The course aims to provide students with the computer knowledge needed to carry out the main activities required to professional figures linked to this training path (Sociology and Social Work). During the course, basic computer tools will be used in reference to the tasks and duties required of sociologists and social workers, and in relation to the problems that these professional figures are called upon to address with the support of information technology. The course will specifically focus on using computer science in the field of activities that require text processing, data collecting and analysis, information and data research (secondary analysis), as well as the presentation of outcomes. Various applications will be used during the course, and the most important functions as well the most effective techniques of use for the professional purposes of sociologists and social workers will be described.

Basic computer science: hardware and software, data and information; Computer science and social sciences;

Text processing: building a text and Word functions

Data processing and analysis with spreadsheets: basic and advanced Excel

Presentations: Power Point

Secondary research and analysis: searching for information and data

Secondary research and analysis: searching on the Internet and in databases

Bibliographic research

None

Knowledge and understanding:

• The student must demonstrate mastery of basic knowledge relating to the fundamental principles of basic computer science, the founding paradigms of this science and its evolution over time, as well as the applications of computer tools in modern society;

• In-depth knowledge of the specific fields of action and analysis of the world of social sciences, in particular sociology and social services, of the areas and professional profiles of reference of these disciplines, of the computer skills required by the job market and of the problems of digitalization of social professions.

Applied knowledge and understanding:

• Mastery of specific knowledge relating to the fields of application of ICT tools in the world of social sciences, in particular the professions of sociologist and social worker, especially regarding the use of text writing applications, statistical data analysis, presentations, online research;

• Knowledge of theoretical debate surrounding the use of IT technologies in the various fields of social sciences, in particular with reference to the main techniques of quantitative social research;

• Knowledge of the nature of the operational relationships between the use of its technologies and IT as a science in itself, as well as its continuous evolutions and interconnections with social professions.

Autonomy of judgment:

• The student must demonstrate that he/she has acquired autonomy of judgment and management of the problems relating to the use of ICT tools in the social sciences, and that he/she knows how to identify the most suitable specific functions and the useful commands to address the problems required of sociologists and social workers in the concrete performance of their professional tasks;

• Mastery of specific methods related to the empirical use of information technology in the fields of action of the social sciences, with particular attention to the internet search, information and data research through this complex channel;

• Ability to quickly identify the specific functions that information technology makes available to the social researcher, through the use of available manuals, reference bibliography, and non-traditional sources of information, such as those present on the web.

Communication skills:

• The student must demonstrate that he/she has developed the ability to learn and orient himself easily in the problems faced in the use of information technology in the professions of the social sciences, through the most appropriate communication tools (verbal or written for example);

• Ability and speed in choosing the relevant information that is the core of communications that derive from the use of information technology in the field of social sciences, as well as full ability to know how to develop the communication through a selection of the central and peripheral topics to be communicated;

• Mastery of the operational and formal methods of communications, in particular with reference to the figure of the recipient of the communication.

Learning ability:

• Ability to orient oneself towards a continuous learning approach of the social researcher towards information technologies, in which the problems to be solved are interpreted in terms of stimuli and research for insights;

• Ability to know how to apply clear and defined methods in order to identify the different technological solutions to the problems of social research, in a research (and discovery) perspective that goes beyond the specific field of information technology.

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

Teaching

The additional teaching material prepared by the teacher (such as slides, handouts, exercises, bibliography, and such) and the communications of the teacher are available on the Moodle platform blended.uniurb.it

The course is developed jointly through lectures and practical exercises in the computer room.

Attendance

Attendance at least 3/4 of the lessons and active participation in the proposed teaching activities are required

Course books

- The exercises to be completed indicated in the “Exam exercises” folder on the blended/uniurb platform;

- Mezzini M. 2020, Basic computer science (second edition), Maggioli Editore (Chapters 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9.1-4)

- Barberis E., Cabiati E. and Cacopardo B.M. 2023, Digitalization and Social work education: an Italian overview, in “Politiche Sociali”, n.2

- Bennato 2021 - Digital sociology. What is it for and why do we need it so much, in “Agendadigitale.eu” (The link is available on the blended/uniurb platform)

Assessment

The assessment is carried out individually through a series of questions on the texts studied and through a structured test to be carried out individually on the computer, aimed at ascertaining the level of mastery of the required ICT skills, based on the exercises indicated in the exam program. IMPORTANT: to take the exam, the credentials for accessing the portal and the university web services are required. The assessment is carried out by a commission chaired by the professor in charge of the course.

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.

Course books

- The exercises to be carried out indicated in the “Exam exercises” folder on the blended/uniurb platform;

- Mezzini M. 2020, Basic Computer Science (second edition), Maggioli Editore (Chapters 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9.1-4)

- Barberis E., Cabiati E. and Cacopardo B.M. 2023, Digitalization and Social work education: an Italian overview, in “Politiche Sociali”, n.2

- Bennato 2021 - Digital sociology. What is it for and why do we need it so much, in “Agendadigitale.eu” (The link is available on the blended/uniurb platform)

Assessment

The assessment is carried out individually through a series of questions on the texts studied and through a structured test to be carried out individually on the computer, aimed at ascertaining the level of mastery of the required ICT skills, based on the exercises indicated in the exam program. IMPORTANT: to take the exam, the credentials for accessing the portal and the university web services are required. The assessment is carried out by a commission chaired by the professor in charge of the course.

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.

Foregner students may email the teacher to arrange the proper study program and the exercises in English.