National Atlas.gov provides dynamic web-based maps of America that display and animate changes over time. Map subjects and themes include agriculture, biology, climate, government, history, people, and transportation. The National Atlas.gov web site also provides downloadable printable maps and interesting articles about the geography of America. These maps are a great resource for teachers and students to analyze and evaluate the geographic changes in America.

Twitter is a micro-blogging tool that allows users to share concise information, similar to a text-message, with multiple people at one time. Users of twitter can post information and access other people's posts using SMS or Internet-based applications. Users can send and receive tweets using a mobile phone, iPod, Blackberry, iPad, the Twitter web site, and even some televisions that have web-based applications. Twitter is often only seen as a social networking tool, but teachers and students are discovering its potential for learning. One application Twitter has for learning is as a communication tool. Classroom conversations can continue between classes using Twitter. Students, and teachers, can also use Twitter as a learning network tool to collaborate, solve problems, and help locate information by asking questions and sharing ideas. 

Skype, Vawkr, and Oovoo, are three tools for conducting video conferences or video chats. These three applications can be used by students and teachers to connect with people from around the world. Through video conferencing and chat, students can communicate in real-time with content experts who can present information, answer questions, or even collaboratively solve problems. Video conferencing and chat tools breakdown the barriers of distance, time, and resources to bring students and presenters together. 

Wikis provide users a shared workspace for creating and collaborating online. Wikis are typically used to collaboratively create resource material that can be easily edited, added to, and accessed via the Internet.  Wikipedia is one of the most famous wikis on the Internet, but wikis are also being used to create digital textbooks that are customized to the needs of the class. Wikis are great tools that make it easy for students to create individual and group projects that provide information that not only demonstrate learning, but also can be accessed and used by all class members and people around the world. 

Blogs are online writing spaces where students can extend their learning outside of the classroom through reflective writing for an authentic audience consisting of more people than just their teacher. Blogs allow students to participate in more in-depth conversations about information and ideas involved in their learning. In addition to expressing their ideas, through blogs students can receive and provide feedback extending their learning beyond the confines of the classroom and textbook. 

Jaycut and Animoto are free web-based video editors, similar to iMovie and Windows MovieMaker. Since Jaycut and Animoto are web-based, they eliminate barriers for student access and productivity because they are not platform dependent and can be accessed at school and home. Jaycut and Animoto provide students opportunities to edit video for demonstrating their learning by creating projects such as vodcasts, video reports, documentaries, skits, interviews, and public service announcements.