There are some options for making collaborative concept maps.  Webspiration is an online version of Inspiration (and Kidspiration).  It's currently still in its public beta testing, but it looks like they are moving towards a subscription based model for their product.  Most of the functionality of the full Inspiration software is available, and it is fairly easy to share, import, and export documents.

An alternative to Webspiration might be to use the shared "Drawing" type of document available in Google Docs.  It requires a little more manipulation to link shapes (ideas) to one another than Webspiration, but the canvas is really flexible and with a little time, users can get used to making the interface work for them.

You can use a Google custom search engine (CSE) to only search within specific websites.  This might be especially helpful to educators who have a library of resources for a topic, curriculum unit, or even an entire school year.  All you need is a Google account and then you can go to this page to get started.

Once you've done the initial setup, you can add more sites to the search engine and add keywords to the search to help refine the results.  I've been trying to learn more about how Google AdSense works.  I set up a search page on this site that uses a custom search engine based on keywords.  Apparently if people actually click on results from a search done there I will generate revenue.  We'll see about that!

I can really see this being used by langauge, history, and social studies teachers who have tried to find dynamic ways to link and share the abundant resources available on the web to them. By using this tool you can teach students how to filter information while still guiding them towards quality materials.

Customized Google Maps can add a lot of dimension to any lesson or project.  Jim Wenzloff shared some powerful features of this free web-based application.  All you need is a Google account, and when you log into Google Maps you'll see a tab for My Maps.

You can pin locations, add descriptions and images, share maps, and overlay multiple custom maps.  One cool feature that I didn't know about was the library of Google Map Gadgets where you can add other people's custom maps to your list of maps. You can use these custom maps like filters.  Fun ones to try are 'Earth at Night' and 'Dig a Hole Through the Earth.

If you click on the "More..." button, you can view content that is linked to photos, video, or Wikipedia entries.  If you choose webcams, you can see up to the minute images taken from webcams all around the world.