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. In addition, students are expected to acquire adequate skills related to computational thinking, particularly how to apply the concept of coding to both preschool and elementary school, all consistent with the educational objectives of the degree program. 

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

Tools for coding activities in the school (6 hours)

• Unplugged conding tools (for kindergarten and early elementary school children) 
• Visual block programming tools (for older students in elementary school classrooms and early secondary school students)

Text writing programs and file formats (6 hours)

• Text editors
• Synchronous typesetting programs (WYSIWG paradigm)
• Asynchronous composition programs (WYSIWYM paradigm)

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

Slides available on the Blended platform.

Teaching

Lectures with operational examples.

It is recommended to bring a notebook to class.

Innovative teaching methods

Individual and group exercises and in-depth study, which students will carry out using the University's Moodle platform.

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

Attendance

No obligation to attend classes.

However, attendance is recommended.

Course books

Mauro Mezzini, Informatica di base, II edizione, Maggioli Editore, 2020. 

Alessandro Bogliolo,A Scuola con CodyRoby, Giunti Scuola, Firenze, 2020.

Alessandro Bogliolo,Coding in your classroom, now! Computational thinking is for everyone, Giunti Scuola, Firenze, 2018.

Assessment

The examination consists of an aptitude test. This means that no grades are awarded, only the qualification of "suitable." The aptitude test consists of a questionnaire (available via Blended platform) with question types of multiple choice, multiple answer, true or false statement, open answer, word association, custom question. The questionnaire will be based on the theoretical topics and the use of the software tools indicated in the course syllabus to ascertain the possession of basic knowledge and acquired skills. 

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

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

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.