Digital tools are long past being just “nice to have." Used effectively, they ease your preparation workload, make learning processes visible, foster collaboration – and help support different performance levels in a targeted way. At the same time, many colleagues perceive the tool landscape as confusing: too many options, changing trends, data protection concerns. This post provides you with a factual, practice-oriented overview: What categories of tools exist? What tasks do they solve? What should you pay attention to when selecting and using them (including GDPR considerations)? And how do you get started step by step – without disrupting your routine?
Target group: Teachers of all school types who are looking for a solid orientation framework and concrete ideas for use.
Focus: General tools for teaching and school organization. (didactAI is only mentioned where it meaningfully provides context.)
1) Why digital tools at all? Three clear value propositions
- Time savings & structure
Standardize planning steps, organize materials centrally, use templates, build reusable resources. - Making learning more visible
Instant feedback, formative assessment, transparent learning progress, documented results. - Activation & differentiation
Interactive formats (quizzes, H5P, collaboration boards), adaptive tasks, more accessible formats (e.g. text-to-speech, zoom, captions).
2) Orientation framework: The 10 most important tool categories
Instead of “collecting" tool names, sort them by task. This way you can quickly find an alternative if one app becomes unavailable or unsuitable due to data protection issues.
Learning and Course Management (LMS/Platforms)
Central repository, assignments, submissions, communication.
Examples: school platform / Moodle / itslearning / Google Classroom / Microsoft Teams (Education).
Collaboration & Whiteboards
Writing, collecting, structuring simultaneously.
Examples: Padlet / Miro / Conceptboard / Whiteboard apps.
Interactive exercises & quizzes
Activate, check, review.
Examples: H5P / Kahoot / Quizizz / LearningApps / Mentimeter / Plickers / Socrative / Formative.
Explainer videos & screen recordings
Flipped classroom, homework help, review.
Examples: Loom / screencast tools / Clipchamp / OBS.
Authoring tools & content creation
Worksheets, presentations, graphics, board diagrams.
Examples: Canva (Education) / PowerPoint / Google Slides / LibreOffice / Affinity / draw.io.
Subject-specific tools
GeoGebra, Desmos (math), PhET (STEM simulations), reading/language tools, music/coding environments.
Assessment & feedback
Formative tests, rubrics, audio feedback, peer review.
Examples: Google/Microsoft Forms, Moodle tests, Formative, feedback add-ons, rubric templates.
Organization & time management
To-dos, calendars, notes, templates, recurring events.
Examples: Notion / OneNote / Google Keep / Trello / school calendar.
Classroom management & display
Timer, noise levels, group division, QR codes.
Examples: ClassroomScreen / online timer / noise meters / seating plan apps.
Accessibility & support
Text-to-speech, subtitles, translation, zoom, contrast.
Examples: built-in accessibility functions in operating systems/browsers, reading aids, captioning tools.
Note: Wherever possible, use school-wide solutions (LMS, cloud, email) instead of isolated apps. This simplifies data protection, support, and training.
3) Data protection & security: Pragmatism with clear guardrails (GDPR)
- School guidelines first: Check which platforms are approved by your school authority/region.
- Minimal principle: As little personal data as possible (e.g. pseudonyms, no private emails, no real names on public boards).
- Where is data stored? EU servers? Data processing agreement (DPA) in place?
- Consent: Often required for photos, audio/video. Agree on clear processes (school management/data protection officer).
- Alternatives: Is there an on-premise or open-source option (e.g. Moodle, Nextcloud, Etherpad, OnlyOffice)?
- Classroom principle: Sensitive content (grades, support plans) should never be stored in random cloud tools. Use official systems for that.
4) Start small, grow smart: Your minimal toolset (MVP)
If you’re just starting out or want to reduce clutter, four building blocks are often enough:
- LMS/school platform for materials, assignments, submissions, announcements.
- One interactive tool (H5P / quiz app) for activation and assessment.
- Collaboration board (Padlet/Miro) for brainstorming, collecting, gallery work.
- Authoring tool (presentation/graphics/worksheet) for engaging materials.
Bonus: Classroom display (timer, QR, noise level) as a quick add-on for daily teaching.
...15) Conclusion: Digital done well is digital done simply
Digital tools unfold their value when they serve clear teaching purposes, are embedded in a data-protection-compliant way, and become routine. You don’t need a tool zoo – but rather a small, reliable basic set that you master. With an LMS, one interactive tool, one collaboration board, and one solid authoring tool, you cover 80% of all needs. Everything else should grow out of your didactic goals – not from app lists.