Skype

Now owned by eBay, this free program for computer-to-computer calls keeps getting better. While technically not a Web-based tool (you download the program and run it from your PC/Mac/Linux computer), it represents a huge step forward in collaboration and thereby merits first-place mention here. While Skype enables you to call land-line phones for a small monthly fee, the real benefit is crystal-clear audio calling via computer and the first real video-conference capability for the masses. And an inexpensive webcam, a microphone, and a computer with broadband Internet is all you need. A middle-school Spanish class uses Skype video to present their oral reports to native Spanish-peaking students in Peru, who, in turn, provide live feedback.

UStream

Imagine being able to use a webcam or consumer-grade digital video camera to broadcast live to the Web. Requiring only minutes to set up, Ustream allows you to broadcast (and record, if desired) any class, session, event, or activity to share with those who can’t attend physically. While permission issues related to educational use of such content have yet to be worked out, imagine the impact on a hospitalized student, let’s say, who could remotely attend class as it is taking place, thanks to Ustream. Any event or program can now be broadcast and saved, making conferences that might have been too far away or expensive to attend now readily available. See also Ustream’s competitor Mogulus.com.

Elluminate

Although it’s a commercial program and none too cheap at that, Elluminate has an astounding feature set and makes this list due to its VRoom or “three for free” program. Any three people can collaborate using this service free of charge, using two-way audio and video, an interactive whiteboard, messaging, and application sharing, among other tools. While Elluminate’s paid versions accommodate session recording and more users, the no-cost VRoom is a boon to the average educator. Elluminate is cross-platform, running in Java.

There’s TalkShoe, a free teleconferencing service with a Web interface, allowing callers to see one another. A video-calling program with superb image quality, SightSpeed is available for free, personal use and offers the ability to record calls. Finally, Vyew provides free online conferencing with actual document sharing and gets rave reviews from educators.