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).
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:
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
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:
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:
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
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:
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:
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:
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
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:
Funktionen:
- Kollaboratives Bearbeiten von LaTeX-Dokumenten
- Live-Vorschau
- Änderungshistorie
- Chat
Weitere Informationen:
Informationen auf den Seiten des ZIH
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:
SHRIMP (tool for socially collaborative reading and digital text work)
With the free online platform SHRIMP (Social Hypertext Reader & Interactive Mapping Platform), (non-linear) texts can be read and commented on collaboratively. SHRIMP enables an individual, creative reading process and promotes collaborative learning.
Access:
Provider:
- Institute for American Studies at the University of Leipzig
- Imprint SHRIMP
Functions:
- Upload of documents in PDF format
- private notes
- public comments/emotions enable discussions on the text
- Tags for grouping information
- Reading questions as work assignments for the text
- Links in the document and on the web enable non-linear reading
- Configuration of allowed interactions
- Restrict access via password or to group participants
- Offline use
Further information:
Instructions for teachers and students
Short URL Service
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