Based on the findings of a survey of 1000 teachers across Europe, the Digital Toolbox offers ready-to-use content and an innovative methodology to connect European history with today’s challenges for students, their communities and the world.
The Digital Toolbox is designed for educators and teachers in secondary schools working with students from 13 to 16 years old. Related subjects are for example: history, civic education, geography, and languages. The toolbox will be free of charge and available in 24 languages.
Multi-perspectivity is at the core of the Digital Toolbox’s methodology. The toolbox’s pedagogical approach creates personal and meaningful links to historical figures and events through the “visible thinking” method. This is a student-oriented method that puts their questions at the centre. It externalises the processes of thought so that students get a better handle on them. Through a simple set of questions, students develop critical thinking skills to deepen their understanding. This approach not only conveys historical knowledge, but also helps understanding about why it is still relevant today for each learner. Audio-visual, age-appropriate, up to date, trustworthy, and accessible materials will support students’ learning. The Visible Thinking Method has been developed by researchers from Harvard University’s “Project Zero” together with teachers and students.
Launch of the Digital Toolbox
End of 2024
The House of European History launches the Digital Toolbox with two modules, each in eight languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Spanish).
Launch of the module “The Timeline of the EU”
End of 2024
This module takes students on a journey to discover the most significant milestones of European integration. From the Congress of Europe to the present day.
Launch of the module “EU Pioneers: Meet the Founders of the Union”
End of 2024
This module invites students to discover the social media accounts of the men and women who stood at the beginnings of European integration.
Launch of the module “Disinformation”
First half of 2025
Students will dive into historical case studies, increase their media literacy skills and discover how the human brain deals with disinformation.
Further topics will be developed and released gradually based on the teachers’ survey and a continuous needs assessment.
I am planning to use the Digital Toolbox when teaching about media, technology, storytelling, and projects on the European Union - for example on European Day and when implementing European topics in everyday school life.
A significant challenge was the real emotions that the students experienced while visiting the museum and studying the historical materials, because, as one of my students once said “Those events really happened and those people who died then were real people. It wasn’t just some ugly movie.
Based on the methodology and interactivity of the Digital Toolbox, students will acquire competencies like critical thinking, connecting history with the present and understanding leadership. To ensure that all teachers are well prepared for their modules, the learning objectives for each module are provided in a standardised PDF format at the start of the module. These PDFs are accessible and specific to each module.
The expertise of the learning and outreach team guarantees that the Digital Toolbox is age-appropriate and engaging. The content is fact-checked by our curators as well as external academic experts. A team of international illustrators and video producers designed the audio-visual elements. The different modules follow the latest standards of instructional design in e-learning, with text and audio-visual content complemented by interactive elements such as quizzes, content creation by students, and group/solo work. All activities aim to connect the past with students’ reality today, ensuring a meaningful learning experience.
Nothing, the Digital Toolbox is free of charge.
To login, students need to enter a code that the teacher downloads and distributes to students. This is explained in detail in the teachers’ manual in each module. We recommend downloading the codes before the lesson. Entering the codes only takes a few minutes.
Teachers can tailor the length of each module according to their needs. The duration can range from watching a six-minute video followed by a short quiz to one or more 50-minute lessons, depending on the level of detail teachers wish to cover.
There are no limitations on the numbers of students working on a module at the same time.
The Digital Toolbox is designed to be used online but some parts can be downloaded (e.g. students’ quiz results) for offline use.
The Digital Toolbox meets accessibility standards to ensure that everyone can benefit no matter their location or which device they are using (PC, Mac, laptop, tablet, smartphone etc.). Teachers and students need an internet connection to use the Digital Toolbox.
The House of European History offers online info-sessions for teachers on how to use the Digital Toolbox effectively. Subscribe to our newsletter and select “Educator” to stay updated on session dates or to organise your session. Each module starts with a short manual that includes suggestions on integrating the module into your classroom teaching. For any additional questions, please email us.
To explore synergies and see how you could contribute to the Digital Toolbox project, please email us with the subject: “Digital Toolbox Support”.
The Digital Toolbox works on all devices (PC, Mac, laptop, tablet, smartphone etc.) and with all internet browsers (e.g. Edge, Chrome, Safari etc.). Teachers and students need an internet connection to use the Digital Toolbox.
Please refer to the teachers’ manual on the landing page of each module. There you will find detailed information on how to create “groups” to learn with your class in a closed environment. In case any non-urgent questions remain, please contact us.