Instant Messaging and Chat

This is real-time cmomunication, more akin to a conversation really.  You can use these tools fr group brainstorming, generating projectr ideas, homework help in the evenings, at-home discussions, or jumping off places for next day's class.

Here are some tools:

Google Talk

AIM

Kolabora 

And to keep track of what others are up to, take a look at Twitter.  This is a web site where you can folllow the daily exploits and conversations of others through their short updates (or "tweets").  Think of it as microblogging.  And here's a site that allows you to visualize your "twitterverse" in a sort of moveable map.  Just put in your twitter username and see a dynamic network of the relationships.

Don't forget about Skype.  Free Skype-to-Skype calling anywhere in the world.  You download the Skype application to your computer, get whomever you want to talk to do the same, and then place the call.  You can do multiple-person conference calls too.  Video calls if you have a webcam in your computer.