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ReadWriteWeb recently published a very helpful list of 10 web applications for college students.

Here's what they have to say about it:

"For a lot of college students, the new semester is just around the corner. Last year, we created a long list of great Web 2.0 tools that we thought would be helpful for college students.

But given how fast things develop on the web, we thought we would revisit this topic again this year and look at some of the most useful Web 2.0 tools that have the potential to help students do better in school, collaborate with their fellow students, and save them time."

If you're interested in no-cost note taking programs, document creators, bibliography generators, or organizers, the list is definitely worth a look.

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According to some reports, Amazon.com plans to market its new version of the Kindle to college students.

Seattle PI reports:

"Amazon is working on a new version of the Kindle, and sees a big opportunity to market its e-book reader to college students, McAdams Wright Ragen analyst Tim Bueneman said Friday in an e-mailed note based on meetings with management.

"There are already several new, improved versions of the Kindle in the works," he wrote. "But AMZN has no plans, however, for an MP3 music audio version. We guess the new version will have improved interface operating controls. This has been an issue with some buyers."

Hopefully, the new version of Kindle will come with a discounted price as well. The device has a lot of potential for on-the-go online learners. But, the current price tag of $359 is prohibitive for many student buyers.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Ekaterina Monakhova

Are five year olds too young for online learning? Not according to the Virtual Kindergarten program in one Pennsylvania school district. Their students augment traditional learning methods with computer lessons.

The Journal reports:

"The virtual school includes interactive lessons to augment literacy, numeracy, technology, and science standards, as well as individual lessons that cater to a specific child's needs. Lessons during the 2007-2008 school year included a dinosaur counting game, story reading, and number counting practice. The site provides links to other online resources for the activities that students and their parents participate in."

I'm a big fan of technology. But, sometimes I think our youngest students benefit more from human interaction, reading, and "real world" activities than from software suites.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Lisa Thornberg

Before you hop in the car for a drive to your local library, you might want to check out what the web has to offer.

EduChoices.org reports:

"Think it's impossible to find free books online? Think again. There are tons of online libraries that provide fiction, nonfiction and reference books at no charge. Here is a list of the best 25 places to read free books online."

Take a look at their new article for links and summaries of 25 online libraries available at no cost. These sites are a great resource for online learners, as well as anyone who just wants to read without fines and due dates.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Konstantin Inozemtsev

Several articles this year have explored online learning as a way to help the environment.

A recent TechWhack press release explains:

"When the world is chanting the mantra of "Go Green", do we consider the amount of carbon produced in the classic mode of imparting education? Be it traveling to the campuses, paper used and energy consumption, we are increasing our carbon footprints. But online education is one of the most effective ways an institution can reduce its carbon footprint."

In many cases, online college allows students to use less gas for commuting. However, many traditional colleges still need to keep their facilities running despite their use of virtual programs.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Tomislav Forgo

With the current recession, many are struggling to pay the bills. If you want to find a better way to manage your money or just want to learn more about banking or economics, take a look at my new list of free online finance classes.

Here's a blurb:

"Want to learn the basics of stock trading, savings accounts, or personal financial planning? Check out these free online finance classes. Free online classes won't give you college credit. But, they can be a risk-free way to explore your interests and give online learning a try."

There are many quality finance courses to choose from, including options from CNN Money and Investopedia University.