This chapter introduces and discusses three digital tools that have proven to be good practice examples for its use in education and training in youth work.
The selection criteria are based on functionality for educational practice, didactic potential, and the previously outlined quality indicators.
Additional tools can be found as tabular appendix at the end this document.
It gives an overview of various categories of digital tools (e.g., survey tools, quiz tools, blogging tools, etc.) and includes a brief description of the categories and exemplary didactic uses and possibilities.
The tools described show their current state as of the date they were described.
Actionbound
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Actionbound is used for creating and participating in digital scavenger hunts, quizzes, and educational games. Users can design location-based learning experiences that can be used for educational purposes, team-building, or community engagement.
Launch Year: 2014 Developer/Provider: Actionbound GmbH, a German-based company
COSTS
Free version with limited features and functionalities.
Paid subscription plans that provide access to additional features, such as advanced analytics, enhanced design options, and premium support.
HOMEPAGE & SECURITY
GDPR-compliant: Ensures the privacy of user data in compliance with European data protection regulations.
ALTERNATIVES
GooseChase: A platform for creating customizable scavenger hunts with real-time tracking.
Scavify: An app that enables users to create scavenger hunts that include tasks like photos and check-ins.
Kahoot!: A game-based learning platform for creating quizzes
TECHNICAL FEATURES​
Browser-based. Compatible with desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Integrates multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio. Supports GPS functionality for location-based challenges. Boards can be exported for offline use or documentation.
SUPPORT
Customer support is available through email and an active user community that shares tips and resources
INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
The user interface is straightforward and easy to use for people on different technical skills levels.
Its mobile app allows participants to engage with content on the go. The platform supports collaborative learning by enabling group participation in challenges and activities.
DIDACTICAL & METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES
Create and share interactive scavenger hunts, quizzes, and educational games. Supports both synchronous and asynchronous learning, making it suitable for various educational settings.
Includes tools for tracking participant progress, providing feedback, and analyzing engagement metrics.
Plickers
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Plickers is an interactive tool designed to quickly collect real-time responses from learners without requiring any devices on their part. Trainers use printed QR codes for learners to respond, while a mobile app scans the answers, enabling immediate feedback.
Launch Year: 2013 Developer/Provider: Plickers Inc.
COSTS
Free basic version available
Plickers Plus subscription offers additional features such as advanced reporting and more storage options.
HOMEPAGE & SECURITY
Although Plickers complies with FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) it is not GDPR conform. It can only be used in compliance with the GDPR under cetain conditions, it is advisabel in educational work to avoid using personal data.
ALTERNATIVES
Kahoot!: Gamified quizzes and assessments
Socrative: Real-time quiz tool for assessments
Quizizz: Multiplayer quiz game with customization options
TECHNICAL FEATURES​
Mobile Apps: iOS and Android (trainer’s smartphone or tablet required to scan learners responses)
Web: Plickers website for setting up classes and viewing reports Plickers integrates with platforms like Google Classroom for class rosters and reporting.
SUPPORT
Community forums for educators
Email support available
INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
Enhances learners engagement by allowing learners to participate anonymously and without using a device.
Easy to use for both trainers and learners. Trainers need minimal training to get started, and learners simply hold up Plickers cards to participate.
Scalable to fit various class sizes.
DIDACTICAL & METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES
Trainer can do quick anonymous surveys among their learners. These can range from feedback to deciding which topic to deal with next.
Supports formative assessment in both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. Ideal for in-class participation, quick checks for understanding, and even group projects or discussions.
Lamapoll
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
LamaPoll is an online survey tool designed for creating, distributing, and analyzing surveys. It allows users to design questionnaires, gather responses, and generate reports to assess data and feedback.
Launch Year: 2006 Developer/Provider: LamaPoll GmbH, based in Germany
COSTS
Free for learners under the learners license (limited features) Subscription-based for businesses and institutions with scalable pricing options based on features
HOMEPAGE & SECURITY
Strong focus on GDPR-compliance and data privacy, with servers located in Germany, ensuring strict adherence to European data protection laws.
ALTERNATIVES
Google Forms: Free, basic survey and quiz tool
SurveyMonkey: Popular for creating online surveys with advanced reporting features
Typeform: Known for its user-friendly interface and visually appealing survey forms
TECHNICAL FEATURES​
Browser-based platform Works on both desktop and mobile devices LamaPoll integrates with email clients for survey distribution and integrates into external systems such as Learning Management Systems Export Options: Survey data can be exported to various formats (Excel, CSV, PDF) for detailed analysis
SUPPORT
Customer support available for premium users, including email and phone support
Free access to help documentation for learnerss under the learners license
INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
Offers a clean, user-friendly interface that is intuitive for users with different technical skill levels.
Offers customizable surveys, from simple forms to complex questionnaires with branching logic and advanced question types. Allows surveys to be distributed in multiple languages
DIDACTICAL & METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES
Users can design surveys with various question types (e.g., multiple choice, rating scales, text responses)
Can be used to collect learner opinions, course evaluations, or conduct academic research.
Can be used for formative assessments through quizzes. The reporting features help analyze learner responses and provide personalized feedback.
MORE TOOLS
SURVEY TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools enable the collection offeedback, request for opinions, orevaluation of learning progress. These tools help learners craft, organize, and present narratives in creative and structured ways.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Collecting feedback on lessons or teaching effectiveness
Conducting needs assessments to identify learners interests
Measuring prior knowledge before starting a new topic
Gathering data for research projects or classroom activities
Facilitating peer evaluations for group work
QUIZ TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools help to ask and evaluate learning content in a playful and interactive way.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Assessing learners understanding of course material
Creating interactive quizzes for formative assessment
Engaging learners through gamified quizzes for review
Tracking individual and group performance over time
GAMIFICATION TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools integrate playful elements into learning processes to enhance motivation and learning success.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Increasing learners motivation through game-like elements
Creating challenges or quests to deepen engagement
Incorporating rewards and badges for achievement
Facilitating collaborative learning through team-based games
MIND MAPPING AND BRAINSTORMING TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools help in the structured collection and visualization of ideas and concepts.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Organizing thoughts and ideas visually for projects
Facilitating group brainstorming sessions for collaborative learning
Structuring complex information in an accessible format
Enhancing critical thinking by mapping out relationships
Creating study guides or outlines for essays and reports
Supporting project planning and task management
INTERACTIVE VIDEO EDITING TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools enable the creation ofinter active videos where learners are actively involved or can edit videos themselves.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Creating multimedia presentations or digital storytelling projects
Enhancing engagement through interactive video quizzes
Allowing learnerss to edit and produce their own video content
Supporting project-based learning with video documentation
WEBSITE & BLOG TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools allow users to create, design, and manage their own websites or blogs without coding skills.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Presentation of learning projects or research findings
Reflection platform for learnerss (blog as a learning diary)
Enhancing writing skills and digital communication
Creating e-portfolios to document learning progress
Collaboration through comments and peer interaction
CHATBOTS AND AI-BASED LEARNING ASSISTANTS
DESCRIPTION
These tools are AI-driven and offer personalized learning assistance and can answer questions.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Providing instant support and answers to common questions
Facilitating personalized learning experiences based on learners needs
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Offering tutoring and practice opportunities in various subjects
Supporting language learning through interactive conversation
DISCUSSION FORUMS AND COMMUNITY TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools function as platforms for exchange and discussion between learners and participants.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Fostering online discussions around course topics
Encouraging peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
Providing a space for reflective writing and sharing ideas
Allowing for asynchronous participation in discussions
Supporting the development of critical thinking through debate
GRAFIC AND VISUALIZATION TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools are used for visualization and enable to easily create visually appealing content such as infographics, presentations, and posters, using customizable templates and design elements.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Enhancing understanding of complex concepts through visual representation
Creating infographics to summarize research findings or project results
Supporting data analysis and interpretation with charts and graphs
Facilitating the visualization of processes or workflows
Encouraging creativity in presentations and project submissions
STORY-TELLING & WRITING TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools help learners craft, organize, and present narratives in creative and structured ways.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Developing creative writing skills
Organizing ideas and structuring complex narratives
Collaborative storytelling in groups
Enhancing multimedia storytelling with text, images, and audio
Creating digital stories for project-based learning
FEEDBACK TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
Feedback tools allow educators and peers to provide structured, timely, and actionable feedback on assignments, projects, or performance.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Providing real-time feedback on learners work
Facilitating peer reviews and collaborative assessment
Tracking progress and areas for improvement
Encouraging self-reflection through feedback loops
JOURNALING TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools offer digital platforms for users to regularly document thoughts, reflections, and experiences.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Creating reflective learning diaries for project work
Encouraging self-reflection on learning progress
Tracking personal or academic goals over time
Promoting daily writing habits and discipline
(COLLBORATIVE) TEXT-EDITOR TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools enable (multiple) users to work together in real-time on documents, allowing for seamless editing, commenting, and sharing.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Collaborative writing projects or group assignments
Peer editing and real-time feedback
Co-creation of study materials or summaries
Jointly brainstorming ideas or organizing research
WEB CONFERENCING AND COLLABORATION TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These Tools facilitate virtual training sessions, webinars, or interactive workshops.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Live online training
Tool
Interactive group work
Virtual breakout sessions
Screen sharing
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (LMS)
E-LEARNING AUTHORING TOOLS
DESCRIPTION
These tools are for creating interactive learning content such as courses, videos, or simulations.
DIDACTIC POSSIBILITIES
Creation of training modules
Interactive learning videos and simulations