Technology Tools to Enhance Inquiry?

I was brought back to this idea of using Web 2.0 tools to encourage and support inquiry within the classroom.  In a previous posting, I referenced this blogging site, where educators reflect on the use of technology in teaching.  Here is a new discussion thread they began on how technology can be used to enhance inquiry:

http://www.classroom20.com/group/inquirybasedlearning/forum/topics/technology-tools-to-support?xg_source=activity

It is very interesting to see how the educators analyze different approaches to inquiry learning, and the tools they have found to be successful. Some tools mentioned are Webspiration, wordle, blogs, social networking sites, etc.  Although I do not see these tools in use in the schools I attend, we need to see that they are not lost!  They are being used, and they are successful when used in an effective way.  The most common themes I see across the use of these tools in the idea that they offer an environment for communication among students, as well as a place for them to display original products of understanding and learning.  One educator on the blog offers many resources where students can create these authentic assessments such as:

• SumoPaint - http://www.sumopaint.com/home/
• Comiclife - http://comiclife.com/
• Toondoo - http://www.toondoo.com/
• Webspiration - http://www.mywebspiration.com/
• Google Sketch-Up (3-D drawing) - http://sketchup.google.com/

Another teacher discusses the implantation of a Technology Integration Matrix into her school's curriculum.  I'd like to look into this a little more.  It associates 5 levels of technology into a curriculum to offer students collaborative and authentic learning experiences.  I guess each cell of the program provides sample lessons and tutorials.  Very informative, huh?  Here is the main site for the program: 

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/