The computer skills course aims first of all to give students some basic notions of what the science that goes under the name computer science (Computer science) and how and with what effects it develops in favor of man and the sciences of training Students will also have to acquire adequate skills in the use of IT tools for the management and communication of information and skills related to computational thinking. In particular, how to apply the concept of coding to both kindergarten and primary school, all in line with the educational objectives of the degree course.

Basic concepts of computing (4 hours)

- Meaning and implications of the term digital

- The computer: nature, functions, naming and architecture

- Algorithms, data and programs: introduction to coding and computational thinking

-The various ways of representing algorithms (graphical or textual)

- Digital representation of text, images, sounds

- Computer networks and the Internet

Tools for coding activities in pre-school and primary school (6 hours)

- Tools for unplugged coding (for kindergarten and first-grade primary school children)

- Visual block programming tools (for older students in primary school classes and for secondary school students)

Text writing programs and file formats (6 hours)

- Text editors

- Synchronous typesetting programs (WYSIWG paradigm), Asynchronous composition programs (WYSIWYM paradigm)

- Writing the dissertation with Word

Archives and data tables (6 hours)

- Concept of archive and database

- Database management systems

- Processing and management of tables with spreadsheets

- Main functions of spreadsheets

Digital Information Resources and the Web (3 hrs)

- Web architecture and standards

- Using search engines to find information on the web

- How a search engine works

Programmes for the graphical representation of information, concepts and ideas (5 hours)

- Presentation tools

- Tools for creating cognitive maps (concept, mind)

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

- Cloud storage services

- Web-based word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and survey applications

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

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

1.  knowledge and under standing. At the end of the course the students will have to be able to understand and explain the fundamental concepts of computer science (of what the computer science deals with, the logic underlying the functioning of a computer, the algorithm and the software) and in particular which uses computer science can have in the disciplinary field of psychology.

2.  Applying knowledge and understanding. At the end of the course students will have to demonstrate ability to apply knowledge on computer tools in the field of Educational Sciences with particular reference to software tools for the processing of texts and the graphic representation of information, concepts and ideas.

3.  Making judgments. At the end of the course the students will have to demonstrate the ability to use knowledge and concepts to reason with independent judgment according to the logic of the discipline.

4.  Communication skills. At the end of the course the students will have to be able to present and discuss the topics studied with conceptual and linguistic precision, and to outline general frameworks that effectively and briefly illustrate the problems addressed.

5.  Learning skills. At the end of the course the students must have achieved a certain familiarity with the basic concepts of computer science applied to the field of Educational Sciences so as to be able to acquire new knowledge autonomously by consulting bibliographic in-depth analysis 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

Any additional lessons and / or seminars.

Teaching

Lectures and online, practical demonstrations on the use of the software indicated in the study program with the aid of multimedia tools. Structured exercises on the use of word processing software, information search, graphic representation of information, sharing of information on the network.

We recommend bringing a notebook to class.

Innovative teaching methods

Attendance

Nobody. Attendance is however recommended.

Course books

• Didactic materials available on the blended learning platform.
• Mauro Mezzini, Informatica di base, II edizione, Maggioli Editore, 2020. 
• Alessandro Bogliolo, Coding in Your Classroom, Now, Giunti Scuola, Firenzr, 2016.

Assessment

The exam consists of a suitability test. This means that no votes are awarded, only the qualification of "suitable".

The suitability test consists of:

• Written test through tests with multiple choice question type, multiple answer, true or false affirmation, open answer, word association, personalized question (total 35 questions) and / or any exercises to carry out. The test will focus on theoretical topics and on the use of the software tools indicated in the course program to ascertain the possession of the basic knowledge and skills acquired. The time for the test is forty minutes. The written test will be passed by answering exactly 75% of the questions and correctly carrying out any exercises.
• Written processing of a theme with a word processing program and presentation of the topic's argumentation in PowerPoint. Both papers must be sent by e-mail to the teacher ten days before the exam for the evaluation. The title of the topic, the editorial indications and the email address to which the works will be sent will be published on the blended learning platform.

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 of the specific texts and materials indicated.

Independent exercises on the topics of the application part.

Attendance

Nobody.

Course books

The same texts and teaching materials used by attending students.

Assessment

The same ascertained 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.