Digital Literacy
Medford Public Schools is committed to preparing students for success in the future. We view technology as an integral part of the educational experience and are committed to providing a strong digital learning environment for all students.
Medford Public Schools technology instruction is aligned to the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science curriculum frameworks which address core concepts in 4 key strands for each grade span:
- Computing and Society
- Digital Tools and Collaboration
- Computing Systems
- Computational Thinking.
These frameworks integrate practices for students in a technological world; present concepts that progress from kindergarten to grade 12; and align with content in the other Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Guiding Principles
The Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Curriculum Standards are grouped into 4 strands for each grade span K-2, 3-5. 6-8. 9-12 and within each strand there are topics that identify what students should be able to know and do:
Computing and Society
- Safety and Security
- Ethics and Laws
- Interpersonal and Societal Impacts
Computing Systems
- Computing Devices
- Human and Computer Partnerships
- Networks
- Services
Digital Tools and Collaboration
- Digital Tools
- Collaboration and Communication
- Research
Computational Thinking
- Abstraction
- Algorithms
- Data
- Programming and Development
- Modeling and Simulation
DESE Digital Literacy and Computer Science
https://www.doe.mass.edu/stem/dlcs/
ISTE Standards for Students
Curriculum Overview
The skills in grades 9-12 build on K-8 concepts and progress to more sophisticated applications. The high school digital literacy and computer science standards specify the skills that all students should study to be college and career ready.
Technology Department Course Offerings
Computer Science Principles
Computer Science Principles (CSP) curriculum is a full-year, rigorous, entry-level course which introduces high school students to the foundations of modern computing. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.
Cybersecurity
Through project-based work, collaboration, and simulations, students learn and apply basic skills and concepts in the growing area of cybersecurity. Students become familiar with the Linux and DOS command-line interfaces and apply the highly versatile Python programming language. Students learn about malware and network vulnerabilities, as well as the legal impacts and historical context of current cybersecurity practices. Students also learn and practice strategies in cryptography, reverse engineering, binary exploitation, digital forensics, social engineering and web exploitation through competitive challenges.
Digital Literacy Through Student Innovation (Invention Workshop)
In this course the Engineering Design and User-Centered Design processes are used to innovate solutions to problems. Students learn how to conduct needs assessments, brainstorm solutions, make justified design decisions, and test prototypes of their concepts through custom 3D design, coding and other hands-on projects. Students also learn how to troubleshoot equipment such as 3D printers and chromebooks.
Game Design
The Game Design course introduces students to the fundamentals of creating real-world 3D videogames. Students learn about the process of designing and developing games by using integrated development environments such as Unity and/or Game Lab. Students learn about the game development industry and plan, design and create their own 3D games. Throughout this course students become familiar with the C# coding language.
Student Technology Help Desk
The Student Technology Help Desk course is a hands-on class where students learn how to operate, troubleshoot, train others to use equipment in the Medford High School makerspace, and diagnose/repair chromebook hardware issues. Makerspace equipment inludes a 3D printer, Cricut cutting machine, audio/video devices, and more. Topics of cybersecurity and networking are addressed, and students operate a Tier 2 chromebook repair service for the district. Students document their problem-solving accomplishments with written tutorials, reflections, videos and technical drawings.
Technology Courses in Other Departments
Medford Vocational Technical High School
Programming and Web Development, Robotics and Engineering, Business Technology
High School Math Department
Explorations in Computer Programming, Honors Computer Programming, AP Computer Science
Cross Curriculum
Information literacy, online research, digital tool selection
Resources
Medford Public Schools Student Data Privacy Agreements
The Medford Public School District is a member of the Massachusetts Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), a collaborative addressing solutions to data privacy concerns. This link provides a list of student data privacy agreements that have been signed by technology resource vendors with the Medford Public Schools.
Responsible Use Policy
Policies, guidelines and rules refer to all computing devices, as well as technology infrastructure, associated peripheral devices and/or software that access the Medford Public Schools internet/computer network; and all computers and devices owned by the Medford Public Schools.