Google Docs is a suite of programs including a word processor (like Microsoft Word lite), spreadsheet (Excel), slide shows, and forms. The advantage over the other programs is that they are completely web-based, which means that you log in to your account and edit them in Internet Explorer or Firefox or Safari (MAC). Google Docs is ideal for collaboration because many people can edit the documents at the same time, from school or home. One of my favourite features is the ability to create attractive forms - for an example, see the computer class survey. The replies appear in this spreadsheet, which is password protected because it contains student names. If you want to take a look, please let me know.
Animoto
Animoto is a lot of fun. It involves uploading (sending to the program) a series of photos, and the program will create a show out of those images. You can also include text and music. Below is an example of a show using student art work. Another possible application would be the creation of a movies by animal classification or a poem with accompanying images. See the resource wiki page on Animoto for more information.
I love the concept of Voicethread . Users upload (send) images to the site and then can record their observations, reflections or whatever they desire, to play along with the image. Readers can then chime in with their own observations. I hope to do this with my art class by uploading their work and asking them to provide a verbal artist statement. Then parents, fellow classmates, anyone who has access, can leave a yasher koach (kudos)! Here is a nice example from Classroom 2.0.
Shayne Train, Education, Educational Technology, Computer Literacy, Web Tools