Authentic learning, as we are finding it through our Professional Learning Networks, remains the most powerful form of professional education; it seems that this form needs to be incorporated within our more static, traditional form of teacher education.
W Gaskins reflections on the concept of "connected writing" and its relationship to authenitic learning for the adult learner; compare/contrast formal graduate classes with informal, yet powerful Professional Learning Network.
I use this opensource software for project management. Server-based, but easy to install, nice group features, and could be easily adapted to a classroom setting.