How does one begin teaching digital literacy in Kindergarten? There are many educators who know exactly how they will do this and there are many who do not. As part of my Master of Education program at University of Victoria, I have explored B.C.’s Digital Literacy Framework, along with the research pertaining to educational technology and early learning, and used it to create Digital Literacy for Kindergarten: An Introductory Guide for Kindergarten Teachers.

My hope is that this will give the educators who do not know where to start, a tool to get going with. One of my colleagues declared, “Sometimes, I just want a program!” and I think we all feel that way sometimes, especially when it is something new. While B.C.’s Digital Literacy Framework is not new, the push to pump up the technology in the Applied Design, Skills, and Technology curriculum is ramping up. So let’s get going!

This guide contains lessons that, as a unit, cover the introduction of all the concepts in B.C.’s Digital Literacy Framework that apply to kindergarten. The lessons included in this guide are presented in an order that allows the educator to introduce concepts one after the other, but do not necessarily need to be consecutive. It is recommended that educators introduce concepts alongside their regular lessons. For example, teaching about being kind online would be a good companion to social learning lessons about being kind to others in person. Lessons about targeted advertising go well with critical thinking lessons about wants and needs. In addition to being well suited to several non-digital companion lessons, learning about iPad’s camera app and the Draw and Tell app could go anywhere in the line-up but they are fun and useful apps to use all year. Also, the internet and social media lessons would be introduced early on as the educator starts using the internet and social media with the class.

            Each lesson is preceded by a table outlining the corresponding big ideas, curricular competencies, and content from  B.C.’s Curriculum, as well as corresponding concepts in B.C.’s Digital Literacy Framework. The lessons are scripted to make them as simple as possible, but of course, individuals can adapt them for their own comfort level and teaching style, as well as the unique capabilities of the class. Many of the lessons ask the educator to “pre-search” for things. When using a search engine such as Google, one never knows what will turn up on the screen, so educators are encouraged to conduct internet searches in advance of the actual lessons to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when demonstrating searches in front of children. Each lesson has a yellow box at the end with ideas for extensions or companion lessons.

            Few of the introductory lessons in this guide actually give the learners hands-on experience with technology. Putting the technology in the hands of the learners is the decision of each educator.  However, applying the knowledge they have gained in these introductions is key to making them a regular part of their ICT habits. Incorporating ICT into learners’ broader explorations can enhance their learning if done in a thoughtful and safely guided manner. Consider making iPads a measured part of play centres by allowing pairs to explore educational games or guiding learners as they research their own inquiries. Allow students to use the camera and video apps to document their own learning, share their own stories, and share their creations with a broader audience. Use the motivating power of apps like Draw and Tell to foster creativity and persistence, as well as practice numeracy and literacy concepts. Finally, give up the notion of one-to-one iPads. Two or three children on a single device encourages social interaction and peer tutoring, as well as practicing saying, “Goodbye Technology” with the end of each turn.

Digital Literacy for Kindergarten Guide Cover page

Digital Literacy for Kindergarten: An Introductory Guide for BC Kindergarten Teachers

Current editions will be updated and made available through this web page, in the following formats:

If you are interested in reading the Master of Education Literature review that lead to the guide, you will find it in Chapter 2 of my project document here.

These documents have been licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. This means you are welcome to share and adapt the material provided you do not use it for commercial purposes, and you attribute the source. To attribute this work, please use the following:

Digital Literacy for Kindergarten: An Introductory Guide for BC Kindergarten Teachers by Tracey Westwood is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).