Writeboard

Writeboard A writing tool that lets you write, share, revise and compare web-based text documents solely or collaboratively.

http://techinch.com/2010/01/11/writeboard-class-projects-reinvented/
Strengths
 * Many people can access the Writeboard, after being invited, and collaborate on projects
 * Can be accessed from any computer
 * Very easy to sign-up free
 * It saves previous versions, shows who is online editing at what time
 * Has a great comparing feature where you can easily see what was deleted and what was added between two versions
 * Simple to use
 * Create and edit text
 * simple text formatting
 * password-protected application
 * Can extend editing or read-only access to people you invite
 * Contributions are stored as separate versions
 * RSS subscription available
 * Lockout tool keeps multiple contributors from editing over each other's contributions
 * Invitees are sent an email request with the password to your text
 * Backpack integration

Weaknesses
 * If you want to organize more than one Writeboard, you have to use a program called Backpack, which you do have to purchase
 * It does not have a word processing tool bar – you have to format all of your text yourself using their formatting guide
 * You have to write and save a page before you can actually see what’s going on with the program
 * Only guaranteed to work with three browsers
 * Probably not for use in younger primary grades (3rd/4th and up)
 * Limited to text files. Cannot collaborate on spreadsheets or other office documents
 * Simple coding tools (good and bad) Sometimes you need more complex tools for editing

Opportunities
 * Can be used for any collaborative writing project
 * Can be used to write and edit text for Websites and blog posts with many people before posting
 * Easy editing
 * Can export as a html or text file

Threats >
 * You have to share your name, not just the name of the page you’re editing with anyone you invite so you want to make sure you enter correct emails
 * Only appears to be secure if you purchase Backpack to go with
 * Writeboard automatically sends the password to your account to anyone you invite to view/edit your work. If it is something you use for other personal things, change it before inviting people.

Ideas for the classroom
 * Students can collaboration on writing projects, such as letters, essays or a book chapter for a class book
 * Can be used for peer editing of writing
 * Student clubs can collaborate to put out a newsletter or newspaper
 * Students can use if to generate ideas for a group project
 * Class note portfolio/resource
 * Group projects
 * Drafting of letters to politicians and other experts

Backpack This is the program they want you to purchase to organize your pages.