Web-Based Word Processors and Collaborative Writing
I have discovered some wonderful free Web-Based Word Processors which support Collaborative Writing. The three I have loooked at so far are: Writeboard, Jotspot Live, and Writely.
They have the following features in common:
1. free service
2. Available from any Internet connected computer – no software needed
3. Collaborate with others – enter their email address and an invitation with a link to view and edit is sent
Some optional features include:
1. Stored versions of various writers (Writeboard, , Writely)
2. Compare different versions of a document (Writeboard, Writely)
3. Format text (Writeboard – using simple codes, Writeboard – like Word with toolbar)
4. Add Comments (Writeboard)
5. Subscribe to documents via RSS and be notified of changes (Writeboard, Writely)
6. Writers can edit at same time (Jotspot Live, Writely – problem showing who was editing when I tried it)
7. Multiple pages (Jotspot Live free version – limited to 5 pages per month, Writeboard – create multiple writeboards)
8. Import and export documents (Writely- both to Word, Writeboard – export as text file only)
9. Publish the document on the web or post to your blog (Writely)
10. Organize documents (Writely – using tags, not folders)
11. Save as zip file (Writely)
Setup information – Name, password, email
1. Writeboard – use a password that you do not mind sharing with others if you plan on using it to collaborate with others.
2. Jotspot Live – each person has own password and ability to set up own 5 pages in addition to sharing.
3. Writely – Initial person sets up a password. Random password sent to those invited to collaborate.
Example Screenshots
Reflections
While each is relatively easy to use, they have distinct educational applications. Jotspot Live would be great for group notetaking. Writeboard is more user-friendly than Writely and therefore may be more appropriate for younger students when collaborating. Writely, integrates well with Microsoft Word and has a built in file system (using tags). You can also organize files in Writeboard but separate writeboards need to be setup. The accompanying “Backpack” service can be used to organize the files. Comparing versions is easier in Writboard than Writely. Each has much promise for educational use for Collaborative Writing.
