The START digital learning curriculum comprises five books — Bhoomi, Ankur, Dhatu, Dahlia and Titli. The names of the books represent the stages/parts of a plant. The soil becomes home to a seed, giving birth to roots that stem out of the ground, growing into a beautiful flower on which butterflies are dependent for nectar and pollination. This entire process involves a lot of nurturing and caring, just like the students of our digital literacy course. When children first come to the classroom, they are like seeds but by the end of the training, they have blossomed into beautiful flowers.
The digital learning curriculum is a combination of theory and activities. It is a holistic guide for a facilitator to empower communities with functional digital literacy. The curriculum provides an effective encounter between “what to do” and “how to do it” and will help the facilitator to simplify teaching and learning methods.
Module 1: – Bhoomi focused on Computer Basics is one of five modules that form the Digital Learning Curriculum. This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of computing, explaining the various components of a computer, basics of operating systems, creating files and folders and maneuvering a mouse and a keyboard. It consists of a single chapter divided into six topics.
Module 2: Ankur focused on Useful Computer Applications is one of five modules that form the Digital Learning Curriculum. This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, databases and its application in our day to day life. It consists of a single chapter divided into six topics.
Module 3: – Dhatu focused on The Internet, Online Safety and Security is one of five modules that form the Digital Learning Curriculum. This module will introduce the learner to the Internet, browse Web pages, navigate Web sites, use search engines, create and exchange e-mails. It will also familiarize the learner to identify the various threats that can affect the computer and the data stored on it. They will also explore the how to protect their computer from various threats, what are the preventive measures, password protection, computer ethics and legal issues related to the use of internet. It consists of two chapters divided into six topics
Module 4: Dahlia focused on Smartphones and Social Media is one of five modules that form the Digital Learning Curriculum. This module will introduce the learner on how to operate smartphone, tablets and explore the functionality of each of the offline and online applications. It will also familiarize the students on creating digital content and using social media platforms effectively.
Module 5: Titli focused on Useful online tools is one of five modules that form the Digital Learning Curriculum. This module will introduce the learner to the diverse information available on the online space and how it can be used to access information on health, education, finance, entertainment, governance and livelihood. It will also introduce the learners to several digital careers and how to access job related information online.
Module 6: Media and information literacy is a set of skills that enable a person to access media, analyse media content, create new media messages, reflect on existing media content, and take action with media. This curriculum seeks to inculcate in the readers these five skills through a three pronged approach: READ, WATCH, PLAY