At Epic, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to support educators as they help students build healthy, empowered relationships with the digital world. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight an opportunity from the Center for Digital Thriving (CDT), based at Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education: a new online professional learning experience created for today’s classrooms.
Helping educators lead with confidence in a digital world
CDT’s new online course, From “Referee” to “Coach” — and Other Game-Changing Mindshifts for Teaching Digital Well-being, Digital Citizenship, & Media Literacy, offers practical guidance for teaching digital well-being, media literacy and responsible technology use. Built on years of research from Project Zero and led by Dr. Carrie James and Dr. Emily Weinstein, authors of Behind Their Screens, the course gives educators a deeper understanding of what young people experience online and how adults can support them more effectively.
Participants gain insights, strategies and reflection activities that can be used right away in classrooms, counseling settings and school communities.
Flexible learning for busy educators
This professional development opportunity helps educators integrate digital and media literacy into everyday teaching. The course is fully online and asynchronous, offering up to 8 hours of professional development. Educators can participate on their own schedule, making it an easy fit for already full calendars.
Registration for the digital and media literacy course is available here through June 30, 2026. Educators can use the code EPIC25 to receive 25% off the registration fee.
A shared commitment to supporting students
Epic’s mission has always been centered on helping kids thrive as readers and learners. This partnership with the Center for Digital Thriving aligns with our belief that when educators feel supported, students benefit.
“Our team is thrilled to be collaborating with Epic to make this course accessible to educators who are on the frontlines of supporting youth to have agency—and to thrive—in a world of ever-changing technologies,” said Carrie James, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Center for Digital Thriving.
Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Center for Digital Thriving
“At Epic, we are committed to partnering with organizations that share our belief in empowering kids through thoughtful, intentional learning,” said Norman Basch, VP of Business Development, Epic. “The Center for Digital Thriving brings deep expertise in what young people are experiencing today, and we’re thrilled to help connect educators with resources that can support their work in real, meaningful ways.”
VP of Business Development, Epic
“Educators are doing incredible work helping students navigate both reading and digital life, and they deserve support that is practical, research-based and easy to use,” said Cherish Mims, Manager of Education Relations, Epic. “We’re excited to share this opportunity from the Center for Digital Thriving because it aligns with our commitment at Epic to give educators the tools they need to help students grow with confidence, online and offline.”
Manager of Education Relations, Epic
Learn more and get started
To explore the course or register, visit https://digitalthriving.link/EPIC!.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What are Read-To-Me books on Epic?
Read-To-Me books are some of the best books for early readers, allowing kids to read on their own even if they can’t read yet. They feature human narration and sound effects to bring the story to life, plus the book pages with text highlighting so kids can enjoy the pictures and follow along while they listen. Read-To-Me books have a green audio icon at the bottom-right corner, so you can identify them right away.
▶ What are the best Read-To-Me books on Epic for kids?
Epic has thousands of Read-To-Me books, from comics to chapter books to nonfiction titles. Cat Ninja Book 1: The Great Hamster Heist, How I Met My Monster, and Scribbles and Ink: Out of the Box are some of the most popular Read-To-Me books. You can also now find Splat the Cat, Pete the Cat, and Phoebe and Her Unicorn as Read-To-Me books.
▶ Where do the books on Epic come from?
Epic’s library includes books from some of the most trusted names in children’s publishing—like HarperCollins, Scholastic, Andrews McMeel, Sesame Street, National Geographic, and others. You’ll also find Epic Originals, our very own exclusive stories created just for Epic readers. From action-packed comics like Cat Ninja to chapter books like Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw, these books are created in collaboration with educational experts so they are kid and teacher approved!
▶ Can my child read Epic books offline?
Yes! With an Epic Family account, you can download books to read offline—perfect for travel or if you live in an area where Wi-Fi is spotty. Many Epic Read-To-Me books also work offline, with narration and sound effects included.
▶ How do Read-To-Me books help kids learn?
Read-To-Me books combine text, audio narration, and highlighting to help kids follow along as they listen. Great for English-language learners and early readers, these books help kids build reading confidence, practice letter-sound correspondence, and learn high-frequency words, making them some of the best online reading tools for younger readers.
