The course aims to provide the basic computer skills necessary to enable informed use of network resources and productivity and processing tools most useful in the specific application context of the course of study.

Basic concepts of computer science (4 hours)

• Meaning and implications of the term digital
• The computer: nature, functions, naming and architecture
• Programmable objects and programming languages
• Concept of algorithm
• Introduction to coding and computational thinking
• Digital representation of text, images, sounds
• Computer networks and the Internet

Text writing programs and file formats (2 hours)

• Text editors
• Synchronous (WYSIWG paradigm) and asynchronous (WYSIWYM paradigm) typesetting programs

How to process data with spreadsheets (4 hours)

• Data entry and formatting
• Formulas and functions
• Cell references and formulas
• Sorting and linking data
• Data analysis tools
• Data list management (filters)
• Spreadsheet management and printing

Electronic archives and databases (4 hours)

• From electronic archives to databases
• Systems and languages for managing databases
• Relational DBMS: introduction to MS-Access

Digital information resources and the Web (2 hours)

• Architecture and standards for the Web
• Using search engines to find information on the Web
• How a search engine works

Programs for graphical representation of information (2 hours)

• Presentation tools

Online storage and sharing of content and documents (2 hours)

• Cloud storage services
• Web applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and polling

No specific prerequisites are needed. However, basic computer familiarity is required.

In relation to computer science teaching, the student must show possession of:

• Knowledge and under standing. At the end of the course, students must be able to understand and explain the fundamental concepts of computer science (what computer science deals with, the logic behind the functioning of a computer, the algorithm and the software) and in particular which uses information technology may have in the business environment.
• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge on IT tools in the business environment with particular reference to software tools for processing texts and graphical representation of information.
• Autonomy of judgment (making judgments). At the end of the course, students will have to demonstrate the ability to use knowledge and concepts to reason with autonomy of judgment according to the logic of the discipline.
• Communication skills. At the end of the course, students must be able to expose and discuss the topics studied with conceptual and linguistic precision, and to outline general frameworks that effectively and concisely illustrate the problems faced.
• Learning skills. At the end of the course, students must have achieved some familiarity with the basic concepts of computer science applied to the field of educational sciences in order to be able to independently acquire new knowledge by consulting in-depth bibliographic tools.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

They are not foreseen. 

Teaching

Lectures with operational examples.

 It is recommended that you bring a notebook to class.

Innovative teaching methods

Some course topics will be covered following the practice of the “flipped lesson.”

Attendance

No obligation to attend classes

Attendance is still recommended.

Course books

• Mauro Mezzini, Informatica di base, II edizione, Maggioli Editore, 2020.
• Educational materials available on the blended learning platform.

Assessment

The examination consists of an aptitude test. This means that no grades are awarded, only the qualification of "eligible." The proficiency test consists of passing an online questionnaire (available through Blended platform) with question type of multiple choice, multiple answer, true or false statement, open answer, word association, custom question. The test will cover the theoretical topics of the teaching program and the functionality of productivity software and online collaboration tools. The qualification of "eligibile" will be achieved by correctly answering 75% of the questions in the questionnaire.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study on the specific texts and materials reported.

Autonomous exercises on the topics of the application part.

Attendance

No obligation.

Course books

To give the opportunity for non-attending students to compensate with self-study what is done during the lectures, in addition to the study of the same book indicated for attending students, we recommend the use of all the materials included in the blended platform (slides, tutorials, supplementary material) particularly useful for the full understanding of the program content.

Assessment

The same methods of assessment for attending students.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.