Massachusetts Digital Literacy Frameworks

Language taken from the DLCS Frameworks

"Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) knowledge, reasoning, and skills are essential both to prepare students for personal and civic efficacy in the twenty-first century and to prepare and inspire a much larger and more diverse number of students to pursue the innovative and creative careers of the future. The abilities to effectively use and create technology to solve complex problems are the new and essential literacy skills of the twenty-first century. Digital literacy and computer science standards in this Framework articulate critical learning outcomes for Kindergarten through Grade 12 to help prepare students for success in world. The standards represent the core elements of digital literacy and computer science and are intended to drive coherent, rigorous instruction, which results in the mastery and application of digital literacy and computer science knowledge, reasoning, and skills."

They were rolled out in 2016 and replaced the MA Instructional Technology and 2008 Instructional Technological Standards. There are 4 strands within the frameworks that apply to various technology and computing topics that are being addressed across disciplines. There are four sets of Frameworks. One set for K-2, one set for grades 3-5, one set for grades 6-8 and one set for grades 9-12.

Strand 1: Computing and Society

"Computing and Society (CAS) Computing impacts all people and has global consequences on such things as communications, assistive technology, social networking, and the economy. Society values many different computing innovations. Computing is a key component of many professions and the content of digital media influences all citizens and society. Global disparities in access to the Internet, media, and devices may lead to an imbalance in equity and power. Principles of privacy, ethics, security, and copyright law influence digital safety and security, as well as interpersonal and societal relations."

Strand 2: Digital Tools and Collaboration

"Digital tools are applications that produce, manipulate, or store data in a digital format (e.g., word processors, drawing programs, image/video/music editors, simulators, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) applications, publishing programs). Digital tools are critical for conducting research, communicating, collaborating and creating in social, work, and personal environments. The use of digital tools is integral to success in school and career."

Strand 3: Computing Systems

"Computing systems are comprised of components, such as devices, software, interfaces, and networks that connect communities, devices, people, and services. They empower people to create, collaborate, and learn via human-computer partnerships. The design of many computing systems empowers people to debug, extend, and create new systems. Computing systems require troubleshooting and maintenance to consistently function."

Strand 4: Computational Thinking

" Computational thinking is a problem solving process that requires people to think in new ways to enable effective use of computing to solve problems and create solutions. The capacity of computers to rapidly and precisely execute programs makes new ways of designing, creating, and problem solving possible. "

Computational thinking is characterized by:

• analyzing, modeling, and abstracting ideas and problems so people and computers can work with them;

• designing solutions and algorithms to manipulate these abstract representations (including data structures);

• identifying and executing solutions (e.g., via programming).

All K-12 Teachers should be teaching these frameworks! Since they can be applied to all disciplines and age groups (similar to literacy standards), teachers should focus on embedding them in their lesson plans. To make it easier for you, the DigLit team has created DLCS checklists for each grade level that you can view here

The frameworks can be found here

Information from DESE about the frameworks can be found here

Please reach out to a Digital Literacy Coach if you want to learn more or have questions about these frameworks!