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Digital Literacy Curricula
Digital ATDN, in collaboration with SDE, has selected three digital skill curricula for use at your agency. Each curriculum aligns with at least one of the digital skills frameworks outlined in the Digital Literacy section of the Digital Learning Plan. Below is a Digital Skills Spectrum, illustrating the levels of digital literacy developed within each curriculum.
Digital Skills Spectrum
​​​To ensure an accurate comparison of curricula, we are using the BRIDGES Digital Resilience Framework* to map domain alignment. Keep in mind that additional considerations - like technology access, learner goals, partnerships, and time constraints - are not fully addressed here but remain critical in choosing the right curriculum.
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When reviewing each curriculum below, select the domain tabs to view aligned activities from the framework. Only lessons and domains with identified correlations are included. For a complete alignment across frameworks and curricula, refer to the Digital ATDN BRIDGES Digital Learning Checklist.
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​*The BRIDGES Digital Resilience Framework was formerly known as the Seattle Digital Equity Initiative (SDEI).
Northstar Curriculum | Link to the curriculum
What is it? The Northstar Digital Literacy program helps learners assess and build essential computer and internet skills through interactive modules and assessments.
Why is it worth considering? The Northstar Digital Literacy program offers self-paced, competency-based learning aligned with digital literacy standards. It includes assessments, certificates, and lessons adaptable to various learners and instructional settings.
What are the Digital Literacy requirements? The curriculum is best suited for learners with basic reading skills and some familiarity with using a computer. It covers essential skills like internet use, email, Microsoft Office, and information literacy.
This curriculum is great for...
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Adult learners aiming to build or validate fundamental digital skills
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Educators providing structured standards-based digital literacy instruction
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Agencies focused on digital opportunities and workforce readiness initiatives
Northstar Digital Literacy Alignment​​​
Exchanging information with others on digital platforms using various strategies to collaborate, share, and communicate.​​
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CO.1 Communicate Effectively
CO.1 Communicate Effectively
CO.7 Share Information with Others
Access Telehealth Appointments
CO.1 Communicate Effectively
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Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
CO.1 Communicate Effectively
CO.3 Make Voice & Video Calls
CO.2 Collaborate with Technology
CO.8 Use Messaging Tools
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Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
CO.3 Make Voice & Video Calls
CO.8 Use Messaging Tools
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CO.4 Post on Social Media
CO.5 Use Social Media
CO.6 Set Privacy Settings
Digital Skills Spectrum​​
The Digital Skill Spectrum can assist with recommendations on where to start when using the curriculum, recommend onboarding resources that can assist in bridging the gap before beginning the curriculum, and offer extension activities to further develop the skills in applied contexts.
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Beginner Digital Literacy
Learners that have difficulty in taking an assessment or working through a module due to language or digital skill barriers:
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The DART Curriculum offers a comprehensive digital literacy curriculum that focuses on beginner English language learners that is also great for low level digital literacy learners.
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Lead units with the Northstar lessons, scaffolding the content to meet your learners, familiarizing vocabulary, concepts and skills prior to working on the modules.
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Provide activities that focus on mouse and keyboard skills to assist in the development of mouse accuracy and website navigation for learners.
Experienced Digital Literacy
Learners with emerging digital literacy that can work through the module with some assistance, but need additional support in developing the skills:
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Offer whole class instruction using the Northstar Curriculum.
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Reinforce content by highlighting the digital skills through other EdTech applications used in the classroom.
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​Create learning centers using the Northstar Reports to target specific skills learners need to develop or reinforce.​
Proficient Digital Literacy
Learners that score high on assessments, complete modules, and can work well independently:
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Find aligned Open Educational Resources (OER) in other formats like simulations using the Digital Skills Library.​
Where to Begin: Choosing a Curriculum
The Digital Literacy Curriculum Guide provides general guidance on selecting the right curriculum for your students.
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Keep in mind that digital literacy curricula serve as a tool to introduce content to your class. Time and practice are essential, and integrating technology and digital resources will help reinforce learning. Use the curriculum to enhance and support what you already teach.
