Tool Overview

On this page, you can find an overview of various tools that can be used to support digital teaching. There are primarily the official e-learning tools of TU Dresden. In some cases we also list some external alternatives. 

* The tools marked with an asterisk are operated for or by TU Dresden. If you have any questions or problems using those tools please contact the E-Learning Support (Service Desk).

Table of contents

    1. Learning Management System
    2. Provision and Exchange of Data
    3. Conference Systems (Virtual meetings)
    4. Video/Audio Production
    5. Sharing videos and audios
    6. Testing the learning progress (e-assessment)
    7. Live surveys
    8. Synchronous collaboration
    9. Short URL Service

Learning Management System

OPAL is the learning management system of TU Dresden and the central platform for the digital support of teaching. It is therefore recommended that an OPAL course is created for the coordination and implementation of all courses. Separate OPAL-based examination platforms are available for examinations.

Learning Management System OPAL *

OPAL is the learning management system for Saxon universities, which includes TU Dresden. It is accessible for all TU members using their ZIH login. ZIH offers basic and advanced training for the the learning management system OPAL in german.

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden, commissioned by BPS Bildungsportal Sachsen GmbH

Role (selection):

  • Enrolment in and management of so called learning groups
  • Provision of scripts and presentations via material folders
  • Presentation of information and learning materials on websites
  • Distribution and submission of tasks
  • Communication via e-mail, forums and notifications
  • Simple collaborative work via wikis
  • Online meetings in virtual classrooms
  • (Self)tests and surveys with the integrated test suite ONYX

Further information:

E-Assessment platform OPAL Exam@TUD *

OPAL Exam@TUD 1-3 are the examination platforms of the TU Dresden. It can be used by all TU members via the ZIH login.

Exams and trial exams may only be held on a examination platform if they have been registered via the Examination Office and a time slot has subsequently been allocated.

Access:

Always use the platform(s) assigned to you for your exams!

Provider:

  • TU Dresden, commissioned by BPS Bildungsportal Sachsen GmbH

Functions (selection):

  • Implementation of online exams (automatic or manual assessment)
    • ONYX exams (e.g. MC exams)
    • Upload exams (by means of task module)
  • Evaluation and export of the exams
  • Communication via e-mail
     

Further Information:

Provision and Exchange of Data

Datashare (cloud-based storage platform) *

Data stored on this platform (basis: Nextcloud) can be synchronized between different devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets or smartphones and exchanged with others. In addition, Office documents can be edited directly in the browser (also together with others).

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden

Storage capacity:

  • members of staff: 20 GB
  • students: 10 GB

Role:

  • Data storage
  • Synchronising data between different devices and operating systems
  • Exchange of data between certain ZIH users
  • Access protection possible with password
  • Sharing folders as well as editing rights
  • Versioning and commenting of files
  • Web-based (collaborative) editing of Office documents
  • Simple data management in tables
  • Kanban-style project and task management (deck)
  • No Backup!

Further information:

Detailed informationen on the website of the ZIH
Instructions on the client installation and on sharing files

OPAL (folder) *

The course element Folder can be used to download or upload data. In the Course storage folder or the Resource folder for multiple courses, data can be stored and downloaded or, depending on the type, embedded on course pages.

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden, commissioned by BPS Bildungsportal Sachsen GmbH

Storage capacity:

  • 307 MB per folder
  • Apply for an increase by sending an email to
  • Since OPAL is not purely a data storage tool, the provision of very large amounts of data (e.g. Long lecture videos) should be carried out using alternative tools if possible, because this can have negative effects on the performance of the system.

Role:

  • Structuring with sub-folders
  • Various possibilities of access control
  • Assignment of reading and editing rights possible
GigaMove

Possibility to temporarily provide big files up to 100 GB or request those.

Access:

Provider:

  • Deutsches Forschungsnetz (DFN) / RWTH Aachen

Storage Capacity:

  • up to 100 GB per file
  • up to 1 TB per account
  • storage of files max two weeks, afterwards they are deleted

Functions:

  • file upload and creation of download link
  • password
  • file request by link (notification by mail when file is uploaded, only one upload for each link)

Further Information:

Help pages RWTH Aachen

Conference Systems (Virtual meetings)

Current information regarding the video conference services at TU Dresden including comparative information is available at the ZIH.

BigBlueButton (collaborative tools, web-based) *

Conference tool with different collaborative tools, also for confidential meetings. Permanent rooms can also be created by students.

Access:

Provider:

Number of participants:

  • Max 300
  • Max 100 active cameras

Role:

  • Audio or video transmission between all participants
  • virtual background
  • Chat (private, public)
  • Sharing one’s computer desktop
  • Showing files
  • (Shared) whiteboard
  • (Shared) notes
  • Playing external videos
  • Sub-rooms

Further information:

Zoom (up to 300/1000 participants) *

Cloud solution outside of the TU network with an extended range of functions.

Registration:

  • normal license: via Service Desk
  • License for large number of participants: temporary allocation via the ZIH Service desk, only a few licenses available. When applying for a license, please indicate the required period of time and a reason for the need. If possible, include the IT officer of the school in the CC.

Access:

  • Https://zoom.us (after registration)
  • Web-based (preferrably using Chrome) or app

Provider:

  • Zoom video communications for TU Dresden

Number of participants:

  • Normal license: 300, max 300 active cameras
  • Zoom for large Meetings: 1000
  • Zoom Webinar: 500 resp. 1000

Role (Meeting):

  • Audio or video transmission between all participants
  • Recording of the event
  • Chat (private + public)
  • Sharing one’s computer desktop
  • Drawing tools (also for participants)
  • Surveys
  • Sub-rooms
  • Phone dial-up

Further information:

Zoom Help Centre
Zoom Live Trainingg Webinars
Information on Zoom configuration, which allow the transferred data to be better protected

Matrix (focus: text-based chat rooms) *

This tool is particularly suitable for text-based synchronous communication in topic-based chat rooms or with individuals, but also offers additional communicative and cooperative functions.

Access:

Provider:

Role:

  • Synchronised communication in groups (rooms) or with individuals
  • Text and image-based chat
  • Voice call
  • Audio call
  • Embedding of diverse, external tools such as Etherpad or YouTube in the rooms

Further information:

Matrix help of TU Dresden Chatroom Matrix support TU Dresden Video tutorial for the use of Matrix from Prof Lasch (TUD)

Pexip (low-threshold, web-based streaming)

Low-threshold conference tool: Due to the limited range of functions, only a short training period is necessary. Conferences can be streamed on a website, whereby an unlimited number of persons can participate.

Access:

Provider:

  • German National Research and Education Network (DFN)

Number of participants:

  • Meeting: 23 (“Many to many” principle)
  • Streaming: unlimited (“One to many” principle)

Role:

  • Audio or video transmission from organiser to all participants/viewers (“One to many” principle) OR
  • Audio or video transmission between all participants (“Many to many” principle)
  • Recording of the event (available to download for two weeks, permanent availability possible with alternative storage location)
  • Chat
  • Sharing one’s computer desktop
  • Showing files

Further information:

Documentation of DFN
Information for streaming including recording
Current news from DFN regarding conference tools

Adobe connect (wide functional range)

Tool with diverse functions and configuration options. This makes the initial effort somewhat higher than with other conferencing tools like Pexip.

Access:

  •  https://webconf.vc.dfn.de/  (using ZIH login)
  • Organiser/moderator require Flash and have to install a separate desktop function.
  • Participants can alternatively work online after the room has been configured for this. In this case, the full range of functions are not available.

Provider:

  • German National Research and Education Network (DFN)

Number of participants:

  • 200

Role:

  • Audio or video transmission between all participants
  • Recording of the event
  • Chat
  • Sharing one’s computer desktop
  • Displaying files and making them available for download
  • Voting
  • (Shared) whiteboard

Further information:

Documentation of DFN
Info materials of TUD in OPAL
First steps of DFN
Current news by DFN regarding conference tools

Video/Audio Production

Please also note our tips on design and didactic embedding of teaching videos and the recording of the online workshop “Using screencast videos in teaching” (in german).

You can also use motion graphics to present your videos in the TU Dresden corporate design.

PowerPoint recording function

Existing presentations can be recorded with voice commentaries without technical complexity.

Access:

  • Installed via the Microsoft Office package on the computer

Provider:

  • Microsoft

Role:

  • Recording of PowerPoint slide shows
  • Audio track, subtitles and markers
  • Play as PowerPoint file
  • Storage as mp4 video

Information

  • Do not jump back to previous slides during recording
  • When distributing as a slide show (ppsx), select “set up slide show” > “View by an individual (window)” (this allows you to use other programmes and adjust the display size while viewing)

Further information:
Example file and explanation of its creation by Prof Odenbach (TUD) office help pages
Video recording
store the recording as mp4 video

Opencast Studio (Online tool for video capture and screen recording)

Opencast Studio is an easy to use browser-based free recording tool that can be used to record a desktop application or a camera image.

Access:

Provider:

Functions:

  • Browser-based application
  • Recording of a desktop application and/or camera image (when recording both at the same time, two videos are produced)
  • Optional sound recording
  • Download of the video(s) to the computer

The slightly more comprehensive desktop tool Opencast has been jointly developed by several universities worldwide and can be installed on Linux and Mac.

More information:

News article at https://opencast.org of 16th March 2020 including a short video tutorial
Note on the video tutorial: Without installing Opencast, videos recorded online can only be downloaded, but not saved and edited online.
Information on the more comprehensive Opencast at eteaching.org

Open Broadcast Studio (OBS) (Screen recording)

Free tool for recording your own screen including sound.

Access:

Provider:

  • OBS Studio Contributors

Functions:

  • Recording of desktop applications, pictures, text, webcam, etc.
  • Combination of several sources and free arrangement (e.g. WebCam + presentation)
  • Live streaming (with additional tool Streamlabs)

More information:

OBS help
Video tutorial by Prof. Dr. Alexander Lasch (TUD)
Video tutorial by Dagmar Oertel (TUD)

LosslessCut (simple video cutting)

The free Software LosslessCut enables very fast video editing without re-encoding. The program is characterized by a simple handling but is only available in English. 

Access:

Provider:

Functions:

  • Cutting of Videos (Beginning/End/subsequences)
  • No re-encoding enables quick saving of large files
  • Supports the most common Video and audio formats
  • Manual input of cut-points
  • Simple, user-friendly interface

More Information:

  • Short video of the manufacturer with overview of frequently used scenarios and functionalities

Alternative:

  • Avidemux  (similar range of functions, free use, user interface less intuitive, therefore rather for technology-oriented users)
OpenShot (video cutting and editing)

The OpenSource-Tool Openshot offers a wide range of video editing options that go further than just cutting.

Access:

Provider:

Functions:

  • Cutting of video content (start/end/intermediate sequences) and assembling of several Videos (excerpts)
  • unlimited video and audio tracks
  • Blending, sharpening, soft focus, brightness/contrast
  • Slow motion and time-lapse motion
  • Title generator, text effects

More information:

Alternative:

DaVinci Resolve (professional video editing)

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software, which can be used free of charge in the basic version. Compared to free programs, it offers a larger range of functions and therefore requires a longer training period.

Access:

Provider:

Functions (selection):

  • Cutting and editing of video content
  • Face recognition
  • Image stabilization
  • Image and audio effects
  • Hard cuts, fades and soft transitions
  • Removing of the image background (greenscreen)

More information:

Handbrake (video converter)

HandBrake is an open source conversion tool that can convert videos to any format.

Note: If you plan to share your videos via the Magma media server, you can use the Magma conversion feature.

Access:

Provider:

Functions:

  • Various pre-sets for easy conversion (e.g. Web > Vimeo YouTube 720p30)
  • Many options for sound format, bit rate, and picture size
  • Title and chapter marking
  • Subtitles
  • Video filter
  • Serial editing for more than one video

More information:
Handbook

Sharing videos and audios

Videos can either be made available for download or as a streaming source (see File sharing above) or be stored and streamed on video portals. Subsequently, they can be embedded in OPAL pages.

Videocampus Sachsen (official video streaming tool of the TU Dresden) *

The Videocampus Sachsen (VCS) is the new video platform on which saxonian universities can make video and audio files available without any copyright or data protection concerns. Videos uploaded on the platform can be offered both publicly and hidden but can also be integrated into OPAL courses.
 

Access:

  • https://videocampus.sachsen.de (with ZIH-Login)
  • To upload videos, you need authors rights. Employees receive these automatically. Otherwise, you can apply for authors rights after logging in for the first time at .

Provider:

  • TU Dresden, commissioned by BPS Bildungsportal Sachsen GmbH

Functions:

  • Converting of media files (audio, video) in browser compatible formats
  • Playing/Streaming of media files
  • Different visibility settings
  • Embedding possibilities e.g. in OPAL via an embedding code (sharing)
  • Assignment of tags and categories
  • Comments and Evaluations of media
  • Marking media as favorites
  • Upload of Subtitles in WebVTT format
  • Creation of Playlists

Hints:

  • To play media in OPAL, "available for guest users" must be allowed and the publishing status must be set to “Available” or “Hidden”.

More information:

First Steps (de)
FAQ (de)
Embedding in OPAL (de)

Public area of the ZIH home drive *

Use of the public area in the personal storage space on the ZIH drive for saving videos, sharing directly from the directory or on websites (e.g. OPAL)

Note: Use a video conversion tool (e.g. HandBrake) to size down large files.

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden

Storage capacity:

  • 20 GB, can be extended to 200 GB upon application to the Service Desk

Functions:

  • Storage of files in the public area of the ZIH home drive
  • Access settings (e.g. blocking downloads)
  • Provision as download or for streaming
  • Streaming on websites, e.g. in OPAL

More information:

YouTube (external video portal)

This is not a video streaming tool officially recommended by TU Dresden and should be used with caution regarding data protection and copyright. If you want to use YouTube, e.g. because alternative systems are not available, use the visibility setting not listed. This way, the video can only be viewed via a provided link and will not be listed in the search.

YouTube videos can be embedded both in OPAL and in TU Dresden websites.

Access:

Provider:

  • External (YouTube)

More information:

Testing the learning progress (e-assessment)

ONYX Testsuite (integrated in OPAL) *

The ONYX Testsuite is integrated into the OPAL learning platform and can be used to create tests, self-tests, and surveys.

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden, commissioned by BPS Bildungsportal Sachsen GmbH

Functions (selection):

  • Self-tests, tests, examinations, and surveys
  • Task creation with the ONYX Editor
  • Various task formats (including selection, free text, allocation, calculation, formulas, programming)
  • Media support
  • Task pool
  • Assignment of rights to other users
  • Automated evaluation and feedback options
  • Various result, analysis, and evaluation views
  • E-assessment standard IMS QTI 2.1

More information:

Web browser environment Safe Exam Browser (SEB)

Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a web browser regulating the acces to the operation system, applications, websites and files during a digital exam. Using the SEB and an automtically created access code ensures that only content from OPAL Exam@TUD (and if necessary other applications) can be accessed.

It is recommended to use the SEB in digital exams in computer labs. For digital exams at home or with students own devices the SEB is not suitable due to configuration problems on different devices.

Configuration SEB and OPAL Exam@TUD:

  • Some weeks/months before the exam:
    • Installation of SEB in the computer lab by administration
    • Download configuration files, change quit password if necessary
    • Activation of exam browser in exam mode (course editor) in OPAL Exam@TUD
  • On the day of the exam:
    • Activation of pre-configured configuration file for the assigned exam platform OPAL Exam@TUD 1, 2 or 3 or configuration of an own configuration file

Provider:

Further Information:

Digital Exams with OPAL Exam (BPS GmbH)
Exam mode (BPS GmbH)
Safe Exam Browser guide (BPS GmbH)

Information on installation and configuration (webseite of provider)

Live surveys

LimeSurvey (Umfragetool) *

Limesurvey ist ein Online-Umfragetool zur Erstellung von Fragebögen, welches allen Angehörigen der TU Dresden kostenfrei zur Verfügung steht. Mit Limesurvey können mit vielfältigen Fragetypen Daten für empirische Untersuchen wie Evaluationen oder Umfragen gesammelt und ausgewertet werden.

Zugang:

Anbieter:

  • TU Dresden, beauftragt bei der BPS Bildungsportal Sachsen GmbH

Funktionen (Auswahl):

  • vielfältige Fragetypen (u. a. Auswahl, Text, Matrix)
  • TU-Designvorlage
  • Bedingungen
  • (nicht) anonyme Umfragen
  • offene Umfragen oder für geschlossenen Teilnehmerkreis
  • verschiedene Exportformate (u. a. Excel, SPSS)
  • statistische Auswertungen

Weitere Informationen:

TUD.vote (formerly Invote) *

TUD.vote (formerly Invote), an Audience Response System, allows lecturers to create live surveys and conduct them within seminars or lectures, or alongside them. Students can participate interactively using mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. Evaluation can be done immediately.

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden

Functions (selection):

  • Free text and single choice questions
  • Visualisation of the survey results

More information:

AMCS (Audience Response System) *

The Audience Response System AMCS (Auditorium Mobile Classroom Service) has been developed project based and interdisciplinary by TU Dresden psychologists and computer scientists. Compared with TUD.vote AMCS has a larger range of functions. 

Access:

Anbieter:

  • TU Dresden, Chair of Computer Networks

Question types:

  • Single Choice, Multiple Choice, Scale, Free Text, Matching
  • Immediate visualisation of survey results
  • Notification and feedback
  • Evaluation center for post-processing
  • Question pool with contents of consecutive lectures for repetition
  • Export of results

Further information:

Synchronous collaboration

Datashare (Cloud service + collaborative editing of Office documents) *

Realized with Collabora Online. For more information on Datashare, see section  Provision and Exchange of Data.

Cryptpad (collaborative office and cloud service)

Cryptpad allows you to collaboratively create documents, tables, presentations, etc. using online editors. It is a privacy-compliant alternative to office and cloud services and encrypts all content before sending it to the server.

Access:

Provider:

Functions:

  • Collaborative pads with basic office applications (texts, codes, presentations, tables, surveys, whiteboards)
  • CryptDrive for bundling created pads
  • Encryption of data during transmission to the server
  • Login for permanent storage of the pads (without login deletion after three months)
  • Password protection

More information:

Privacy Policy
Cryptpad FAQ

Etherpad (collaborative editing of texts in real-time)

Etherpad is an easy to use web-based word processing tool that allows you to collaboratively create and edit text in real-time. Access to the pad is via a link, and changes are marked with user-specific colours for visualisation.

Access:

Provider:

Functions:

  • Free, without registration, unlimited number of participants
  • Continuous synchronisation of everything participants enter
  • Very easy formatting options (font markings (bold, italic, underlined), enumeration, numbering, indentation, headings, font)
  • Coloured marking of user contributions
  • Chat
  • Version history
  • Import/Export (HTML, PDF, Word, ODF, MediaWiki)
  • Embedding in websites via Iframe

More information:

Overleaf (LaTeX-Dokumente kollaborativ bearbeiten, Pilotbetrieb) *

Auf Basis der Software Overleaf (ehemals ShareLaTeX) betreibt das ZIH im Pilotbetrieb eine Kollaborationsplattform, auf der gemeinsam LaTeX-Dokumente bearbeitet werden können. Für einfach formatierte Texte kann die Plattform auch mit geringem Einarbeitungsaufwand genutzt werden, andernfalls sind LaTeX-Kenntnisse notwendig.

Zugang:

Anbieter:

  • TU Dresden

Funktionen:

  • Kollaboratives Bearbeiten von LaTeX-Dokumenten
  • Live-Vorschau
  • Änderungshistorie
  • Chat

Weitere Informationen:

Informationen auf den Seiten des ZIH

Short URL Service

Short URL Service tud.link (TUD websites, OPAL, Videocampus Sachsen) *

With TU Dresdens Short URL Service you can shorten long links (e.g. TUD website or OPAL courses). Example for the shortlink to this page: https://tud.link/4ldv

Access:

Provider:

  • TU Dresden

Functions: 

  • create short links like this: https://tud.link/**** (*=random alphanumeric letter or number) for the follwoing domains

    • tu-dresden.de

    • bildungsportal.sachsen.de

    • videocampus.sachsen.de

  • create multi links (short link listing several links when opening) of the above mentioned domaines

  • enable password protection

  • limit validity period

  • define maximum access count

  • create a deactivation link

  • hide the referrer

  • create a QR code

Short URL Service https://t1p.de (external websites)

For those links that can not to be shortened with TU Dresdens Short URL Service tud.link, T1P can be used ensuring data protection compliance.

Access:

Provider:

Functions: 

  • create short links like this: https://t1p.de/***** (*=random or personally chosen links)

  • create multi links (short link listing several links when opening)

  • enable password protection

  • limit validity period

  • define maximum access count

  • create a deactivation link

  • hide the referrer

  • create a QR code

About this page

Ulrike Schirwitz
Last modified: Jul 31, 2024