Backboard is perfect for this. Simply upload a document and the file is available (to those you give access to) directly in the web browser. Backboard handles most file types: Word, Excel, pdfs, PowerPoint, image files, vector files, and even URL addresses of web pages. It will look exactly like the original file, with layout intact. Invited participants can leave feedback and even "markup" the page with the "classic red pen" in order to augment their comments. Comments are dated and easy to read on the side of the document.

When creating a new Backboard, you decide whether to keep it accessible to anyone who knows the URL address, or keep it even more protected by assigning a generated password to the page. You can further restrict the site to people who you invite via email, but that will require a paid account to utilize that option.

Signing up for the FREE account gives most teachers and his/her students plenty: unlimited Backboards with a maximum size of 5 MB per file. Paid accounts allow for larger files, encryption and maximum security.

Once feedback is given, and the writer makes revisions, new drafts can be uploaded and appear in tabs next to the original so the reviewers can compare all versions. When reviewers leave feedback, they also have an option of checking that they approve the document. I imagine this is primarily for business settings where co-workers sign off on a document, but it would work just as well in a writer's workshop where fellow students give their final applause to a piece.

Backboard offers a "drag and drop" desktop uploader for the Mac to make uploads even easier, as well as a one-click web browser add-on to add web pages to a Backboard. Being able to add web pages creates a whole other use for this tool: imagine adding a New York Times article and then asking students to add their comments, questions and reflections to it. Or, adding a page from Timeforkids.com and asking students to underline all of the verbs in the article. Everyone can assess and markup the same page, at the same time.

Another great tool that the same people from Backboard have offered is embedit.in. Just like Backboard, you can upload most common file types and have them appear in the original layout, but this time you are able to embed it within another webpage. This is perfect for when students have finished their writing pieces and are ready to present them as finished products. Readers will be able to see an original view without any need for reformatting the piece within a blog or website. This will work perfectly for scanned artwork or handwritten pieces. Viewers can zoom in and out of the piece, but don't have the capability of downloading the work. Embedit.in also works with web sites (just like Backboard), perfect for including an article from another site on your own page.

These tools are a quick way to show students the power of collaboration and engage them in an authentic and easy-to-manage writing workshop.

Bob Sprankle has been a multi-age teacher in Wells, ME for 10 years and has served as the school's Technology Integrator for the past two years.

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