International Comparative Study on Digital Media Literacy Elements in National Early Childhood Curricula in Finland, Canada, Australia, and South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: Digital media literacy has been recognized internationally as an important competence. The 2022 Revised Curriculum for elementary and secondary education reflects digital media literacy as an essential competency for democratic citizenship. While the global trend suggests early childhood as the time for commencing digital media literacy education, the related elements are not specifically contained in the Korean national early childhood curriculum (Nuri Curriculum).</br>The purpose of the current study is to propose a direction for revision of the Nuri Curriculum by comparatively analyzing the educational expectations, structures, and contents related to digital media literacy in early childhood curricula in Finland, Canada(Ontario), and Australia.Methods: Finland, Canada, and Australia implement lifetime media literacy education and systematically include media literacy in national level early childhood curricula. Educational expectations, structures, and contents related to digital and media literacy were analyzed according to media literacy and related skills and elements.Results: First, the educational expectations from international early childhood education curricula reflects digital and media literacy competency. Second, the international curricula suggest active online safety in ways such as participating in a safe, media-friendly environment. Finally, the international curricula encourage active development of digital literacy by suggesting diverse ways of using media.Conclusion: For digital media literacy development in early childhood, the elements of digital media literacy should be more specifically contained in the national level curriculum. Considering the change in the 2022 Revised Curriculum and global trend, it is necessary to reflect competencies in digital media literacy comprehensively in the Nuri Curriculum.