Digital Literacy at CIS: Empowering 21st century learners

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, literacy has expanded far beyond traditional reading and writing. At CIS, we define literacy as the ability to process, evaluate, and create information using advanced digital tools.

Our mission is to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum, providing students with meaningful 21st-century learning experiences that are directly transferable to the modern workplace.

A Certified Common Sense Digital Citizenship school

As a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School, CIS is committed to student safety and ethics. We have adopted the comprehensive K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum, which is designed to empower students to:

• Think Critically: Evaluate the source and intent of online information.
• Behave Safely: Protect personal data and navigate the internet securely.
• Participate Responsibly: Engage in digital communities with empathy and integrity.

The ‘One to World’ Programme

Led by our dedicated Digital Literacy Coaches, the ‘One to World’ programme is the heartbeat of technology at CIS. This initiative ensures students don't just use devices, but harness them as powerful tools for growth.

Through this programme, students learn to:

1. Identify what information is important in a crowded digital space.
2. Harness technology to enhance their unique learning styles.
3. Showcase their skills and talents to a global audience.
4. Practice ethical behavior while collaborating online.

Commitment to approved digital tools and student safety

At Canadian International School (CIS), student online safety, privacy, and academic integrity are paramount. To maintain a secure and focused learning environment, CIS exclusively utilizes approved digital platforms and applications such as Google Education Workspace, Google Gemini, ManageBac, and Seesaw that meet rigorous data protection and digital citizenship standards. Every digital resource integrated into the curriculum undergoes strict evaluation to ensure compliance with the school's Acceptable Network Use Policy and global safeguarding guidelines. By enforcing the use of school-sanctioned tools, managed accounts, and campus-restricted Wi-Fi, CIS protects personal data and provides a trusted digital ecosystem where students can safely collaborate, research, and innovate.

Device requirements: iPads and MacBooks

To ensure a consistent and immersive learning environment, all students are required to have their own personal device from the first day of school. These tools are essential for daily classroom activities and long-term projects.

Grades 3 to 6, students use the 1:1 iPad programme. Students in grades 5 to 6 must bring their own iPad to school every day. Order your iPad early to ensure you have it before the new school year starts and load it with the required Apps. Devices are required for a student's first day of school. Students in grades 1 to 4 are provided an iPad by the School. 

Grades 5 to 6: The minimum requirements and accessories are a 10th Generation 10.9 inch or the latest 11th Generation (A16) iPad Wi-Fi model with 128GB storage, however 256GB storage capacity is preferable. Students are also required to have a digital pencil and a protective case with a keyboard. We recommend the Logitech Combo Touch for iPad and the Logitech Crayon for iPad to have access to the note-taking, writing and drawing capabilities. 

Grades 7-12 are required to bring their own MacBook with at least macOS Sequoia 15.7.7 installed to school every day. MacBook software required for Secondary School students will be programme or subject specific. It will either be provided by CIS, downloaded as needed, or requested to be purchased at a later date.

• Grades 3 – 6 
  iPad - View iPad Programme Parent Guide
• Grades 7 – 12
  Macbook - View MacBook Programme Parent Guide

Why Digital Literacy Matters

By integrating technology into every subject, we prepare our students to be more than just consumers of content—we prepare them to be innovators and creators. The ability to use communication tools and networks effectively is no longer optional; it is a fundamental skill for success in an increasingly digitalized world.