86680 - Computational Thinking - Cesena

Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures

Learning outcomes

Computational Thinking is a set of transversal skills related to the foundations of computer science as a scientific discipline. In an increasingly digital society, where software technological tools permeate daily life and, consequently, change the management of reality, mastering of trasversal skills is crucial to have success. The goal is not - of course - to acquire specific technical skills, but, on the contrary, to acquire interpretative perspectives of reality, which allow you to read the digital experience competently and responsibly. In particular, the following objectives will be pursued:

  • Introducing some key computer science ideas.
  • Stimulating creativity and the ability to develop computational artifacts,using an iterative approach to design and implement innovative solutions.
  • Highlighting the impact that IT has on people and society.
  • Knowing how to use computer science to explore questions and problems in domains of interest to the student
  • Developing effective communication skills and collaboration.

 

Course contents

INTRODUCTION

- Applications of computational thinking in problem-solving, intelligence analysis, cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence and robotics
- Human and Artificial Intelligence
- Metarverse
- Stages of computational thinking

MENTAL PROCESSES (Algorithmic thinking, Systems Thinking practice, Breakdown of problems, Abstraction, Pattern recognition, impact of virtual worlds on cognitive processes)

METHODS (Simulation; Problem solving; Gamification, Storytelling, Inquiry)

PRACTICES (iterating, testing, debugging)

TRANSVERSAL SKILLS (Meta-cognition, Managing ambiguity, Reducing complexity)

ANALYZED PLATFORMS / LANGUAGES
At least 2 in the following list: Blockly, Twine, Scratch, Snap, Kojo or a VR platform

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Slides and any further handouts provided during the lessons, as well as sitography and downloadable articles online.

A basic book will be suggested during the first lesson.

 

Teaching methods

The course consists of:

1) theoretical lessons and laboratory exercises:

  • Transformation of a complex situation into hypotheses of possiblesolutions (problem-based active teaching)
  • Analysis of some examples of disciplinary applications (case analysis)
  • Application of computational thinking in complex situations

2) final project work: realization of individual and / or group projects (animated stories or simple video games and so on)

It is important to participate in at least 70% of the lessons.
In case of prolonged absence for justified reasons, please contact the professor to agree on the program.

The lessons will take place in the second semester.

Assessment methods

  • Fruitful participation in the ongoing laboratory exercises 
  • PROJECT-WORK. At the end of the course, you will be asked topresent and discuss a project proposed and developed by thestudent, delivered at least a week before to the teacher.

Teaching tools

Teaching documents and the students' papers will be published on the "Virtuale" platform

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Dall'Acqua