Let us start from scratch and understand the underlying concepts

That list is detailed on https://www.didel.com/BicoKitEn.pdf.

Interaction with teachers should expand the associated concepts in each of these categories:

Basics on LEDs

Basics on wiring

Basics on programming

Basics on software development tools

Basics on multiplexing

Basics on bitmaps

Logical to physical bitmap conversion

Graphic library

Display driver.

The BicoKit, available from Tindie, is a low cost shield for any Arduino board available as a kit form, if an easy soldering exercise is part of the course, or ready to use.