User:Jarock007/sandbox

Skill Demonstration - The Internet [5N1611] by Jason Beattie
This Assignment is part of the skills demonstration for the National Learning Network http://www.nln.ie for the I.T Blended learning course.

The skills demonstration is to create a Wiki page about using collaborative applications and there purpose

= Hardware & Software = In order to use collaborative applications, you will need to have a suitable method such as a Laptop, Computer or Tablet to access the documents as well as having an internet connection for editing, receiving or sending files via Email or Live editing online.

= What are collaborative applications? = Collaborative applications or collaborative software is application designed to help people complete a common task such as editing a word document or excel file.

In terms of the level of interaction it allows, collaborative software may be divided into: real-time collaborative editing (RTCE) platforms that allow multiple users editing of a single file. In other word it allows people to share, edit and change the content online and live at the same time.

There are three main categories of collaboration software.

Communication
Helps in the exchange of communication between groups. The most common communication tools that are used are systems and applications for email hosting, file sharing, project management and a website or online collaboration applications platform that can be easily accessed. Research findings have shown that file sharing is the most common and needed feature in collaboration software. Example tools: email, voicemail, instant messaging, VoIP or video calls.

Conferencing
Allows real-time collaboration among members. Groupware software tools make possible real-time discussions among project members through a virtual meeting room with a moderator who oversees the sharing of information. These web based collaboration applications meetings are helpful when there are important matters to be decided on by project members who are in various locations. Example tools: video conferencing, IM conferencing, online forums, social media group chats, community boards, application sharing.

Coordination
Assists in group activities, schedule and deliverables. Coordination software solutions are used for complex interdependent tasks to realize a common goal. Typical business collaboration app suits for time management, project management and online proofing so that team members are aware of deadlines, are properly coordinated, and can monitor the status of projects. Example tools: calendars, time trackers, spreadsheets, client portals, alerts and status update.

= Collaborative applications =

Wikipedia
Wikipedia is an online free-content encyclopedia helping to create a world where everyone can freely share and access all available knowledge. It is supported by the Wikimedia Foundation and consists of freely editable content. The name "Wikipedia" is a blending of the words wiki (a technology for creating collaborative websites, from the Hawaiian word wiki, meaning "quick") and encyclopedia. Wikipedia's articles provide links to guide readers to related pages with more information.

Anyone is allowed to add or edit words, references, images, and other media here on Wiki. What is contributed is more important than who contributes it. To remain, the content must be free of copyright restrictions and contentious material about living people. It must conform with Wikipedia's policies, including being verifiable against a published reliable source. Editors' opinions and beliefs and unreviewed research will not remain. Contributions cannot damage Wikipedia, as its software allows easy reversal of errors, and many experienced editors watch to ensure that edits are improvements. Begin by simply clicking the Edit button at the top of any editable page!

Google Docs
Google Docs is a powerful collaborating tool. Traditionally, collaboration can be done by attaching documents to e-mail and sending them to collaborators. By using Google Docs, one needs to have only one copy of document which is kept in the web. To collaborate, one needs to create a Google document and invite others as collaborators. The document owner needs to allocate tasks to collaborators so that each of the collaborators knows which part they are supposed to contribute. This paper aims to introduce Google Docs as a useful collaborating tool and how it facilitates academicians in collaborating with others. Google docs have free to use applications such as Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms