In addition to the "official" tools and technologies used by Environmental Studies (e.g., Delicious, Google Earth), there are also many new web-based applications out there that can really help students save time, improve organization, and collaborate effectively. This help page will be updated with some of these as we learn about them and make the determination that they are appropriate and well-tested tools to be used by the ENVS community. While we neither endorse nor support these applications, we have found them to be useful tools that may be explored by the adventurous user.

Bit.ly

Bit.ly is a free web service that shortens long URLs into compact (and stable) ones. For example, Cmaps are given long, unwieldy URLs which are sometimes tricky to copy and paste into an email or website. So, instead of:
Bit.ly will convert this long string down into:

http://bit.ly/ngrB7

Drop Box

Drop Box is a free remote storage file service that lets the user access files via web browser or install directly onto your computer. Like WebDisk, Drop Box allows you to create a remote 2GB storage space into which you can upload/download files and backup files from your computer. You can also use Drop Box to easily share files among users. Click here to watch a short video tour of Drop Box in action. Drop Box works on Windows, Mac, and Unix platforms.

Skype

Skype is an application that lets users make free voice calls, instant messaging, and video conferencing. If you, and your friend, install Skype you can make unlimited long-distance calls to one another using VOIP (voice over internet protocol) technology. Drop Box works on Windows, Mac, and Unix platforms and also has an iPhone/iPod version available.

If you have any cool web-based tools that you've found to be helpful in your academic activities, let us know.


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