Digital tools are available in almost overwhelming numbers. That’s why the real question is which tools are worth using – and how they might be used meaningfully in teaching and learning. With thoughtful choices, you can strengthen teaching and learning and enhance student engagement and collaborative work, whether in the classroom or online.

Digital tools significantly expand the possibilities for interaction and self-expression. They can also motivate many students. Some learners thrive in spoken classroom discussions, while others prefer to take a moment to reflect and shape their thoughts into written form. Many are energised when they can create digital summaries such as posters, podcasts or short videos. When we offer varied ways to engage, learners find their own voice – and when they try formats that are not yet familiar, they develop important multiliteracy and digital expression skills.

One of my favourites is using word clouds. In just a few minutes, I can gather students’ thoughts, their interests or prior knowledge. A word cloud makes the voice of the whole group visible, making it easy to continue the discussion. Sometimes I ask AI to summarise, classify or interpret the text behind a word cloud. This also opens a conversation about AI and how it can be used responsibly.

Another effective approach is the use of digital noticeboards, where learners can vote, add comments or share their learning artefacts for peer feedback. These boards can just as easily be used by teachers to share instructions or materials.

Game like tasks and quizzes are also useful when you want to raise the energy or check understanding. A little friendly competition between small groups supports retrieval of key concepts.

When learners present their own projects, written texts and slide decks are familiar options. Infographics and timelines encourage learners to summarise the key points. They can also be used for illustrating the process and expressing ideas from a fresh angle. These formats invite creativity and develop multimodal communication skills that are increasingly valuable in working life. Small, meaningful choices can make technology a powerful ally in promoting students’ engagement and expression.

Written by Matleena Laakso