Digital Tools for Educators: Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Course Objectives

• Identify and select appropriate digital tools to enhance teaching and learning in various educational contexts.
• Use digital platforms to promote student engagement, collaboration, and creativity in the classroom.
• Design interactive lessons and activities that effectively integrate technology into teaching practice.
• Apply digital tools for both formative and summative assessment to monitor and support student progress.
• Support students in developing digital competencies and encourage responsible, safe, and ethical online behaviour.
• Create a personal action plan for integrating digital tools into your own teaching practice, aligned with learning goals and students’ needs.

Schedule

Module 1 – The Role of Digital Tools in Modern Education

• The importance of digital literacy for teachers and students.
• Benefits of technology for engagement, collaboration, and inclusion.
• European frameworks for digital competencies in education.
• Real examples of successful digital integration in schools.

Module 2 – Digital Tools for Communication and Collaboration

• Platforms for classroom communication and interaction (Padlet, Jamboard, Miro).
• Tools for collaborative work and knowledge sharing (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Trello).
• Strategies to facilitate teamwork and peer learning using digital tools.
• Inspiring examples of collaborative student projects.

Module 3 – Creativity and Content Creation Tools

• Tools for creating engaging visual materials (Canva, Genially, Prezi).
• Video and audio tools for student-led projects (Adobe Express, Animoto, Audacity).
• Digital storytelling and interactive content platforms (Book Creator, StoryJumper, Thinglink).
• Examples of creative classroom projects that enhance student voice.

Module 4 – Digital Assessment and Feedback Tools

• Tools for formative and summative assessment (Kahoot, Quizizz, Mentimeter, Edpuzzle).
• Interactive quizzes, polls, and feedback platforms.
• Using analytics and data to monitor student progress.
• Case studies of digital assessment improving learning outcomes.

Module 5 – Active Learning with Digital Tools

• Flipped Classroom strategies supported by Edpuzzle, Loom, Nearpod.
• Project-based learning enhanced by collaboration platforms.
• Using digital portfolios (Seesaw, Google Sites) for student reflection and growth.
• Examples of blended learning approaches that improve engagement.

Module 6 – Accessibility, Inclusion and Digital Citizenship

• Digital tools to support students with diverse learning needs (Immersive Reader, speech-to-text, captions).
• Creating accessible digital resources for all learners.
• Teaching safe, responsible and ethical use of technology.
• Practical strategies for inclusive digital classrooms.

Module 7 – Designing Digital Lessons and Projects

• Frameworks for planning technology-enhanced lessons.
• Combining multiple tools to create richer learning experiences.
• Examples of digital projects successfully implemented in schools.
• Tips for integrating technology efficiently without increasing workload.

Module 8 – Developing a Digital Integration Action Plan

• Steps to create a personal plan for integrating digital tools in teaching.
• Aligning digital strategies with learning goals and student needs.
• Practical examples of school-wide digital transformation plans.
• Guidelines for sustaining digital innovation beyond the course.

Module 9 – Practical Application and Project Design

• Applying digital tools to real classroom scenarios in different subjects.
• Designing a lesson plan using at least two digital tools.
• Planning a small interdisciplinary project (e.g., digital magazine, podcast, virtual exhibition).
• Peer sharing and feedback to refine lesson or project ideas.
• Finalising a personal action plan to implement a new tool in class within one month.