Introduction: How to Read, Write, and Participate on the Web
Mozilla’s Core Web Literacy Curriculum consists of Core Activities aligned with the Web Literacy Map to provide learners with a basic understanding of the web and web technologies, and with confidence and satisfaction to read - how we explore the web, write - how we build the web, and participate - how we connect on the web. Developing this core curriculum was made possible through generous support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and a collaborative community effort involving staff, volunteer contributors, and allied organizations from around the world and particularly the web literacy leaders.
As people learn these skills, they are also gaining 21C Skills that are critical to succeeding in today’s world. The 21C Skills (problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication) combined with the web literacy skills are the nexus for entry-level digital-age skills, and enable individuals to become advocates for a healthy internet.
Facilitator-Friendly Materials
The Core Activities are designed to teach the web in the context of learners’ own needs, interests, and everyday experiences. Brainstorming and sharing, discussion and reflection, and fully participatory, collaborative work are integral to this community-based Web Literacy learning experience. To make Web Literacy accessible to as many learners as possible, a number of these activities can be done “offline”—without an internet connection and/or with limited computer access.
This core curriculum is meant to be self-sufficient, and each Core Activity is written to support anyone who wants to teach and empower others to use the web. We’ve provided detailed explanation of the concepts, examples and visual aids where possible, as well as activity-specific tips for facilitators on successfully delivering the material to varied audiences. The “Additional Resources” section includes 1) collection of supplemental activities on a wide variety of topics that can be used along with the Core Activities for rich, deep, and specialized learning experiences.; 2) a few videos to visualize some activities, and 3) general facilitation tips from web literacy leaders.
Earning Digital Badges/Credentials
Digital badges capture the evidence and are the demonstration knowledge and achievement. Each Core Activity encompasses multiple web literacy skills. Completion of all Core Activities will enable anyone to earn all the web literacy and 21C skills badges. Thus, we encourage you to complete all the Core Activities, and earn badges to capture what you've learned. See here for a link to Digitalme’s Open Badges Academy for anyone interested in earning web literacy digital badges. Mozilla Foundation initially pioneered digital badges, and in 2016 turned over responsibility to IMS Global to continue the evolution of the open badges technical specification. See here for more information and examples of digital badges.
Help us Improve, Grow and Remix this Project
All the Core Activities are in GitHub, an online collaboration platform where you can learn how to suggest and discuss changes and additions, or create your own custom version of the curriculum. Have a great idea for an activity you’d like to add to the Core offerings? Have a suggestion, tweak or insight that would improve these materials? Want to translate an activity into your local language, add a component or create a version of the curriculum appeal to your particular learners-- whether they’re senior citizens, ESL learners, job seekers, or new moms?
Open Practices
Working open is one of the underlying tenants of the core curriculum, and also one of web literacy skills. One of the first steps in implementing the core curriculum is understanding what it means to work in the open. Thus, we encourage you to take this one hour, free working in the open workshop to learn the basics of participation, collaboration, and sharing on community-driven projects.
The Core Sequence & “Serving Suggestions”
Ideally, the Web Literacy Core curriculum is delivered in full, in sequence (FRAME-READ-WRITE-PARTICIPATE) to give learners an introduction to the web and develop the basic technical understanding, critical thinking ability, and social/community skills needed for productive online lives.
However, we understand that not all use cases allow for consecutive lessons—the needs, interests, and time constraints will vary for each group of learners. Below we’ve provided a sample set of “Serving Suggestions” for various audience interests and time constraints. You are welcome to mix and match activities to create your own custom sequence, though we strongly recommend that each experience begin with the FRAME activities, and that the activities in WRITE not be delivered out of order, as each one builds on the previous activity.
Sample Serving Suggestions
What is the Web? (2 hours)
Learners reflect on the Web and what it means or can mean in their lives, and then explore how the web works-- what happens behind the scenes when you get online and start using the Web
- Web & You
- Map the Web
Smart Web User Series (6 hours)
In addition to the two intro modules that provide context, users explore understanding and evaluating online sources, plus they learn how design can be used persuade and encourage certain online behaviors.
- Web & You
- Map the Web
- Safety First
- Web Detective
- Design on the Web
Code & Create Series (6 hours)
In addition to the two intro modules that provide context, users explore web site creation by building simple, personal web pages with HTML; they also learn how these Web pages are hosted online.
- Web & You
- Map the Web
- Tagging 101
- Building Basic Pages
- All the Stickerz
- Building the Web with Thimble OR Web Builders