DIGITAL AND MEDIA LITERACY IN K-12 EDUCATION: WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT?

Abstract

This e-book was designed for K-12 educators who wish to understand, in practical terms, what Digital and Media Education entails—a topic that has become mandatory in Brazilian school curricula yet still raises many questions.
In recent years, a series of public policies and regulatory documents has significantly expanded the scope of what is expected of schools regarding the digital world. It is no longer just about teaching children how to use computers; it is about shaping them into critical, creative, and ethical citizens in a world deeply mediated by digital technologies and media.
This guide is organized into six chapters that range from fundamental concepts to practical classroom guidelines, covering the landscape of Brazilian educational policies and the challenges of teacher training along the way.
Who is this e-book for?
It is for teachers, pedagogical coordinators, school administrators, and education department staff working in K-12 education—from early childhood education to high school—who want to understand what Digital and Media Education is, why it matters, and how to begin implementing it.
The sources for this e-book are official documents: BNCC Computing (2022), the MEC Digital and Media Education Guide (2025), the CNE Operational Guidelines (2025), and the CIEB document "BNCC and Digital Culture" (2018).