DIGITAL LAB
Instructional goals
The course teaches students fundamental digital skills necessary for productive engaging with digital information. Through the course students will learn how to interact with online databases, how to use online databases or online forms to collect data, how to use spreadsheet software for data analysis, word processors for data reporting, and web technologies for online presentation.
During the course the students will also learn how to work with data repositories of their interest for the study program. They will learn how to query the data in the different repositories and search engines, and how to extract the data for using with reports and analysis.
The course also introduces students to the foundations of web-based applications.
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to collect digital data from various online sources, import and analyze data in Excel, report the results of data analysis with Word, and disseminate data, reports and analysis on the web through a simple website they will learn how to build.
Course Contents
Collecting data performing query on specific digital platform. Assessing quality and reliability of data found online. Using Google Form for collecting data. Analyzing a dataset using MS Excel. Using MS Word for describing analysis results. The fundamentals concept of Web-based application. Using a CMS site for configuring a personal web site, integrating some applications (e.g. Google forms) in the website.
Reference Books
Slides and other materials will be provided during the course using the official e-learning platform
Teaching Methods
During the course, every student will work on a personal project using her own laptop, implementing the data collection-analysis-reporting-presentation workflow, applying the concepts and using the tools introduced during class.
Assessment Method
Test based on Multiple choice
Thesis assignment criteria
Serious and motivation interest to study the topics of the course
Individual colloquium
Does the syllabus cover sustainability topics?
The course will cover the carbon footprint of digital services and provide useful information on how to use the Internet in a sustainable way.
Creating, editing, storing, and sharing documents through computers reduces environmental impact by mitigating the use of paper, inks and means of transport. This will help to promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and sustainably manage forests (UN Sustainable Development Goal #15).
The conscious use of technology will help to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all (UN Sustainable Development Goal #8).
Week 1 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Course introduction. Using digital platform for retrieving data. How to perform a proper query. How to assess quality. Some examples.
Week 2 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Using Google Forms for collecting data. Designing and creating an online form using Google applications.
Week 3 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Introduction to MS Excel. Basic functionalities and the use of formulas
Week 4 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Analyzing data, creating diagrams and charts using MS Excel
Week 5 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Introduction to the use of pivot table and charts on MS Excel
Week 6 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Exercises on pivot tables. How to get data from other Excel sheets.
Week 7 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Introduction to the fundamentals of MS Word. Ho to use table of contents, revisions and comments.
Week 8 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Creating a report of analysis using MS Word
Week 9 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Introduction to how the Internet works. Web technologies, on-line information: how a search engine works, how to perform a proper query.
Week 10 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Web: web-based applications and content management systems. Introduction to web sites
Week 11 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
How to set up a personal website
Week 12 Contenuto sessioni on line e on campus
Digital media and tools. Recap. Questions & Answers