86680 - Computational Thinking - Cesena

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:

• Introduce some key computer science ideas.
• Stimulate creativity and the ability to develop computationalartifacts, using an iterative approach to design and implement innovative solutions.
• Highlight 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.
• Develop effective communication skills and collaboration.

Course contents

INTRODUCTION

• Applications of computational thinking in problem-solving, intelligence analysis, cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence and robotics
• Stages of computational thinking

MENTAL PROCESSES

• Algorithmic thinking
• Logical thinking
• Breakdown of problems
• Abstraction
• Pattern recognition
• Generalization

METHODS

• Automation
• Collection, analysis, and representation of data
• Parallelization
• Simulation
• Rating
  
• Algorithmic problem solving
• Storytelling

PRACTICES

• Experimenting, iterating, tinkering
• Testing and correcting errors (debugging)
• Reuse and remix

TRANSVERSAL SKILLS

• Create
• Communicate and collaborate
• Meta-cognition
• Manage ambiguity
• Reduce complexity

ANALYZED PLATFORMS / LANGUAGES

Two in the following list:

• Blockly
  
• Twine
• Scratch
• Snap
• Kojo

Readings/Bibliography

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

The material will be made available through the University of Bologna Online Teaching (IOL) website

Teaching methods

Class schedule  16:00 - 18:00 (sometimes it could be extended to 19:00, if requested by the students to allow group exercises) - online mode (TEAMS)

- FEB 22
- MAR 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- APR 12, 19 and 26
- MAY 3, 17 and 24

The course consists of

1) theoretical lessons and laboratory exercises:

• Transformation of a complex situation into hypotheses of possible solutions (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 (simple video games, animated stories)

 

It is important to participate in at least 70% of the lessons.

In case of prolonged absence for justified reasons, please contact the teacher via email (luisa.dallacqua2@unibo.it) to agree on the program

Assessment methods

• Fruitful participation in the ongoing laboratory exercises

• PROJECT-WORK. At the end of the course, you will be asked to present and discuss a project proposed and developed by the student, delivered at least a week before to the teacher.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Dall'Acqua