CollaborationTools

The following are external links:

Google Apps Team Edition

Google Sites Collaboration

Yuuguu - web conferencing

DimDim - web conferencing

Free 10 people conference call

Twiddla - collaborative web white boarding

Cozimo - Real-time image, PDF and video collaboration

Online project management

Online presentations (Think keynote, not excel)

Gliffy - Online diagram tool

A Wiki page or pages will help coordinate the uses of these collaboration tools. Annotation of the tools listed will help readers understand how the tools may be used, difficulties encountered, and solutions. Application of the use of these and other tools may be explained by telling specific stories about uses. These stories perhaps should highlight both successes and challenges. The key will be to accumulate a knowledge-base that goes beyond the FAQ or trouble-shooting resources embedded in the sites of the respective collaboration tools. It may be quite helpful if members of CEID are able to describe their experiences and solutions to problems. Integration of these tools is a frequent challenge. Taking time to use and trouble shoot tools is another challenge. Time is of the essence when dealing with new technologies. Time taken to master any of these technologies is an investment that should yield future dividends particularly as time saved. Justification of the investment of time may be frustrated because the time required has to be taken from other worthwhile pursuits; like a job, or recreation.

Perhaps a value of stories will be to convey the potential for use of these tools. That may be best served where the tools are used to achieve specific goals or objectives.