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Digital Literacy

Two students working on computers.

Director of Digital Literacy 

Molly Laden

Email:
mladen@medford.k12.ma.us

Medford Public Schools is committed to preparing students for success in the future. We view technology as an integral part of the educational experience and are committed to providing a strong digital learning environment for all students.

Medford Public Schools technology instruction is aligned to the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science curriculum frameworks which address core concepts in 4 key strands for each grade span:

  • Computing and Society
  • Digital Tools and Collaboration
  • Computing Systems
  • Computational Thinking.

These frameworks integrate practices for students in a technological world; present concepts that progress from kindergarten to grade 12; and align with content in the other Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Guiding Principles

The Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Curriculum Standards are grouped into 4 strands for each grade span K-2, 3-5. 6-8. 9-12 and within each strand there are topics that identify what students should be able to know and do:

Computing and Society

  • Safety and Security
  • Ethics and Laws
  • Interpersonal and Societal Impacts

Computing Systems

  • Computing Devices
  • Human and Computer Partnerships
  • Networks
  • Services

Digital Tools and Collaboration

  • Digital Tools
  • Collaboration and Communication
  • Research

Computational Thinking

  • Abstraction
  • Algorithms
  • Data
  • Programming and Development
  • Modeling and Simulation

DESE Digital Literacy and Computer Science

https://www.doe.mass.edu/stem/dlcs/

ISTE Standards for Students

https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students

Digital Literacy Curriculum Overview

The skills in grades 9-12 build on K-8 concepts and progress to more sophisticated  applications.  The high school digital literacy and computer science standards specify the skills that all students should study to be college and career ready.

Technology Department Course Offerings

  • Computer Science Principles
  • Digital Literacy
  • Game Design
  • Student Technology Help Desk

Technology Courses in Other Departments

Medford Vocational Technical High School
Programming and Web Development, Robotics and Engineering, Business Technology

High School Math Department
Explorations in Computer Programming, Honors Computer Programming, AP Computer Science

Cross Curriculum

Information literacy, online research, digital tool selection

Program of Studies

Computer Science Principles

Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course which introduces  high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational  topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of  computing.

Digital Literacy

The Digital Literacy course introduces students to four key components of digital literacy in the 21st century: Digital Citizenship, Computer Hardware & Software Basics, Media & Information Literacy, and Digital Branding. Digital Citizenship topics introduce students to essential considerations as a digital citizen. Computer Hardware & Software Basics topics familiarize students with essential computer concepts and terminology including operating systems, software, hardware, applications and peripherals. Media & Information Literacy topics introduce students with the methodology to perform academic level research on digital platforms. Digital Branding Literacy topics review core components and examples of digital branding.

GAME DESIGN

The Game Design course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design.  Students will learn about the process of designing games by using game environments such as Unity and/or Game Lab.  Students will learn about the game design industry and plan, design and create their own 3D games.

Student Technology Help Desk

The Student Technology Help Desk course is a hands-on study of technology integration in an educational context. Students will be required to assess issues or technical issues and define the best approach to addressing or solving the problem with the professionalism of a ‘real-world’ help desk. Specifically, students will become proficient in repairing hardware, website & network administration, analyzing a standard help desk structure, and evaluating help desk service & security. 

Resources

Medford Public Schools Student Data Privacy Agreements

The Medford Public School District is a member of the Massachusetts Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), a collaborative addressing solutions to data privacy concerns. This link provides a list of student data privacy agreements that have been signed by technology resource vendors with the Medford Public Schools.

Responsible Use Policy

Policies, guidelines and rules refer to all computing devices, as well as technology infrastructure, associated peripheral devices and/or software that access the Medford Public Schools internet/computer network; and all computers and devices owned by the Medford Public Schools.