Using Collaborative Tools

As of right now I have not used collaborative tools very much when working with other people.  However, I have had the opportunity to use a few in my classes here at UNI.  I recall using a tool called the back channel in my Ed Tech and Design class.  This tool allowed the students in the class to talk about what was being said in the class while the lecture was going on.  I liked this tool because you were able to expand more on what was being said as well as ask questions to the other classmates if you didn't understand it.  However, the only thing that I did not like was that it was kind of distracting during the lecture.  Another tool that I have gotten the chance to use are the Google docs.  This tool allows you to write on a type of word document which you can share with other students.  I have used this with group research projects.  It is a great tool to use because you can share information back and forth between each other.  Collaborative tools are ingenious things to have access to because they can make research work so much better.  We don't always have the time to meet in person when working with others or we live too far away from each other.  By using collaborative tools we are able to get our work done in a more efficient manner.