Collaboration Tools For the Workplace

6/1/2012

Collaboration involves sharing thoughts, data or knowledge between group members. This process is quickly becoming the norm in the workplace as more employees are teamed up to work on projects or assignments.

To foster creative collaborations, there must be effective ways to enhance communication among team members. Teams need a one-stop shop to share information or ideas with one another.

There are tools and websites that enable efficient collaboration and inform team members about issues or updates for a project. These tools allow teams to collaborate synchronously or asynchronously on projects. Some of them include:

Google Docs-Google product that allows users to collaborate in real-time with other users. Users can edit or create documents, spreadsheets or presentations
Dropbox-Free data-storage service to store photos, videos and documents. Users can share and edit documents
Prezi-Cloud-based presentation software that allows users to share ideas and collaborate on a virtual storyboard. Users can upload text, images or video; it is similar to PowerPoint
MindMeister-Online mind-mapping and brainstorming tool. Users collaborate in real-time
Wikispaces-Web space to share and collaborate
SlideShare-Share documents, videos and presentations
Survey Monkey-Research tool that can be used to conduct surveys
Delicious-Social bookmarking site that allows users to bookmark articles and web pages. Can network and share bookmarks with others
TitanPad-Virtual document that allows users to create and edit content in real-time
Doodle-Scheduling aid that can be used for the team
Skype-Web conferencing tool