"The students are collaboratively writing stories in groups of 3 or 4 using Google Docs. Today they logged into their shared Google Docs so they could write and discuss the stories they have been brainstorming at the same time. What made this truly transformative was we also set-up computers in our rooms with web cams and had the students working on the same stories discussing characters and setting and plot and everything else involved in their stories over video-Skype, while at the same time editing together via Google Docs. So they were discussing and watching each other edit and add content while seeing and talking to each other at the same time."

This is just a reminder about a site that I mentioned back in 2006. FlashEarth (http://tipline.blogspot.com/2006/11/tips-flash-earth-satellite-and-aerial.html)

http://www.flashearth.com/

Want to see a Satellite view of someplace but you don't want to wait for Google Earth to load? Or maybe Google Earth isn't installed on your computer. (<sigh>) Never fear, FlashEarth is here!

In the bottom right corner you'll type the location of the spot you wish to see, and Presto! You can even then choose to see how that site looks with the Microsoft images, or the Yahoo images. Choose the corresponding radio button on the left side.

Very handy site - and fast, too.

Many thanks to Cheryl Capozzoli for sharing this one with me via email.

http://www.movino.org/

Get this...
" Broadcast LIVE video from your mobile phone
over 3G or WiFi onto your website.

Or use your phone as a bluetooth webcam in Mac OS X.

Free and Open Source. "

Take a moment to let that one sink in. Holy cow... It's tools like this and CoverItLive that are changing journalism as we know it. Amazing!!

Check it out!!!

Thanks to Laurie Vitale for sharing this one with me via email.

http://www.xtimeline.com/

This is another very slick timeline application that also lets you embed the project onto your web page. Easy to use. Nice finished project.

Also, don't forget about timeline.to (will plot an rss feed onto a timeline) and circavie.com. Now you've got some nice choices when making your timelines.

Once again I refer to a post by Alec Couros on his blog (http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/826)

http://www.sliderocket.com/productTour.html

This VERY COOL web application is in limited beta right now, but when it's released you're going to WANT to use it. It's a presentation maker that is built to make both Powerpoint and Keynote green with envy. Check out that tour link.

From their FAQ page: "SlideRocket integrates flexible authoring, intelligent asset management, secure delivery and analytics tools in a single on demand application. SlideRocket allows you to quickly create stunning presentations, store, organize, tag and search your assets, collaborate with your colleagues, securely share your slides in person or remotely and measure the results, all in one integrated environment."

AND... they will have an offline app that will allow you to play your presentations without an internet connection!

Watch this one. It will be offered in various price levels, including a free version, but I've got a feeling that if they make the price reasonable that they'll have a TON of people signing up for the full features. This is a very cool web app!