Digital Literacy Instructional Guide

Differentiation in Action Skill Building

●​ Use guided notes, graphic organizers, and hardware identification activities to build foundational understanding of the Information Processing Cycle. ●​ Provide hands-on learning opportunities through computer hardware exploration, programming activities, and interactive simulations. ●​ Scaffold the computing device performance task using research organizers, comparison charts, and teacher conferencing. ●​ Research emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, wearable technology, quantum computing, or supercomputers) and evaluate how advances in hardware and software continue to shape the future of computing. ●​ Design an ideal computing device for a specialized career or hobby by selecting and justifying appropriate hardware, software, memory, storage, and peripheral devices. ●​ Provide access to vocabulary such as see-think-wonder, or use of an anticipatory guide when helping to develop technical language around how a computer works. ●​ Use collaborative learning structures, guided discussions, and demonstrations to reinforce academic vocabulary and key computing concepts. 6th Grade: Focus on identifying and explaining the components of the Information Processing Cycle through guided exploration, hands-on activities, and structured technology comparisons. Plan to build-in more discussion points for processing. 8th Grade: Extend learning by evaluating computing devices for specific user needs, incorporating independent research, technical specifications, and evidence-based justification during the performance task.

Extension

ML Supports

6th vs. 8th Grade

Resources/ Suggested Lesson(s) ●​ Inside of a Computer Basics (Video) ●​ Learn Free: Computer Basics (Website) ●​ How Computers Work (Video) ●​ What are Inputs and Outputs (Website) ●​ Drag and Drop Computer Hardware (Activity) ●​ What Makes a Computer a Computer? (Lesson Sample) ●​ What Makes a Computer a Computer? (Activity)

●​ Inside of a Computer (Video) ●​ Build a Computer (Activity)