Ed. note: App of the Week picks are now being curated by the editors of Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. Click here to read the full app review.
Google Applied Digital Skills
What’s It Like?
Google Applied Digital Skills can be used as a semester curriculum to teach a digital literacy course or as stand-alone lessons integrated into a core class on an as-needed basis. For example, the If-Then Adventure Story unit fits easily into a creative writing class, but would also be a good project for a history class where students use real events to envision alternative histories. There are several spreadsheet budgeting activities for personal finance class, and librarians can get on board with multiple units focusing on research and technology ethics.
Price: Free
Grades: 7-12
Rating: 4/5
Pros: Pairs step-by-step instructions with student choice and creativity to foster learning that sticks.
Cons: Reliance on Google tools and uninterrupted internet connection may not work for everyone.
Bottom line: Thorough digital literacy curriculum offers mix-and-match options to fit any classroom.
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