Digital literacy integrated into K-12 curriculum

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (Deped) said it has formally integrated digital citizenship and responsibility into the basic education curriculum.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said they adopted the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) of telecommunications company Globe in line with its objective of educating students on proper online behavior and creating an open, inclusive and safe online environment.

“We are in a connected world where anyone can easily have access to the internet,” said Briones.

“While we believe that the internet is fundamental to achieving inclusive and equitable quality education, we are also aware that it exposes our youth to many potential risks that may harm them,” she added.

Developed by Globe to provide students and teachers with knowledge of digital citizenship and cyber safety, DTP provides insights into how the online world operates, how to be responsible online and how to make the most of the internet in a positive way.

It has four parts: Digital Insight, which features activities to help students discern proper online behavior to secure their information better; Digital Impact, which tackles issues on technology’s impact on students’ social activities; Digital Ambition, which equips students with skills on using technology to help achieve their life goals; and Digital Discernment, which teaches students how to spot false information online.

“We are deeply honored to have our Digital Thumbprint Program become an integral part of DepEd’s K to12 curriculum delivery content. Since DTP was launched three years ago as a free workshop, it has been our mission to reach out to as many students, teachers and parents as we can,” said Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability officer and senior vice president for corporate communications of Globe.