Digital Literacy Curriculum Outline
PDF · 6 pages · Editable template
About This Curriculum
This curriculum outline is designed as a flexible framework — not a rigid prescription. Adapt the order and emphasis to fit your school's resources, schedule, and students' existing knowledge. Each term builds on the previous one, but the modules also work as standalone units.
Target: Grade 8–12 students, 1–2 periods per week. Assumes access to a computer lab for at least one period per week.
Term 1: Digital Fundamentals
Week 1–2: Computer basics — hardware, software, operating systems, file management.
Week 3–4: Internet fundamentals — how the web works, browsers, search engines, evaluating online information.
Week 5–6: Email and digital communication — composing professional emails, managing contacts, CC/BCC etiquette.
Week 7–8: Word processing — creating and formatting documents in Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
Week 9–10: Review and practical project — students create a formatted document on a topic of their choice.
Term 2: Online Safety and Productivity
Week 1–3: Online safety — passwords, phishing, privacy settings, safe social media habits, recognising scams.
Week 4–6: Spreadsheets — entering data, basic formulas, charts, sorting and filtering.
Week 7–8: Presentations — slide design principles, storytelling, delivery techniques.
Week 9–10: Review and practical project — students research an online safety topic and present their findings.
Term 3: AI Literacy and Digital Creation
Week 1–3: Introduction to AI — what AI is, how it learns, everyday examples, AI vs. human intelligence.
Week 4–6: Responsible AI use — using AI tools for learning, ethical considerations, bias and misinformation, critical thinking about AI output.
Week 7–8: Digital content creation — basic design principles, creating graphics with Canva, simple video editing.
Week 9–10: Final project — students create a digital portfolio showcasing what they have learned across all three terms.
Assessment Framework
- Practical projects (40%) — One project per term demonstrating applied skills.
- Participation and collaboration (20%) — Active engagement in discussions and group work.
- Quizzes and exit tickets (20%) — Short checks for understanding at the end of each module.
- Final portfolio (20%) — A digital portfolio collecting work from all three terms.
Adaptation Notes
- Limited computer access? Teach theory in the classroom and schedule one lab session per week for hands-on practice. Pair students who have devices at home with those who do not.
- No internet? Download resources in advance. Use offline software (LibreOffice, offline Wikipedia). Focus on productivity tools and computer fundamentals rather than web-based modules.
- Mixed skill levels? Pair stronger students with beginners. Prepare extension activities for students who finish early.
Want Training to Support This Curriculum?
DLC offers teacher training workshops to help your staff deliver this curriculum confidently — even if they are not tech experts themselves. Learn about our training programmes or request a quote.