Welcome to Digital Pathway Peaks!
Digital skills are the foundation for the careers of the future and play an increasingly important role in our everyday lives. From understanding the basics of coding and engineering to exploring data science and computer hardware, these skills help students think critically, solve problems creatively, and thrive in a world shaped by technology. Whether students pursue a tech career or simply want to be more confident navigating the digital world, the resources here provide valuable opportunities to learn and grow.
Revisit earlier stops on your journey to digital literacy!
With each new destination you explore, going back helps you see familiar concepts in fresh ways, building stronger skills and understanding along the way.
In Digital Pathway Peaks, you’ll find exciting courses and tools that students can explore on their own or teachers can use with the entire class. Learn to code with Scratch or Python, discover the inner workings of computers, dive into data science, or engage with Minecraft Education for lessons in coding, math, and science—all designed to make learning hands-on and fun.
For parents, these resources offer an easy way to encourage digital literacy at home, helping your kids develop skills that are as essential for life as they are for work. For teachers, the courses can enhance lessons across subjects, bringing coding, engineering, math, and science to life in meaningful and engaging ways.
Wherever you’re starting from, Digital Pathway Peaks provides a clear and exciting route to mastering the digital skills that matter most. Let’s begin the climb!
Minecraft Education is more than just a game; it’s a transformative educational tool that equips students with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age. By enhancing problem-solving skills, promoting collaboration, encouraging creativity, building digital literacy, developing STEM skills, and fostering global awareness, Minecraft Education prepares students for a future where technology plays a central role.
Logics Academy
Minecraft Education Lesson Library
This lesson library provides everything you need to engage your students, including lesson plans, teacher prep videos, student “pause and play” videos, Minecraft worlds, curriculum connections, and more. Easily filter by grade level or subject—such as math, science, and more—and engage your students with the world of Minecraft!
Minecraft: Great Tech Story
In this lesson, students will learn where their phone, game console, or latest app came from. Students will also learn how computing in the past evolve into what we experience today and how they can make and use tech to change the world for the better.
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Coding with Minecraft (Grades 2-3)
In this lesson, students will explore 5 essential computer science lessons that not only help develop the ability to code, but also enhance problem solving and creativity. During these lessons students will explore the basics of block coding and begin to build an understanding of how computational thinking is used to create things in code. This lesson has a focus on essential coding competencies for block coding and builds on student engagement and creativity with technology across the curriculum.
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Coding in Minecraft (Grades 7-8)
In this lesson, students will explore 5 essential computer science lessons that not only help develop the ability to code, but also enhance problem-solving and creativity. After exploring the basics of block coding, students will have the opportunity to extend their understanding of logic to an introduction to Python. This lesson has a focus on essential coding competencies for any computer language and builds on student engagement and creativity with technology across the curriculum.
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Minecraft: Python 101 (Part 1)
Explore the Fundamentals of Syntax Coding with Python (Lessons 1 – 5)! Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended. Systematically test and refine programs using a range of test cases.
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Minecraft: Coding Coral Reef
In this lesson, students will learn about coral reefs by using code in Minecraft to build one. Re-build a coral reef in Minecraft by using code. Write your own functions to have the Agent build coral structures. Learn More
Minecraft: A Tale of Two Villages
Use block-based or Python code to bring two villages together!
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Fractions, Decimals & Coding in Math
In this lesson, students will learn how to integrate Minecraft Education activities to supplement the current Fractions & Decimals unit and show how coding can be integrated in math. Our videos will help guide you and your students through each of the activities, providing options for student reflection and sharing, leaving room for you to determine your own assessment techniques.
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Introduction to Modern AI
Unlock the world of Artificial Intelligence with the new Introduction to Modern AI course, now available through National CyberDay! This beginner-friendly, self-paced course is perfect for teachers, students, and parents who want to explore how AI is transforming the way we work, learn, and create. Learn the basics of AI, dive into hands-on activities with popular AI tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Google Translate, and discover how to enhance your productivity and creativity.
Whether you’re new to AI or eager to expand your skills, this course will guide you through exciting concepts like computer vision, machine translation, and writing smarter prompts for chatbots. Take your first steps into the future and see how AI can make everyday tasks easier while boosting your potential.
Intro to IoT & Digital Transformation
Explore the world of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the free Intro to IoT & Digital Transformation course, available for K-12 teachers, students, and parents! IoT is reshaping industries and creating exciting career opportunities.
In this self-paced course, students can dive right in and learn how IoT, AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity are transforming the world.
Educators can also bring this course into the classroom, offering students hands-on learning that opens doors to high-demand tech careers. Start today and see how IoT can boost your skills and future potential!
Digital Awareness
Start building your digital skills today with the free Digital Awareness course, designed for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! This beginner-friendly, self-paced course covers essential digital skills like internet searching, creating strong passwords, troubleshooting tech issues, and protecting personal data from online threats. With interactive activities, quizzes, and 20 short videos, students can begin learning right away at their own pace.
For educators, this course is a great resource to incorporate into your classroom, helping students of all levels become confident in navigating the digital world. Whether you’re learning independently or guiding students through the course, Digital Awareness is the perfect introduction to staying safe and efficient online.
Additional Courses by The Cisco Networking Academy
Using Computer and Mobile Devices
Boost your digital confidence with the free Using Computer & Mobile Devices course, available now for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! In just 6 hours, this self-paced course will guide you through the basics of using computers and mobile devices, from understanding hardware and software to managing apps, storage, and performance. You’ll also master key skills like connecting to the internet, handling files, and using trackpads and mice with ease.
Students can start the course right away and learn at their own pace, while educators can incorporate it into their classroom to help students develop essential tech skills for school and beyond. Whether you’re new to technology or just looking to enhance your digital skills, this course is the perfect place to start!
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Protect your digital world with the free Introduction to Cybersecurity course, now available for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! This self-paced course will introduce you to the fundamentals of cybersecurity, helping you safeguard your personal data and understand the challenges faced by businesses, governments, and schools today. Learn how cybersecurity professionals protect networks and discover why this field is in high demand.
Students can dive in and start learning at their own pace, while educators can easily incorporate the course into their classroom to introduce students to the exciting and essential world of cybersecurity. It’s a great way to empower learners with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe online and explore potential career paths in a growing industry. Start your cybersecurity journey today!
Introduction to Data Science
Unlock the world of data with the free Introduction to Data Science course, now available for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! This self-paced course introduces the basics of data science, analytics, and engineering, offering a look into how machine learning is transforming industries like business, healthcare, education, and more. Learn how data-driven decisions are shaping the future and discover why data science professionals are in high demand globally.
Students can start the course right away and learn at their own pace, while educators can easily incorporate this resource into the classroom to introduce students to a rapidly growing field. Whether you’re exploring data science for the first time or looking to inspire the next generation of data scientists, this course is the perfect starting point!
Computer Hardware Basics
Discover the world of computers with the free Computer Hardware Basics course, available for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! This self-paced course introduces the essential components of computers and mobile devices, from smartphones to supercomputers, and covers how they work and basic troubleshooting techniques. Understanding these devices is crucial in today’s digital world, and this course is a perfect starting point for anyone interested in IT careers.
Students can jump in and start learning right away at their own pace, while educators can easily incorporate this course into the classroom to help students develop a foundational understanding of technology. Whether you’re new to computers or looking to expand your tech knowledge, Computer Hardware Basics is the perfect way to get started!
Operating System Basics
Unlock the power of operating systems with the free Operating System Basics course, designed for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! This self-paced course covers the essentials of operating systems (OS) like Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS, which power the devices we use every day, from smartphones to game consoles. Understanding how operating systems work is a key digital skill for success in any IT career.
Students can dive into the course and start learning at their own pace, while educators can seamlessly integrate it into the classroom to help students build a strong foundation in OS concepts. With lessons on OS security, configuring mobile devices, and setting up network connectivity, this course is the perfect way to introduce students to the world of technology and set them up for future success!
Virtual Lab: Getting Started with Packet Tracer
Dive into the world of networking, IoT, and cybersecurity with the free Virtual Lab: Getting Started with Packet Tracer course, available now for K-12 students, teachers, and parents! This self-paced course introduces you to Cisco Packet Tracer, an innovative network simulation tool that lets you practice and visualize networks without any hardware. You’ll learn to simulate real-world networks, build problem-solving skills, and explore best practices through interactive lab activities.
Students can start right away and learn at their own pace, while educators can easily incorporate this hands-on tool into their classroom to enhance lessons on networking and cybersecurity. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your tech skills, this course is the perfect way to get started with one of the most powerful tools in the field!
Jump-Starting Digital Careers (JDC)
Enrich your classroom with hands-on, future-focused learning. JDC is a free program designed to help K-12 educators prepare their students for success in higher education and the modern workplace. JDC combines curriculum-based learning, hands-on experiences, and technology career exploration, opening doors to exciting opportunities in ICT (Information and Communication Technology).
Explore pathways like CyberTitan, a national cyber defense competition; FIT/MyFIT, which builds ICT skills for middle and secondary students; and Cybrary, a resource hub for cybersecurity education.
For educators, explore CyberBytes, designed exclusively for developing your personal and professional digital literacy.
Empower your students with the digital skills they need for tomorrow’s careers. Register now to get started!
Middle Years Focus on Information Technology (MyFIT)
The MyFIT (Middle Years Focus on Information Technology) program equips Grades 6-8 students with future-ready skills through hands-on learning and real-world applications. This free program develops leadership, technical, and business competencies, paving the way for success in high school, post-secondary education, and ICT careers.
Students explore three key pillars—Aptitudes, Technology/Digital Skills, and Business Application—while diving into exciting topics like AI, IoT, and Data Science. Flexible options, including non-device activities and CyberPi-powered projects, spark curiosity and inspire innovation.
Educators: Register today to bring MyFIT’s dynamic learning pathways to your classroom!
Focus on Information Technology (FIT)
Equip students for tech-driven futures with Focus on Information Technology (FIT)! This free program helps Canadian high school students develop real-world ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and digital skills while earning their diploma. With pathways in Cybersecurity, Software Development, Interactive Media, Network Operations, and Business Analytics, FIT combines hands-on learning with career preparation.
With FIT, educators help students gain practical experience, build leadership skills, and explore post-secondary opportunities in technology, making FIT a valuable resource for educators looking to inspire tomorrow’s innovators.
Serious Games
Serious games go beyond entertainment, using gaming to address real-world challenges like managing anxiety or overcoming phobias. These games are designed to help players develop skills, cope with emotions, or improve mental health in an engaging way. The slides feature the original 2048 game, where players combine tiles to reach 2048. After exploring this classic, students will learn how to create their own version using Tkinter and Python. Get started by accessing the user files in the button below!
UBCx: Engineering for Your Classroom K–3
Self-paced, asynchronous course aimed to help educators introduce Science, Math, Engineering and Technology (STEM) concepts to K-3 students.
UBCx: Engineering for Your Classroom 4–9
Self-paced, asynchronous course aimed to help educators incorporate engineering design activities in your classroom
UBCx: Putting The Arts in STEM Education
Putting the Arts in STEM is an activity focused, self-paced course designed to help educators use the skills that can be learned through the arts and transferred to other STEM fields
Additional Courses by UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach
Generative Art In Scratch
Students will learn about algorithms and how they can be used to generate visual art in Scratch with this complete lesson plan including worksheets.
scratch tutorial
This tutorial goes through some of the basics of Scratch and gets you started coding your own story!
scratch jr. tutorial
This video goes through the main features and the basics of the app Scratch Jr. so you can start using it with your younger students.
TinkerCad Basics Tutorial
This quick 5 minute video explains some of the TINKERCAD basics so you can begin to use it in your classroom!
Engineering Technology Careers and Pathways in Ontario
Designed for students in grades 8-12, this course by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) will guide you through the careers, paths and opportunities available in engineering and applied science technology.
Digital skills are more than tools—they’re gateways to creativity, problem-solving, and success in a tech-driven future. With the right resources, every learner can confidently climb toward new possibilities.
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