Nabble

Nabble (http://www.nabble.com/) allows users to create free discussion forums, mailing lists, photo galleries, blogs, and more using a simple online interface. Nabble generates embed code for the above tools, so instructors could invite outside speakers to participate in public discussion forums within a restricted learning management system, and students could use several of the Nabble tools for collaborative work.

Pixlr

Pixlr (http://pixlr.com/) is a suite of free, online, flash-based photo editing tools. Users can utilize the basic editor to crop, move, rotate, and layer (among other things) uploaded images or to draw and paint on a blank canvas. Pixlr’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, so instructors and students alike could use Pixlr to edit photos or create images for any number of purposes: content-distribution, assignments, projects, etc. Other tools include Pixlr-o-Matic, which allows users to add retro or vintage effects to their images, and Pixlr Grabber, a browser add-on for pulling photos off the web.

Pinterest

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com) is a web-based bulletin board that allows users to pin images from the web to a virtual canvas, which can then be shared or embedded and commented upon by other subscribers. Students could use Pinterest for research compilation or for creating study aids, and instructors could provide additional course content to students by asking them to “follow” a class Pinterest board. Users need just click on “Request an Invite” for a free account (beware of the waiting list delay) or be invited by another account holder. Available for the iPhone and iPad.

Penultimate

Penultimate is a handwriting and sketching app for the iPad. Users can draw words or images with their fingers or a stylus, choose colors and line thickness, and share their creations with others via email. Instructors and students could use Penultimate for taking notes in the field, solving equations in mathematics, or sketching ideas in art. Current price is $1.99.

Fotobabble

Fotobabble (http://www.fotobabble.com/) is a web-based application that allows users to add voice to uploaded photos and images. Fotobabbles require no downloads and can be embedded into a learning management system. Here is a sample Fotobabble:

Stixy

Stixy (http://www.stixy.com/) is a web-based bulletin board that allows users to collaborate in real-time by adding notes, files, and images to a virtual canvas. Stixy includes a calendar and to-do list to help with organization. With a free account, users can create as many boards as needed.

VoiceThread

VoiceThread is a web-based, collaborative discussion tool.  Users can create a multimedia slideshow of videos, images, text, sound, and recordings of their own voices. Then, users can invite participants to respond to the slideshow with voice recordings, video, "doodles" of handwriting directly on the slides, and typed comments.  VoiceThreads are easy-to-use and can be embedded into Desire2Learn.

Instructors can use VoiceThread in an online environment to run asynchronous discussions about particular texts, images, or videos.  Students can upload documents for other members of the class to comment on as part of a collaborative writing process.  

Click on http://voicethread.com/ to see what others have done with VoiceThread.  If you want to use this teaching tool, you’ll need to sign up for a free account.  Here’s a sample that provides more information on VoiceThread: