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Tools of the Trade: Helping Your Faculty Enhance Their Teaching: Collaboration

This guide was used in a presentation for the 2012 ATLA Annual Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. This guide was originally created by Michelle Spomer.

Articles on Collaborative Software in Higher Ed

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Collaboration Tools

The following tools can be used in a variety of ways, but are most conducive to collaboration of some sort, and function as online whiteboards or bulletin boards. Classroom applications would include brainstorming, presentation of ideas for a particular assignment, mind/concept mapping, etc.

  • Dabbleboard
    Description:
    Dabbleboard is web-based software that is intended to mimic whiteboards. Users can use it to draw, write, and embed images. This software can also be used as for mind/concept mapping.
    Pricing Info:
    For individuals, there are two levels - free and $8/month (which has more features). There are also four different group levels. Educational/Non-profit pricing is also available at a discount.
    Dabbleboard Examples

  • Google Docs
    Description:
    Google Docs is software that allows users to "create, share, and collaborate on the web with documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more."
    Pricing Info: Free

  • Stixy
    Description:
    Stixy is collaborative software that allows users to create Stixyboards (online bulletin boards) with "drag and drop" widgets. Widgets are limited to images, notes, reminders, and documents.
    Pricing Info: Free
    Stixy Examples

  • Twiddla
    Description:
    Twiddla is online whiteboard software that allows users to "mark up websites, graphics, and photos, or start brainstorming on a blank canvas." 
    Pricing Info:
    For individuals, there are two levels - free and $14/month. For 20 or more users, there are two other account levels: $49/month and $189/month. The $14/month level is available for free for educators.
    Twiddla Examples