New breed of Web 2 learning tools are appearing such as XTimeline (thanks Chris O’Neal). These I’d call conceptual mapping tools- rather than cognitive tools.  Xtimeline is a collaborative widget for creating, sharing & ranking timelines. I’d be interested in what other ‘visual Wikis’ exist -too many collaborative tools lack focus/specific purpose and only provide an environment for dialogue and transfer. These new breed of tools may well point the way for more meaningful joint construction, assisting teachers in specific conceptual tasks. The creation of such shells reminds me of ‘open’ learning objects’- a concept worth revisiting in relation to these products.