DIGITAL LAB

DIGITAL LAB

Marco Iecher

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