tutorials… they are provided! Do samples help you understand better… you will find plenty! Is budget a problem… then free should be affordable! Classtools.net is the work of educator, Russel Tarr, Head of History at the International School of Toulouse, France. Upon entering the site, educators will see the listing of tools. Clicking on a tool allows teachers to individualize that specific tool for their own classroom needs. Teachers then have the option of copying a generated link to place on their own web site or of copying a generated code to embed as a tool (widget) on their classroom site. Also, on the front page, are some video links that will provide further information. Two videos that provide excellent information are the 1 Minute Overview and How to Create Games. The Listing Of Over 20 Digital Tools For Your Classroom The tools that you can even customize are included below. Along with this tool listing you will find descriptions of each tool, an overview of and samples of specific tools (if provided), and any related video (if provided). * Arcade Game Generator - Allows teachers to create concept builders, practice exercises, and reviews. Best of all, one set up feeds into five different game possibilities at the same time The teacher can choose which game, or allow students a choice. Make sure you check out all the examples and pre-made games in (overview and samples). Also watch the How to Create Games . * Random Name Picker - Can be used as an activity management tool or skip the names.

Collaborize Classroom™ allows teachers to extend their classroom discussions to a structured and private online community. Get 100% student participation. Save on monthly printing costs. Reduce grading time by up to 2 hours per week. *Yes, it will always be free!

"Collaboration without the learning curve "

"Free Web-based email, calendar & documents for collaborative study anytime, anywhere."

"logo Collaborate with your coworkers. Yammer is the free private social network for your company. Nue-lock-icon Only people with a verified company email address can join your company network. "

"Here's how one program is engaging Web 2.0 skills to bridge cultures and classrooms - one project at a time. "