Independent exploration of resources in Moodle and external digital tools

When selecting a digital tool, use the following criteria:

• Pedagogical relevance – the tool should support pedagogical processes so that students can achieve learning outcomes more effectively and efficiently and remain motivated to learn, rather than the digital tool becoming an end in itself. When using generative artificial intelligence, it is important to assess how it affects the development of students’ cognitive abilities.
  
  
• Ease of use – the tool should be appropriate to students’ digital skills so that excessive time is not spent on mastering technical aspects instead of achieving learning outcomes. Clear instructions should be provided to support students in using the tool.
  
  
• Accessibility – students must not be placed at a disadvantage. They should not be exposed to additional costs (which would disadvantage students with fewer financial resources), so preference should be given to free tools, or the higher education institution should provide access to licensed tools for students and teachers. It is also necessary to check whether the tool is suitable for students with disabilities, if such students are part of the target population.
  
  
• Technical compatibility – digital tools should be interoperable and compatible with other tools used by the higher education institution.
  
  
• Data privacy and security – if data about students and their activities are collected, students’ informed consent must be ensured, and the higher education institution must verify compliance with legal regulations at the national (Croatian) and EU levels.
  
  
• Cost-effectiveness – the price paid by the higher education institution for the use of digital tools must be justified by the benefits. This is particularly important when introducing commercial tools.