ICT tools to support collaborative working
This information is aimed at chief executives, managers and trustees of organisations considering the use of online tools to enable collaborative working as well as those within voluntary organisations responsible for ICT (information and communication technology).
Organisations using online collaboration might choose from a variety of available tools, some of which are well-established, some of which have potential that may not be fully understood, and some of which are new. We've examined a variety of ICT tools in each of these categories, and looks at the advantages and pitfalls each might offer.
It is useful for voluntary and community organisations asking:
- How can we communicate with our partners?
- How can large scale collaborations communicate?
- How can we share our information more effectively?
- How can we develop information together?
- How can collaborators share photos, audio and video?
Individual applications of tools are cited as examples and links given for reference but this in no way constitutes an endorsement of an application, or a suggestion that one particular application should be preferred above another.
How can we communicate with our partners?
- Extranet
- Chat or Instant Messenger (IM)
- Voice over Internet Protocol (or IP Telephony, Internet Telephony, and Broadband Phone)
How can large scale collaborations communicate?
How can we share our information more effectively?
Are there other tools that can help us?
- RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds
- Browser-based conferencing
- Online whiteboard
- Screencasts
- Online collaborative organiser
Photos, audio and video
Open source software
Further information
Website: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/collaborative-working
CWU guidance on developing joint working agreements between voluntary and community organisations
Disclaimer
NCVO cannot accept liability arising from reliance on this information. It is for guidance only and should not replace legal advice.
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