http://www.ietherpad.com
EtherPad is a real-time collaborative online based word processing program. EtherPad allows multiple people to edit the same document simultaneously. They can also communicate via the chat feature which is tied to each individual "pad". Much like any word processor you are given formatting tools (bold, italicize, underline, font, font size, etc.). You also have the ability to save documents. Public "pads" are available without signing up and private "pads" are available with a simple sign up.
This tool also has revisioning and a timeline feature that allows you to track changes in the document and go to different versions of the document in its history. You can also view who was the author of a particular part by the color coding in the document.
This tool is easy to use and requires no signup to get started. Anyone familiar with the basics of a word processor will have no problem using EtherPad.
The potential for this tool in the classroom is vast. An online class can easily use this tool to collaborate on their work in real time. It could also be used in the traditional classroom for group work in a computer laboratory setting. This tool is definitely worth learning due to its ease and potential application.
I have used Google Docs which does this same thing. It is very easy to use and is great for students to use on group projects.
ReplyDeleteLast year a group of my students were working on a powerpoint project together, and kept trying to figure out how to collaborate on it using "The Cloud" software that you see in commercials. They weren't able to figure it out, and I couldn't really figure out how to help them. This sounds like a good solution to do what they were trying to do...but is it only for word processing? I am wondering if there is something they can use to collaborate on Powerpoints.
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