EtherPad | Realtime Collaborative Text Editing

Have you ever needed to collaborate with others in real time? Well, here is the solution – EtherPad!

---

Tool: EtherPad

What Is “EtherPad“?

Etherpad is a web tool that allows for simultaneous, realtime text editing.

Using the tool only takes a few simple steps.

1. Sign up for an account – now!
   [ The demand for this service has overwhelmed the load the current servers can handle and they are limiting the number of users until they can update service. ]
2. Create a new “pad”.
3. Share the URL with others.
4. After they join the “pad”, encourage each person to select a color so it is easy to view the additions / changes.

Why Use “EtherPad“?

I was facilitating a workshop session where teachers were creating a lesson plan from scratch. At the beginning, on person was typing everything into a Word document. Other teachers were making suggestions and recommendations but the typist had a hard time keeping up with the process.

I quickly created a new “pad” and sent the URL to all the teachers in the session. After they got to the site, they all were able to edit the document, make additions, and generate a well-structured lesson plan that they could all take with them. In this situation, not only did EtherPad help the process move faster, but it also gave everyone an opportunity to collaborate, and consequently, design a better lesson.

Of course, the people behind EtherPad have their own suggestions for use:

“With EtherPad, anyone in a meeting can contribute to the notes, or watch them as they’re typed. This means more efficient meetings, more useful notes, and fewer misunderstandings. EtherPad literally keeps everyone on the same page.”

“EtherPad streamlines the wordsmithing process like never before. Previously, reaching agreement meant sending multiple copies of documents by email. With EtherPad, text can quickly be finalized by having all the stakeholders come to the same pad, make their edits, and collectively sign off on the resulting document.”

Instructional Ideas for “EtherPad“…

• Student can use the tool to work on collaborative writing project

• Students can partner with other students in locations around the world use the site to generate / create documents products independent of physical location

• Students can invite subject matter experts to work with them on projects

• Teachers can work together to draft curriculum

• Teachers can update unit / lesson plans

• Teacher can generate a list of  professional resources to share on a wiki, blog, or web site