Web-based Collaboration

My current research interests involve the use of Web 2.0 tools to help teachers find a convenient way to collaborate on lesson planning, strategizing, sharing tips, and even for moral support. We all get to a place and time when dealing with "school", and all that that implies, can be a bit overwhelming so having a place to vent online can be a stress reliever. I think it helps to read what others are doing and dealing with to help put our own situation into perspective. That would be the social aspect of web-based collaboration, especially when a teacher is able to form his/her own personal learning network. At school, and for school purposes, web-based collaboration must necessarily be more formal and within the bounds of appropriateness. Convenience is the key here. Little collaborative time is built into the normal daily schedule but with Web 2.0 tools, teachers can access a project and contribute to it when it fits into their schedule. Many free sites are available and others require a license. Our school is using the Center for Educational Efficacy which has provided a site with a wiki, blog, document library, and other features.