AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This module aims to develop digital competences in line with the European framework DigComp 3.0, with particular attention to problem solving, responsible use of technologies, and the development of digital agency.
In coherence with the approach of Cyber Humanities, the course promotes a view of technology as a cognitive and cultural tool.
In particular, the course aims to:
- develop skills in searching, analyzing, and critically evaluating digital information;
- promote responsible, safe, and informed use of digital technologies;
- introduce computational thinking as a tool for modeling and problem solving;
- foster informed interaction with advanced digital systems, maintaining critical control and evaluation;
- develop metacognitive skills in problem solving and technology use.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to develop fundamental digital competences in accordance with the European DigComp 3.0 framework, with particular attention to the critical, responsible, and informed use of digital technologies in personal, academic, and professional contexts.

Students will become familiar with:

• the fundamental concepts of computer science and computational thinking;
• the effective, safe, and responsible use of digital tools for individual and collaborative productivity;
• strategies for searching, selecting, evaluating, and critically processing digital information;
• issues related to the reliability of online information, including misinformation, content manipulation, and algorithmic bias;
• the basic principles of digital content creation and coding as tools for representing and solving problems;
• the fundamental concepts underlying Artificial Intelligence systems and their social, educational, and ethical implications;
• the informed management of digital identity, security, and personal data protection.

The course promotes an approach centered on digital citizenship, the development of autonomy in the use of technology, and the ability to exercise critical control over the digital processes that influence the production, dissemination, and use of information.

Expected Learning Outcomes (EQF Level 6)

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the fundamental concepts of computer science and computational thinking.
• Use digital tools effectively and responsibly for productivity, collaboration, and information management.
• Search for, select, and critically evaluate online information, recognizing unreliable content, fake news, and misinformation.
• Apply computational thinking principles and basic coding techniques to model data and address simple problems.
• Analyze the opportunities, limitations, and risks associated with Artificial Intelligence systems, with particular attention to ethical, social, and regulatory aspects.
• Reflect on the impact of digital technologies on society and on their own educational and professional development.
• Manage their digital identity responsibly and adopt safe and responsible behaviors in online environments.

Expected Learning Outcomes by DigComp 3.0 Area

Area 1 – Information Search, Evaluation and Management

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Search for and identify useful and reliable digital information on the web and in open databases.
• Critically evaluate the quality, reliability, and relevance of online sources.
• Distinguish verified information from misinformation and manipulation by applying fact-checking strategies.
• Organize and reuse information responsibly while respecting copyright and licensing requirements.

Area 2 – Communication and Collaboration

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Use digital tools for communication and collaboration in academic and professional contexts.
• Share digital content safely and in accordance with principles of online etiquette.
• Adopt inclusive and responsible behaviors in online interactions.
• Recognize risks related to digital identity and manage their online reputation appropriately.

Area 3 – Content Creation

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Produce simple digital content (texts, spreadsheets, presentations) using productivity tools.
• Apply basic coding concepts to structure data and solve problems through guided activities.
• Use digital tools and AI systems to support content creation while critically evaluating their outputs.
• Understand the concept of intellectual property and comply with content licensing requirements.

Area 4 – Safety, Wellbeing and Responsible Use

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize risks related to privacy, cybersecurity, and online tracking.
• Apply safe practices in the management of personal data.
• Understand the ethical and regulatory implications of AI-based tools, including the European Union AI Act.
• Adopt responsible practices when interacting with emerging technologies.

Area 5 – Problem Identification and Solving

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Analyze simple problems related to information management and digital content.
• Break down problems into manageable components that can be addressed through digital tools or basic coding.
• Critically evaluate the contribution of digital tools and AI systems to problem solving while maintaining autonomy and verification capabilities.
• Adapt digital tools to different contexts in order to improve the effectiveness of their activities.

Upon successful completion of the course and the final examination, students will be awarded an Open Badge certifying the acquisition of Digital Citizenship competences in accordance with the European DigComp 3.0 framework.

TEACHING METHODS

The course combines theoretical instruction and practical activities aimed at developing the digital competences defined by the DigComp 3.0 framework.

Theoretical activities introduce the fundamental concepts of computer science, digital citizenship, information management, digital safety, computational thinking, and the responsible use of digital technologies. Lectures integrate instructor-led presentations with case studies, discussions, and practical examples.

Practical and laboratory activities enable students to apply the concepts covered during the course through guided exercises, individual and collaborative tasks, critical analysis of digital resources, the use of productivity tools, and introductory coding and problem-solving activities.

Although attendance is not mandatory, regular participation in lectures and laboratory sessions is strongly recommended. Independent study should be supported by the consultation of learning materials made available through the course website and by the completion of the activities assigned throughout the course.

Laboratory activities will be coordinated by the course instructor with the support of teaching assistants. Information regarding laboratory organization, participation procedures, and any student group allocation will be communicated at the beginning of the course and made available through the course website.

The course is worth 6 ECTS credits and requires an overall student workload of approximately 150 hours, including lectures, laboratory activities, and independent study.

The course is offered both within the Master's Degree Programme in Digital Humanities and the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Media, Communication and Society.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course contents are designed in accordance with the European DigComp 3.0 framework and the principles of digital citizenship, with particular attention to the competences required by Digital Humanities students and, more broadly, by citizens and professionals operating in a society increasingly shaped by digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence systems.

The course introduces the fundamental concepts of computer science and computational thinking, providing students with the tools needed to understand how digital technologies work and how they influence the production, organization, and dissemination of knowledge.

A significant part of the course is devoted to information and data literacy, focusing on strategies for searching, selecting, critically evaluating, and managing digital information, as well as on issues related to information quality, misinformation, and the biases that characterize contemporary digital ecosystems.

The course also explores digital communication and collaboration practices, digital identity management, participation in online environments, and the principles of responsible digital citizenship.

Within the area of digital content creation, students are introduced to tools and methodologies for producing, organizing, and reusing digital content, together with the fundamental principles of copyright, licensing, and the responsible use of digital resources. Introductory concepts of coding and computational problem solving are also presented as tools for structuring information and addressing problems.

Particular attention is devoted to digital safety, personal data protection, privacy, digital well-being, and the social and environmental impact of digital technologies.

Finally, the course examines digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence as technological, cultural, and social phenomena, introducing students to the opportunities, limitations, and ethical implications of AI systems while promoting a critical, informed, and responsible approach to their use.

The overall learning experience is aimed at developing problem-solving abilities, digital autonomy, critical thinking, and responsible participation in academic, professional, and civic life, in accordance with EQF Level 6.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Brookshear J. Glenn, Brylow Dennis, Computer Science. An Overview. Ediz. mylab, Pearson Education Inc., 2020
• Giovanni Adorni, Transparencies, notes and exercises, made available on the course portal on AulaWeb.

Software:

• OpenOffice.org: Open Source Project, Italian language version, available at: http://download.openoffice.org/index.html.
• Overleaf.com: the easy-to-use, online, collaborative LaTeX editor, available at: https://overleaf.com/.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

In order to be admitted to the final examination, students are required to prepare and submit a Personal Competence Portfolio documenting the learning activities carried out throughout the course.

The Portfolio includes:

• a Disciplinary Thematic Glossary, progressively developed during the course through the collection, definition, and refinement of the key concepts addressed in the lectures;

• exercises, laboratory activities, and reports assigned by the instructor and completed according to the guidelines provided through the course website.

The Portfolio constitutes an integral part of the learning process and must be submitted through the course website at least 10 (ten) days before the examination date.

The following conditions must be met in order to take the examination:

• online registration for the examination within the deadlines established by the University;

• submission of the Personal Competence Portfolio within the specified deadlines.

The examination is held at the Computer Science Laboratory of the Savona Campus and consists of a written test including multiple-choice and open-ended questions, followed by practical computer-based activities aimed at assessing the competences developed during the course (see the "Assessment Methods" section).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final assessment is based on the results of the following components:

• evaluation of the Personal Competence Portfolio, with particular attention to the completeness, accuracy, and quality of the work produced throughout the course;

• a written examination consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the topics addressed during the course;

• a practical computer-based assessment aimed at evaluating the student's ability to apply the digital competences developed during the course, in accordance with the learning objectives and expected learning outcomes.

The final grade reflects both the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and the ability to use digital technologies critically, responsibly, and autonomously in order to address problems and tasks related to the topics covered in the course.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Upon successful completion of the course and the final examination, students are awarded an Open Badge certifying the acquisition of Digital Citizenship competences in accordance with the European DigComp 3.0 framework.

The Open Badge attests the development of competences related to information and data literacy, digital communication and collaboration, digital content creation, digital safety and data protection, as well as the ability to use digital technologies autonomously, responsibly, and effectively to address problems and challenges in digital environments.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) may request reasonable accommodations and/or compensatory measures for examinations. Arrangements will be defined on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the Engineering Representative of the University Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLD.

Students wishing to request accommodations are invited to contact the course instructor as early as possible and copy the relevant University Representative in their communication. Further information is available at:

https://unige.it/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita.html