Getting Started
Getting Started
Curriculum Map | Digital Foundations
Summary
Students learn the basic routines for beginning digital work: opening a device or application, noticing interface parts, following teacher directions, and finishing safely.
Teacher Overview
Use this lesson before tool-specific work in drawing, files, slides, internet, or coding. The purpose is to reduce friction so students can enter digital activities with a shared routine.
Core idea:
- Digital work begins with clear steps.
- Interface parts help students know where to look and what to do.
- Classroom routines help everyone use devices safely and calmly.
Level 1 - Entry
Goal: Students can follow a simple start-up routine with teacher support.
Teacher prep:
- Open the teacher slides.
- Prepare the first activity page.
- Set up devices or a demonstration device.
Steps:
- Show the device or application students will use.
- Name the first visible parts students need, such as screen, button, icon, or menu.
- Model the start-up routine slowly.
- Students practice the routine with support.
- Complete a short activity or check-off routine.
Check for understanding:
- Student can point to the next thing they need to use.
- Student can follow the routine with prompts.
Extension:
- Ask students to explain one step to a partner.
Level 2 - Developing
Goal: Students can use common interface clues to begin and finish work.
Teacher prep:
- Prepare examples of icons, buttons, menus, or tabs students will see.
Steps:
- Review the start-up routine.
- Identify common interface parts.
- Students match interface clues to actions.
- Students practice beginning, pausing, and finishing a short task.
- Students explain what helped them know what to do.
Check for understanding:
- Student can use an icon, button, or menu clue to choose a next action.
Extension:
- Ask students to compare two app interfaces and find what is similar.
Level 3 - Extending
Goal: Students can independently follow a start-use-finish workflow and help refine a class routine.
Teacher prep:
- Prepare a workflow students can complete in pairs or independently.
Steps:
- Present the workflow goal.
- Students identify the start, work, save or finish, and cleanup steps.
- Students complete the workflow.
- Students notice where the routine was confusing.
- Students suggest an improvement to the class routine.
Check for understanding:
- Student can describe the workflow in order.
- Student can identify one thing that makes the routine easier.
Extension:
- Ask students to turn the routine into a visual checklist.