Empowering Urban Communities
Digital Literacy Curriculum
for Middle School
Equipping students with essential digital skills for the modern world through engaging, practical lessons
Curriculum Overview
BAM Digital Media’s middle school curriculum equips students with essential digital literacy skills for the modern world. Through engaging, practical lessons, students learn to navigate technology safely, responsibly, and creatively while building confidence for their digital future.
Course Offerings
Smart With Screens
2 Sessions (90-120 min)Students learn healthy tech habits, balance, and early responsibility. We discuss multitasking myths, managing notifications, and mental well-being. They also practice recognizing when technology starts affecting their mood or focus.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the impact of excessive screen time on physical and mental health
- Develop strategies for managing notifications and digital distractions
- Create a personal screen time balance plan
- Identify signs of unhealthy tech habits and intervention strategies
Success Metrics
- Students report improved focus and reduced digital stress
- Increased awareness of healthy technology boundaries
- 85% of students implement at least one new screen management strategy
AI Smarts for Students
2 Sessions (90-120 min)Middle schoolers learn practical uses for AI—summaries, brainstorming, studying—plus ethics, accuracy checks, and safe use. They also learn when AI should not be used, especially for schoolwork.
Learning Objectives
- Identify appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI tools in education
- Evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy and bias
- Apply AI tools ethically for learning enhancement
- Understand the importance of critical thinking with AI assistance
Success Metrics
- Students demonstrate ability to fact-check AI outputs
- Improved research and study efficiency using AI appropriately
- 90% of students can articulate when AI use crosses ethical boundaries
Guard Your Info Like a Boss
2 Sessions (90-120 min)We cover early cyber-hygiene: passwords, 2FA, phishing, digital trails. Students learn how online choices affect opportunities. They also learn how to spot suspicious activity and report it.
Learning Objectives
- Create and manage strong, unique passwords using best practices
- Enable and use two-factor authentication (2FA) across platforms
- Identify phishing attempts, scams, and suspicious digital activity
- Understand digital footprints and their long-term implications
Success Metrics
- 95% of students implement password managers or improved password practices
- Zero reported phishing incidents among participating students
- Students protect their online reputation and privacy effectively
Being a Good Digital Citizen
2 Sessions (90-120 min)Students explore respect, tone, empathy, and responsibility. We talk about group chats, conflict, and online consequences. They also learn how to advocate for themselves online.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate empathy and respect in digital communications
- Navigate conflicts in group chats and social media constructively
- Understand the permanence and consequences of online behavior
- Practice self-advocacy and standing up against cyberbullying
Success Metrics
- Reduction in peer-reported negative online interactions
- Students demonstrate improved digital communication skills
- 80% of students report feeling confident advocating for themselves online
Building Your Online Business Brain
2 Sessions (90-120 min)We introduce early entrepreneurship skills—digital products, small services, beginner branding. Students learn how ideas turn into income. They also explore creative ways to test simple business ideas safely.
Learning Objectives
- Identify viable digital business ideas aligned with personal interests
- Understand basic branding principles for online presence
- Learn safe, age-appropriate ways to test business concepts
- Develop entrepreneurial thinking and problem-solving skills
Success Metrics
- Students create at least one digital product or service concept
- Improved understanding of online commerce and digital economy
- 70% of students report increased entrepreneurial confidence
Creative Content With Confidence
2 Sessions (90-120 min)Students learn safe ways to express themselves online—videos, photos, writing—while protecting privacy and mental health. They also learn how to avoid comparing themselves to others online.
Learning Objectives
- Create engaging digital content while maintaining privacy
- Understand content ownership, copyright, and fair use basics
- Develop healthy perspective on social media comparison
- Apply privacy settings and audience awareness to content sharing
Success Metrics
- Students produce original content with appropriate privacy protections
- Reduced social media-related anxiety and comparison behaviors
- 85% of students demonstrate improved digital self-expression
Spotting Scams & Digital Tricks
2 Sessions (90-120 min)We examine scams targeting middle schoolers: gaming scams, fake giveaways, impersonation. Students learn red flags and responses. They also learn how to support friends who may fall for scams.
Learning Objectives
- Identify common scams targeting youth (gaming, giveaways, impersonation)
- Recognize red flags in emails, messages, and websites
- Respond appropriately when encountering potential scams
- Support peers who may have been targeted by scammers
Success Metrics
- Zero financial loss from scams among participating students
- Students report and prevent scam attempts effectively
- 95% of students can identify at least 5 common scam tactics
Your Future in a Digital World
2 Sessions (90-120 min)We explore tech-related careers and certifications they can begin preparing for now—no pressure, just possibilities. Students also learn that their strengths today can become skills tomorrow.
Learning Objectives
- Explore diverse career paths in technology and digital media
- Identify personal strengths and interests aligned with digital careers
- Learn about accessible certifications and skill-building opportunities
- Create a personal roadmap for digital skill development
Success Metrics
- Students identify at least 3 career paths of interest
- Increased motivation for technology and digital skill development
- 75% of students create a personal learning plan for digital skills
Implementation Models
Full Program (16 weeks)
Deliver all 8 courses sequentially with 2 sessions per course. Ideal for comprehensive digital literacy development throughout a semester.
Condensed Program (8 weeks)
Deliver all 8 courses with 1 session per course, focusing on core concepts. Perfect for shorter academic terms or intensive workshops.
Custom Module Selection
Select specific courses based on your community’s needs. Mix and match modules to create a tailored program that addresses your students’ priorities.
Program Support
What’s Included
- Complete lesson plans and instructor guides
- Student workbooks and activity sheets
- Digital resources and interactive tools
- Assessment rubrics and progress tracking
- Parent communication templates
- Certificate of completion for students
Instructor Training
Optional professional development workshops available for educators to ensure confident, effective delivery of the curriculum. Training covers teaching strategies, classroom management for digital topics, and adapting content for diverse learners.
About the Founder
Schnelle Acevedo, MPA
As the founder of BAM Digital Media, I have spent the past 14 years building a thriving online business rooted in creativity, community, and digital entrepreneurship. I bring real-world experience as a creator, educator, and MWBE-certified business owner to help learners grow confident and safe in today’s digital world.
Why Choose BAM Digital Media?
- Real-World Expertise Curriculum developed by an active digital entrepreneur with 14 years of industry experience
- Urban-Focused Content specifically designed to resonate with and empower urban youth communities
- Practical Skills Students gain immediately applicable knowledge, not just theoretical concepts
- Safety First Every module prioritizes student safety, privacy, and well-being
- Future-Ready Prepares students for emerging opportunities in the digital economy
- Flexible Delivery Adaptable for in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning environments
Get Started
Ready to bring digital literacy education to your school or community organization? Contact us to discuss your needs, explore scheduling options, and receive a customized proposal.