WU Executive Academy Toolbox
The toolbox helps to:
- save a lot of time when it comes to lecture planning
- keep track of available tools
- find the best methods using different filters
We are happy to offer our experience with some software tools.
| Name | Description | Purpose | Time | Category | Type | Social form | Duration | How to use | Go's | No Go's | Watch out | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 items | Getting to know each other personally | Getting to know | Time independent | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | Three different objects (e.g. a mountain a work of art a pizza) are displayed on a powerpoint slide. All participants have to introduce themselves using these three objects by trying to establish a relationship between themselves and these objects. | Enables fast and effective getting to know among the participants | - | - | |
| Abc-exercise | Online energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Individual work | < 5 minutes | Start at the letter "a" in brackets there is for example an "l" this means that the left arm has to be lifted. At the next letter "b" there is a "r" in brackets this means that the right arm has to be raised. At "c" there is a "b" in brackets so both arms have to be raised. The powerpoint slide might be displayed as follows: a (l) - b (r) - c (b) - d (r) - e (r) - f (b) - g (l) ... | Exercise to coordinate both halves of the brain: move your arms in accordance to letters | - | The degree of difficulty can also be increased: read the alphabet backwards reading columns from top to bottom | |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Program for viewing printing signing and commenting on pdf documents | Feedback | Feedback | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 20 minutes | Pdf files can be viewed commented printed and signed. Link: Adobe Acrobat Reader | Usuage is very clear and with a few steps easily technically feasible | Numerous features such as the creation of pdf files or export to a word file are only available in the paid version | - | |
| Answer Garden | Tool for collecting answers ideas and feedback | Survey, brainstorming | Time independent | Tool | Both | Individual work | < 5 minutes | The submitted answers are automatically distributed on the page like a word cloud. Words mentioned several times appear larger. If you place the mouse pointer on a larger word the number of entries is displayed. The finished answergarden can be saved as an image and exported. Link: Answer Garden | Free of charge, no registration required, various possibilities in the conception (e.g. determination of the maximum answer length definition of a spam filter) | - | It is advisable to set an admin password as this can be used to remove inappropriate entries from the word cloud and make changes afterwards | |
| Baby photo challenge | Getting to know each other exercise | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | Before the seminar the participants send a photo of themselves in kindergarten age to the lecturer(s). During the seminar the participants will try to assign the pictures to the individual persons. The guessing is done by writing the name on a postit and holding it in front of the camera or by using an online whiteboard such as "miro" which allows the direct upload of pictures and voting on them. | - | - | Not suitable for every target group, can be easily used up to a group size of ten participants | |
| Bingo | Online bingo | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | Presenters must determine the size of the grid enter the desired keywords or numbers and assign a title. In addition there are settings options such as map design and text size. Instructions: bingo cards are handed out to the students the presenter draws a lot at short intervals and reads the word or number aloud. If the student sees the term/number on their bingo card then this box will be checked. Once someone has marked all the boxes in a row column or diagonal they can shout "bingo" and win. | Motivational method to activate the participants free | - | - | |
| Bodyscan | Energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 5 minutes | The lecturer invites the participants to close their eyes and focus their attention on the breath and make themselves comfortable. All participants should use the moment to relax. After a few minutes they are asked stretch slowly and open their eyes again. Afterwards everyone snaps their fingers once until everyone is activated again. | - | - | In this exercise it is a good idea to turn off the camera as it may help some students to relax without feeling like they are being observed. | |
| Bucket list challenge | Getting to know each other personally | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | The participants are asked to think of five things within 3 minutes that they absolutely want to experience/achieve in their lives. Afterwards everyone shares this bucket list with the others and tries to find common ground. | - | - | The bucket list can be very personal , the harmony in the group must be right for this exercise | |
| Canva | Design tool for creating information material presentations and flyers | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 5 minutes | Design templates can be selected via the "new design" option. Then the template can be adapted to your own needs and the text can be changed. The created design can be downloaded as pdf or image. Link: Canva | The tool is also suitable for non-designers to create professional seminar documents | Size adjustment of the design templates is only possible with the premium version | Für die erstellung muss ausreichend vorbereitungszeit eingeplant werden | |
| Charade | Energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 30 minutes | The presenter sends a term to a participant in a private chat. The presenter now tries to explain this term. The other participants try to guess this term. The winner gets a new term again which he/she should try to explain. | - | - | This method can also be modified for example the online whiteboard can be used for drawings or pantomime for non-verbal explanations which of course increases the level of difficulty | |
| Check-in-circle | Method for the beginning of the online lessons | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | This method should help to start the beginning of an online lesson in a creative way. This can be done in many different ways. For example this method can be kept very short and each participant checks in with his/her name. If more time is available this check-in process can be made more intensive. For example questions such as "what item in your vicinity says something about you", "what song represents you and why", "name one thing from last week that you are proud of" can be used, each session could be started with a different check-in question so that participants get to know each other. | Flexible adaptation, simple design, presenters only have to think about one specific check-in question at a time | - | - | |
| Connection lines | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | The presenter opens a blank whiteboard. The whiteboard begins and introduces itself. He/she writes his/her name the main focus of activity and some hobbies (each in a separate text field) on the whiteboard another participant continues and also writes three text fields about him/herself. The task of everyone is to pay close attention and remember which text fields belong to whom. When the participants meet for the next webinar they each choose one person and link the name on the whiteboard to the corresponding activity and hobbies. The persons concerned can of course correct this if it is not correct. | Data about the persons are attentively noted creative meeting method | Less suitable for large groups | - | |
| Dalli klick | A guessing game in which more and more parts of a slide are uncovered bit by bit | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 5 minutes | An image is inserted in the power point presentation. The image should cover the slide as completely as possible. Then the image is covered with shapes which are later uncovered by mouse clicks during the presentation. The trainer shares his or her screen via the webinar platform and opens the prepared powerpoint presentation. With each mouse click a piece of the image is released making it easier to recognize. The person who first recognizes the picture and communicates the answer via his or her microphone wins. | A round lasts from a few seconds to one minute, entertaining and motivating | - | The exercise is best suited for 5 - 30 participants | |
| Doodle | Surveytool | Survey | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Group work | < 5 minutes | Registration via doodle setting the occasion and dates sharing the link via mail or social media. Link: Doodle | Web-based, suitable for making appointments, very easy to use, free of charge, premium version can be tested free of charge for 14 days, no registration required | Features such as deadlines and reminders only available in the premium version | - | |
| Drawing a flower | Energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | On one slide there are prepared a corresponding number of lines for each participant. The students are asked to choose one flower stem at a time write their name under it and draw a flower (the object to be drawn can of course be chosen freely). | Loosens up the atmosphere, promotes togetherness | - | Resistance may arise --> shy of drawing, however nobody can draw beautifully with the mouse on the pc the lecturer has to overcome this inhibition | |
| Explain Everything | Can be used as a whiteboard and for creating screencasts and small educational videos | Whiteboard | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 10 minutes | Free manual is available and there are several video tutorials on youtube. Link: Explain Everything | Particularly suitable for preparing digital slides for teaching, the recording function enables the creation of teaching videos, each slide is saved as a separate small video so the order can be changed afterwards | Depending on the length of the recording the rendering of the videos takes longer | The app allows the import of a variety of document image and video formats as well as the export of mp4 movies pdf documents png images and xpl project files | X |
| Favourite picks club | Getting to know each other which can also be combined with a morning coffee | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | Participants are asked to briefly present their personal favourite book (e.g. in the form of an elevator pitch). This can be followed by a short discussion or survey between the other participants. | Quick getting to know, similarities/differences can be discovered | - | For each session only a handful of participants can be chosen to participate, this method can be modified e.g. by using the favourite film or interpreter as an introduction | |
| Flashlight | Getting to know each other personally | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | A powerpoint slide is prepared on which various questions are formulated. Examples could be: "how am i doing?", "how do i feel at the end of the online unit?", "what would i like to discuss/clarify today?", "how was i doing this week with the tasks?", "what would i like to have support with?", "how do i proceed to the next module?". | Quick and easy method to catch the mood, encourages informal exchange | - | Alternatively participants can ask the presenter in the forum or by e-mail to send the questions and topics for the webinar to the presenters in advance. Then the starting flash is just to see how the participants are doing. | |
| Flea market | Creative introductory round | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | The presenter shows a slide with different objects. The participants may choose one object and should introduce themselves using the object. On the next slide the following questions are written down for the students to answer: "why did i choose this object?", "what does it have to do with me? What does this have to do with the webinar theme?" | - | - | Alternatively participants can choose an object from their home and introduce themselves using it. | |
| Four corners | Group survey | Survey | Time independent | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 5 minutes | This method is a variant of the method "setting landscapes". Instead of placing themselves in the room according to the answers the participants place checkmarks or crosses here. The presenter creates slides which create categories in each corner. For example: "how long have you been working?" In the four corners there are four different time periods. The students should put a sign in the box that applies to them. | Quick way to start a survey and get to know people | Slides and questions should be prepared | - | |
| Genially | Design tool for preparing information material and presentations | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 20 minutes | The first step is to select what should be created. You can choose between presentations reports or infographics. Afterwards you can either use already existing designs or your own. The following editing is similar to power point. Link: Genially | No programming or design knowledge required , interactive elements can be easily integrated into the templates | Some templates are only included in the premium version, the downloading as pdf or image is also only possible in the premium version | In the free version the created materials are publicly accessible and can only be shared with other people via a url | |
| Guess the song | Online energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 5 minutes | The performer plays cut together choruses of different songs and the participants are asked to guess them. The easiest way to do it is to play small sequences of a song via youtube. | - | - | Depending on the group structure real classics can be played or rather the current charts | |
| Haiku Deck | Creation of presentations | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 10 minutes | With Haiku Deck you can create presentations on the web as well as on the iphone or ipad. Haiku deck offers special upgrade discounts for teachers and students. With the pro version of the software presentations can be made private. In the public version presentations are publicly available and can be found via google and other search engines. Finished haiku deck presentations are stored online but in the pro version they can also be uploaded to social networks or saved as pdf. Link: Haiku Deck | Easy to use, simple, comprehensive database of photos, large selection of slide templates, suitable for classic presentations with distinctive visual design | No transitions between slides, no animations or audio effects, paid, only the pro version offers control of privacy settings | - | |
| Hashtag-method | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | All participants are asked to introduce themselves briefly by means of three self-chosen hastags. This could look like this: katrin s. #digtallearning #healthyfood #artlover | Allows easy identification of commonalities, short information is easy to remember | - | - | |
| Holiday photo background battle | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | Each person selects a holiday photo and makes it his/her background in the respective webinar software. Afterwards everyone tells about the photo as in a slide show. | Creates a relaxed and personal atmosphere | - | Not everyone knows how to change their background - this must be explained beforehand, holiday photos are very personal therefore not recommended for every group constellation | |
| Initial letters | Getting to know each other personally | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | The participants should form words from the first letters of their names that have something to do with them. This can also be something private. Students are given two minutes to do this. Afterwards each student will introduce him/herself briefly using his/her name and words. | It is important to demonstrate in advance e.g. with your own name | - | For very long names four or five terms are quite sufficient | |
| Instruction manual | Creative introductory round | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | With the help of an online whiteboard the speaker formulates questions. The participants should introduce themselves with the help of this question. The questions are similar to instructions for use for a product. Example: instructions for use for max mustermann. Technical details: field(s) of application: product slogan: maintenance&care: warnings | Creative method to stage an introduction round, little preparation (ask questions on the online whiteboard) of the presenters necessary | If the groups are too large this method is less suitable as the participants need more time to answer the questions | To perform this method online ideally an online whiteboard should be available | |
| Kahoot! | Quiz and survey tool | Quiz, survey | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | There are ready-made quizzes that can be used. However the quiz can also be created without a template. Link: Kahoot! | Participation in the quiz is possible on any device, easy handling, anonymity of the students, text questions and integration of pictures and video sequences are possible | Very playfully constructed could distract from the content | Check the box "visible for everyone" so that others can also access the quiz | |
| Keychain method | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | On the basis of the bunch of keys the introduction round takes place. Participants take their personal key to hand and introduce themselves with the help of the key e.g. key for the flat job... | Creative method for staging an introduction round, no preparation of the presenter necessary | The introduction round could be very short if the participants have only a few keys | - | |
| Lie detector | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | The participants consider three facts about themselves. One fact is a lie and the participants have to guess which one is not true. | Creative method for staging an introduction round, no preparation of the speakers necessary | - | - | |
| Loom | Simultaneous recording of screen face and voice | Video | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 20 minutes | The app must either be downloaded or opened via the web browser. Loom allows many different recording options which must be selected at the beginning. After recording the video is automatically saved in the loom clound. Here you have the possibility to edit or split the video. Link: Loom | Free version with limited functionality, the camera can be displayed as a small circle during the presentation | Works only with the desktop app or google chrome, drawing on the screen while recording is only possible in the paid version | - | |
| Mentimeter | Voting tool | Survey | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | Students need a "key" from the teacher. Link: Mentimeter | User-friendly, free version, guarantee of student anonymity, works on all devices, various visualizations are possible (bar chart free text answers ..), easy integration with ms power point | Free version is very limited, limited display with long texts/questions | - | X |
| Microsoft sway | Digitale storytelling-app | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 10 minutes | The registration takes place comfortably with the microsoft account. You can choose between ready-made templates and a self-created storyline. Link: MS Sway | Quick and easy creation of interactive reports presentations personal stories, content such as pictures, videos, texts and links can be freely positioned on a kind of canvas, the arrangement is automatic elements only have to be dragged into the editing field | - | - | |
| Microsoft whiteboard | Digital whiteboard | Whiteboard | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | Whiteboard or structure can be created in advance, link must be shared via email or social media. Link: MS Whiteboard | Shared editing in real time | Microsoft account login required real-time working with office 365 only | A brief introduction to the use of the various writing tools is required | X |
| Mood meter | Sentiment barometer | Feedback | Time independent | Method | Synchronous | Group work | Undefined | The mood meter is opened in an online whiteboard. At the beginning of the unit the participants are asked to enter their current mood. Throughout the session this map should be included again and again to reflect the mood of the participants. This will help the presenter to get a feeling for the need for breaks etc. link: https://i0.wp.com/sprintbetter.de/wp-content/uploads/moodmeter_en.jpg?ssl=1 | - | - | - | |
| Moodle Quiz | Web-based quiz / test | Quiz | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | Undefined | The Moodle Quiz allows lecturers to create tests with a variety of different question types (including multiple-choice questions, true / false questions and short-answer questions). Link: Grade a Quiz | Integrated into the existing learning environment (Moodle) | - | The implementation should be clarified with the EA team | x |
| Morning coffee | Short exchange between the participants | Getting to know | Time independent | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | Determination of two or three central questions or discussion topics that are put into the room. The moderation by the lecturer is very helpful. Rules as well as the time frame should be communicated at the beginning. | Increases motivation, little preparatory work by the lecturer is necessary | - | Participants should be strongly encouraged to turn on their cameras when using this method | |
| Mural | Digital whiteboard | Whiteboard | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | Participants can join via a link without registeration. Allows you to work in a shared virtual environment. There are many templates to choose from. Link: Mural | Collaborative editing in real time | - | - | x |
| Name crossword | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | The letters of the first name are used to list personal characteristics in the format of a crossword. | Creative method for staging an introduction round, no preparation of the speakers necessary | - | To perform this method online, ideally an online whiteboard should be available | |
| Network card | Energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | The presenter prepares a slide with the names of the participants. The task is for two participants to always find a common ground and show it on the whiteboard by drawing a line between their names and writing on the line what the common ground is. The challenge is the way in which the pairs exchange information. If there are enough group rooms available as with adobe connect participants can talk directly to each other. It is important that the presenter sets a time for each pair to return and possibly make a second new pairing. | Good networking opportunities for the students | Possible difficulties with the group rooms | - | |
| Office photo challenge | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | Before the seminar the participants send a photo of their workplace to the lecturer. During the seminar an attempt is made to match the pictures to the persons. For this purpose all pictures can be pre-arranged. Guessing is done by writing the name on a postit and holding it in front of the camera or by using an online whiteboard such as "miro" which allows the direct upload of pictures and voting on them. | Before the pictures are taken it is important to encourage the participants to leave the desks as they really are and not to tidy everything up meticulously before | - | Not suitable for every target group, can be easily implemented up to a group size of ten participants | |
| Pigeonhole | Interactive question and answer platform with real-time question and answer sessions and live surveys | Survey | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Individual work | < 5 minutes | Participation in the survey is possible at the click of a button. Link: Pigeonhole | Enables collection of revealing data on the target group, questions can also be asked anonymously | In the free version only one q&a session and one survey with five questions can be conducted per seminar | Participants can log in to their profiles or social networks to share their identity or participate anonymously | |
| Planet eStream | Video platform for creating and editing videos | Video | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Both | Undefined | Can be used as a video quiz, web recorder or video editor. Link: Planet eStream | Easy to use via browser without additional software | - | The implementation should be clarified with the EA team | x |
| Podcast | Series of media files | Information | Time independent | Method | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 30 minutes | Pocasts can be found on sites like youtube or via apps like castbox overcast castro and podcastaddict. Access for participants is provided by sharing links. | Addresses auditory learning types, modern method, promotes attention and concentration | - | Topic-specific use with measure and goal, some podcasts must first be edited and sequenced for the appropriate use (audacity is suitable for example) | |
| Postcard | Method to record wishes and introduction for the webinar | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | During the preparation a collection of very different postcards is photographed by the lecturer. In the webinar the presenter shows the photos of different postcards. Different motives are placed on a whiteboard. The participants will pray to choose two postcard motifs. One card that expresses what they want from the webinar and a second one that conveys what they definitely do not want. Afterwards the participants will unlock the postcards one by one. Each one first says which card he/she has chosen for point 1. The presenter then clicks on this card and the participant explains his/her wishes. Then he/she explains card two which is also displayed. | - | - | This method is especially useful if the slide with the postcards and the wishes are discussed again at the end of the webinar. | |
| Prezi | Cloud-based presentation tool with focus on motion animation | Information | Content delivery | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 10 minutes | Design templates and reusable presentations enable an efficient creation. The powerpoint to prezi converter is also a very helpful tool. Link: Prezi | Presentations can be called up online at any time and are accessible from anywhere | In the free version all created presentations are publicly viewable , the many gimmicks can be very time consuming | - | |
| Prezi video | Presentation tool where visual elements can be integrated directly into the main screen | Video | Time independent | Tool | Both | Individual work | < 20 minutes | The videos are created and recorded online. There are more than 50 design templates and innumerable pictures to fall back on. With the prezi video desktop app existing prezi or powerpoint presentations can be quickly and easily converted into a video that can be shared directly online or broadcast live. Link: Prezi Video | The first product that puts a person in direct contact with their visual content on the screen in real time, no need for time-consuming graphical post-processing, easy and fast creation | The free version has very limited features, works only with the chrome browser | - | |
| Quizizz | Quiz creation | Quiz | Time independent | Tool | Both | Both | < 10 minutes | Quizizz is a quick and easy way to create a quiz for students. The students do not have to register to participate but receive a 6-digit code that leads them to the quiz. Link: Quizizz | Easy handling, participants only need a code, convenient evaluation, only the presenter has to register | - | There is a separate app for iphones | |
| Recipe round up | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Time independent | Method | Asynchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | Participants are invited to share their favourite recipe or for example their grandmother's best recipe on a channel. These recipes can be recooked by the others. Pictures of them can be shared which encourages exchange within the group. | - | - | Not suitable for every target group | |
| Reflection suitcase | Method for summarising the teaching content | Reflection | Summary | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | The lecturer designs a travel case on a whiteboard. The students write into the suitcase what treasures they have collected in the online teaching and take them with them on their further journey. | Well suited if not too much time is available, serves for reflection, little preparation | - | It is recommended that the lecturer includes the case in the documents so that the students benefit from it in the long term | |
| Round of participants | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | The presenter creates a slide with all participants using photos of the participants. For example in the middle could be "welcome" and all around them are photos of the participants. Depending on the event and the platform photos can be downloaded from the platform. Otherwise the participants should be sent an email about one week before the start of the webinar with the request to send a photo. This slide will be used for a first introduction. But it can also be used for soundchecks or various formal things for example because a certain order of the participants is given. | Flexible applicability | - | A slide with the photos of the participants can also be used with other methods. | |
| Simpleshow | Story telling | Video | Content delivery | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 10 minutes | In a first step the storyline has to be selected in a second step it is written down. Only in the last step is the visualization done. For this purpose there is a large selection of characters objects and animations. On the website there are numerous example videos and instructions. Link: Simple Show | Creation of educational videos in a visual-reduced way, primarily with images, tool leaves much room for creativity | Relatively time-consuming preparation, topic must be suitable for this presentation, free version with only limited functions, free version does not allow download | With the free version the presentation of the video can only take place under the brand logo | |
| Sli.do | Online survey | Survey | Time independent | Tool | Both | Individual work | < 10 minutes | An account on sli.do is required for the creation of surveys. The participants need a so-called event code to be able to conduct the survey and ask questions. Link: Sli.do | Design of open and closed questions, possibility to ask online questions to lecturers --> these can be designed anonymously or not anonymously, free version and a free test version | - | - | X |
| Speeddating | Method for getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 20 minutes | The participants are placed in virtual rooms in which 2-3 people are present. The moderator puts the first question into the room and tells how much time is available for exchange. Then everyone changes rooms and the next question follows. This is repeated several times until everyone has been in conversation with everyone else. | Creative method to stage an introduction round | More preparation steps are necessary than comparable methods of getting to know each other (consider questions create virtual rooms) | For this method a platform like teams is necessary to create virtual spaces | |
| Sticky elephant | Funny game to strengthen the group cohesion | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 10 minutes | A white canvas is created in the whiteboard tool. A lot of post-its are placed on the side of it. Then any motif (e.g. an animal) is selected and the sketch of this animal is pinned over the canvas. The team has 5 minutes to rebuild the motif together with post-its and to re-colour them. During this time the participants are allowed to talk. After the time is up an optional additional motto such as birthday can be announced. The participants will then have a few more minutes to embellish the motif with gifs or images. | Playful learning of the basic functions of a whiteboard, strengthening of team dynamics | - | The exercise can be done with any whiteboard online tool, students must be given access to the whiteboard via a link | |
| Ted-ed | Design of a video unit with surveys, knowledge checks, discussion questions | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 15 minutes | Online there is a step-by-step guide that shows the best way to proceed with the creation. It is also possible to use already designed videos. Link: Ted-ed | Intuitive use, for free, video can also be shortened | - | - | |
| Time machine | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Beginning | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | At the beginning the speaker informs the participants as follows: "by entering this call we have all landed in a time travel machine. This has taken us back 10 years. Where are you now and what are you doing?". All participants are given one minute to answer this question. Afterwards the speaker explains: "now we want to go back to the present. Unfortunately the machine has a problem and has sent us 10 years into the future into the year 2030. Same question: where are you and what are you doing?" | Getting to know each other, sharing personal stories & wishes, no special tools required for implementation | - | - | |
| Tricider | Tool for collecting discussing and voting on ideas | Brainstorming, survey | Time independent | Tool | Both | Group work | < 10 minutes | Once a topic has been chosen all participants can gather ideas together. Pros and cons can be added to these ideas and votes can be taken. Participants can be invited via e-mail or social media channels. Link: Tricider | Active participation by all promotes the emergence of innovative solutions , free of charge , no registration required | - | - | |
| Tweedback | Web-based live feedback system with various functionalities | Feedback, Quiz | Time independent | Tool | Synchronous | Group work | Undefined | This tool offers three different functions: the panic button the quiz feature and the chatwall , the individual functions can be switched on and off to adapt the application to your own event. The panic button allows students to tell the lecturer during the lecture that he/she cannot follow. The lecturer can then react in real time. The quiz feature offers the possibility to ask multiple choice questions to the students. Using the chatwall participants can ask questions which can then be answered either directly by the presenter or by the other participants in the chatwall. Link: Tweedback | Various features, individual functions can be adjusted and switched on/off, the tool is very clear and self-explanatory, for free | - | - | |
| Videoscribe | Story telling | Video | Content delivery | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 15 minutes | The use is uncomplicated and the surface is minimalistic. On the right-hand side and above the work surface there are processing bars. Users can add copy or cut elements to the video with a click of the mouse. Link: Videoscribe | Whiteboard-style software, a virtual hand draws the action, numerous features are available, voicecover: recordings and upload of own files | Software is based on adobe flash and is available as a free trial for seven days after which it can be used for 25.00€ per month | Since the tool focuses on the whiteboard style the user has significantly fewer functions available than with other tools | X |
| Vizia | Integration of interactive elements like surveys in youtube videos | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Individual work | < 20 minutes | Using the option "new video" the url of a video must be specified and the video must be uploaded. Afterwards interactive elements such as surveys or quizzes can be integrated at a specific position in the video. The video can be shared via a link. Link: Vizia | Easy handling for personalization of videos, free of charge | - | - | |
| Wakelet | Platform for storing organizing and sharing content | Information | Time independent | Tool | Asynchronous | Both | < 30 minutes | Videos articles pictures tweets or links can be saved and provided with your own text. The saved objects can be organized in a collection. This collection can be shared for viewing only or also for editing. In google chrome there is also the possibility to save content directly with one click. Link: Waklete | Possibility to embed flipgrid videos directly into the tool | - | - | |
| Whiteboard pictionary | Pictionary on an online whiteboard | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | First of all a digital whiteboard must be selected and a moderator who stops the time and counts the points must be determined. The participants are divided into two teams. Alternately one person from each team must draw a word randomly generated by a word generator such as wordcounter. The team which first gives the correct answer gets the point. | Increases motivation, little preparatory work by the lecturer is necessary | - | The agreement is important whether answers may only be given via the chat or also through the microphone | |
| World café | Processing of questions in changing small groups in for example different team rooms | Exercise | Learning opportunity | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 1 hour | First a group division must be made. The participants discuss questions in different discussion groups of 15 minutes each. After each round the participants change the team room. The host stays at the table and briefly introduces the new group to the results of the previous groups. Goal: linking and developing the results across all small groups. The host notes all results on an online whiteboard. | High-quality work results in short time, high degree of interaction involvement of all participants, quality of questions depends on the pre-formulated questions | Precise technical organisation necessary to avoid chaos - a separate link for each team room | Variation of the method: topics café: the same questions are not discussed in parallel at all tables but different "topic areas" are set up | |
| Yoga breathing exercise: purna | Energizer | Energizer | Break | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 5 minutes | The lecturer asks the participants to sit upright. Now the participants are invited to close their eyes place their hands on their stomach and consciously take 6 to 10 breaths. The participants can feel the abdominal wall rising and falling. Then the participants are asked to place their hands on the right and left side of their chest with their thumbs looking backwards. Again they are asked to take 6 to 10 breaths. In the last part the students place their hands on the upper ribs below the collarbone and feel their upper chest rise and fall for 6 to 10 breaths. Then the presenter welcomes the participants and they are allowed to open their eyes again. | Relaxing energizer , especially interesting for longer sessions | Not applicable to all groups | The lecturer can play relaxing music in the background | |
| Your topics | Getting to know each other | Getting to know | Introduction | Method | Synchronous | Group work | < 15 minutes | The presenter prepares a slide with two columns for the participants. In the left column are the names of the participants with a photo in the header of the right column is "your work field". Students should write their profession and industry next to their names. | Little preparation necessary | Not suitable for very large classes | - |