COMPUTER SKILLS
Syllabus
EN
IT
Learning Objectives
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
the course aims to impart the necessary knowledge and skills to the effective use of Office Automation programs, and to practice some of their most common and useful applications.
in particular, students will learn:
- basic and intermediate skills with Microsoft PowerPoint
- basic and intermediate skills with Microsoft Word: how to properly structure a document and how to create bibliograpgies and tables of contents.
- basic and intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel: formatting, functions and fomulas, pivot tables, etc.
- knoledge about good practices in making presentations: how to make slides, how to dress, speak and present yourself. it will be used as reference the book “Presentation sectres of Steve Jobs”.
- knoledge about how to use spreadsheets as probem solving tool: dataset analysis and basic statistical tools.
the course aims to impart the necessary knowledge and skills to the effective use of Office Automation programs, and to practice some of their most common and useful applications.
in particular, students will learn:
- basic and intermediate skills with Microsoft PowerPoint
- basic and intermediate skills with Microsoft Word: how to properly structure a document and how to create bibliograpgies and tables of contents.
- basic and intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel: formatting, functions and fomulas, pivot tables, etc.
- knoledge about good practices in making presentations: how to make slides, how to dress, speak and present yourself. it will be used as reference the book “Presentation sectres of Steve Jobs”.
- knoledge about how to use spreadsheets as probem solving tool: dataset analysis and basic statistical tools.
Program
The course covers various thematic areas related to the process of acquiring basic theoretical and practical skills in hardware, system and application software, computer networks, algorithms, telematics, and digital communication. Specifically:
1. Key ICT Concepts – (5 hours)
1.1. Fundamentals
1.1.1. Concept of a Processing System
1.1.2. Algorithms
1.1.3. Data Representation
1.1.4. Flowcharts
1.1.5. Programming Languages
1.2. Hardware
1.2.1. Concepts and History
1.2.2. Computer Performance
1.2.3. CPU
1.2.4. Central Memory
1.2.5. Storage Devices
1.2.6. Input and Output Peripherals
1.3. Software
1.3.1. Concepts and History
1.3.2. System Software
1.3.3. Application Software
1.4. Numbering Systems
1.4.1. Positional Numbering Systems
1.4.2. The Binary System
2. Computer Use and File Management – (2 hours)
2.1. Operating System
2.1.1. Basic Settings
2.1.2. Use of Icons
2.1.3. Use of Windows
2.2. File Management
2.2.1. Fundamental Concepts
2.2.2. Files and Folders
2.2.3. Working with Files
2.2.4. Deleting and Restoring Files
2.2.5. Searching Files
2.3. Utilities
3. Word Processing – (2 hours)
3.1. Application Usage
3.1.1. Working with Documents
3.1.2. Productivity Enhancement
3.1.3. Document Creation
3.1.4. Inserting Text, Special Characters, and Symbols
3.1.5. Selecting and Editing
3.2. Formatting
3.2.1. Text Formatting
3.2.2. Paragraph Formatting
3.2.3. Using Styles
3.3. Objects
3.3.1. Creating a Table
3.3.2. Formatting a Table
3.3.3. Watermark and Ghost Text Insertion
3.3.4. Graphic Objects
3.4. Mail Merge
3.4.1. Preparing a Master Document
3.4.2. Distribution List
3.4.3. Data Fields
3.4.4. Printing
3.5. Print Preparation
3.5.1. Page Setup and Orientation
3.5.2. Inserting and Deleting Page Breaks
3.5.3. Proofing and Printing
3.6. Advanced Features
3.6.1. Style Management
3.6.2. Revisions
3.6.3. Comparing Multiple Document Versions
3.6.4. Creating and Managing Indexes and Tables of Contents
3.6.5. Cross-References
3.6.6. Bookmarks and Hyperlinks
3.6.7. Collaborative Writing Techniques and Methods
3.6.8. Inserting Embedded Objects
3.6.9. Linking to the Source File
4. Spreadsheets – (8 hours)
4.1. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis Concepts
4.1.1. Working with Spreadsheets
4.1.2. Productivity Enhancement
4.2. Cells
4.2.1. Inserting, Selecting, Editing, and Sorting
4.2.2. Copying, Moving, Deleting
4.3. Worksheet Management
4.3.1. Rows and Columns
4.3.2. Worksheets
4.4. Formulas and Functions
4.4.1. Absolute, Relative, and Mixed References
4.4.2. Arithmetic Formulas
4.4.3. Financial Functions
4.4.4. Logical Functions
4.4.5. Lookup and Reference Functions
4.4.6. Mathematical and Trigonometric Functions
4.4.7. Function Nesting
4.5. Formatting
4.5.1. Numbers and Dates
4.5.2. Content
4.5.3. Alignment, Borders, and Effects
4.6. Charts
4.6.1. Types of Charts, Function Graphs
4.6.2. Creation and Editing
4.7. Analysis
4.7.1. Using Tables
4.7.2. Pivot Tables
4.7.3. Sorting and Filters
4.7.4. What-If Analysis: Scenarios, Data Tables, Goal Seek, Solver
4.8. Data Set Concepts
4.8.1. Working with Data Sets
5. Presentation Tools – (4 hours)
5.1. Application Usage
5.1.1. Working with Presentations
5.1.2. Productivity Enhancement
5.2. Developing a Presentation
5.2.1. Viewing Presentations
5.2.2. Slides
5.2.3. Slide Masters
5.3. Text
5.3.1. Text Management
5.3.2. Formatting
5.3.3. Lists
5.3.4. Tables
5.4. Charts
5.4.1. Using Charts
5.4.2. Organizational Charts
5.5. Graphic Objects
5.5.1. Inserting and Manipulating
5.5.2. Drawing Objects
5.6. Presentation Preparation
5.6.1. Preparation
5.6.2. Presentation Management and public speaking concepts
6. Networks – (3 hours)
6.1. Telecommunications, Computing, and Telematics
6.1.2. Types of Networks
6.1.3. Client-Server Architectures
6.1.4. Data Transfer
6.1.5. The Network of Networks
6.1.6. Email, IRC, Videoconferencing, World Wide Web
6.1.7. Network Protocols: TCP/IP
6.1.8. Bridge, Router, Switch
6.2. ICT in the Workplace
6.2.1. The Electronic World
6.2.2. Communication
6.2.3. Virtual Communities
6.2.4. Internet of Things
6.2.5. Industry 4.0 Technologies
6.2.6. Cloud Computing
6.2.7. Smart Manufacturing
6.2.8. Big Data
6.2.9. Computational Thinking
6.2.10. Health Protection
6.3. Security
6.3.1. Identity and Authentication
6.3.2. Data Security and Encryption
6.3.3. Malware, Grayware, Cyberattacks, and Traceability
7. Web Browsing and Communication – (2 hours)
7.1. Internet
7.1.1. Concepts and Terms
7.1.2. Security
7.2. Browser Usage
7.2.1. Browsing
7.2.2. Settings
7.2.3. Hyperlinks and History
7.2.4. Bookmarks
7.3. Web Usage
7.3.1. Data Collection Forms
7.3.2. Searching
7.4. Extracting Material from the Web
7.5. Electronic Communication
7.5.1. Concepts and Terms
7.5.2. Email Theory and Usage
7.5.3. Certified Email
7.5.4. National Service Card
7.5.5. Digital Signature
7.5.6. Timestamping
7.5.7. Security Considerations
7.6. Internet Risks
7.6.1. Cyber Fraud
7.6.2. Phishing (Techniques and Attack Methods)
7.6.3. Pharming (Techniques and Attack Methods)
7.6.4. Sniffing, Cybersquatting, Spoofing, Warchalking
1. Key ICT Concepts – (5 hours)
1.1. Fundamentals
1.1.1. Concept of a Processing System
1.1.2. Algorithms
1.1.3. Data Representation
1.1.4. Flowcharts
1.1.5. Programming Languages
1.2. Hardware
1.2.1. Concepts and History
1.2.2. Computer Performance
1.2.3. CPU
1.2.4. Central Memory
1.2.5. Storage Devices
1.2.6. Input and Output Peripherals
1.3. Software
1.3.1. Concepts and History
1.3.2. System Software
1.3.3. Application Software
1.4. Numbering Systems
1.4.1. Positional Numbering Systems
1.4.2. The Binary System
2. Computer Use and File Management – (2 hours)
2.1. Operating System
2.1.1. Basic Settings
2.1.2. Use of Icons
2.1.3. Use of Windows
2.2. File Management
2.2.1. Fundamental Concepts
2.2.2. Files and Folders
2.2.3. Working with Files
2.2.4. Deleting and Restoring Files
2.2.5. Searching Files
2.3. Utilities
3. Word Processing – (2 hours)
3.1. Application Usage
3.1.1. Working with Documents
3.1.2. Productivity Enhancement
3.1.3. Document Creation
3.1.4. Inserting Text, Special Characters, and Symbols
3.1.5. Selecting and Editing
3.2. Formatting
3.2.1. Text Formatting
3.2.2. Paragraph Formatting
3.2.3. Using Styles
3.3. Objects
3.3.1. Creating a Table
3.3.2. Formatting a Table
3.3.3. Watermark and Ghost Text Insertion
3.3.4. Graphic Objects
3.4. Mail Merge
3.4.1. Preparing a Master Document
3.4.2. Distribution List
3.4.3. Data Fields
3.4.4. Printing
3.5. Print Preparation
3.5.1. Page Setup and Orientation
3.5.2. Inserting and Deleting Page Breaks
3.5.3. Proofing and Printing
3.6. Advanced Features
3.6.1. Style Management
3.6.2. Revisions
3.6.3. Comparing Multiple Document Versions
3.6.4. Creating and Managing Indexes and Tables of Contents
3.6.5. Cross-References
3.6.6. Bookmarks and Hyperlinks
3.6.7. Collaborative Writing Techniques and Methods
3.6.8. Inserting Embedded Objects
3.6.9. Linking to the Source File
4. Spreadsheets – (8 hours)
4.1. Problem-Solving and Data Analysis Concepts
4.1.1. Working with Spreadsheets
4.1.2. Productivity Enhancement
4.2. Cells
4.2.1. Inserting, Selecting, Editing, and Sorting
4.2.2. Copying, Moving, Deleting
4.3. Worksheet Management
4.3.1. Rows and Columns
4.3.2. Worksheets
4.4. Formulas and Functions
4.4.1. Absolute, Relative, and Mixed References
4.4.2. Arithmetic Formulas
4.4.3. Financial Functions
4.4.4. Logical Functions
4.4.5. Lookup and Reference Functions
4.4.6. Mathematical and Trigonometric Functions
4.4.7. Function Nesting
4.5. Formatting
4.5.1. Numbers and Dates
4.5.2. Content
4.5.3. Alignment, Borders, and Effects
4.6. Charts
4.6.1. Types of Charts, Function Graphs
4.6.2. Creation and Editing
4.7. Analysis
4.7.1. Using Tables
4.7.2. Pivot Tables
4.7.3. Sorting and Filters
4.7.4. What-If Analysis: Scenarios, Data Tables, Goal Seek, Solver
4.8. Data Set Concepts
4.8.1. Working with Data Sets
5. Presentation Tools – (4 hours)
5.1. Application Usage
5.1.1. Working with Presentations
5.1.2. Productivity Enhancement
5.2. Developing a Presentation
5.2.1. Viewing Presentations
5.2.2. Slides
5.2.3. Slide Masters
5.3. Text
5.3.1. Text Management
5.3.2. Formatting
5.3.3. Lists
5.3.4. Tables
5.4. Charts
5.4.1. Using Charts
5.4.2. Organizational Charts
5.5. Graphic Objects
5.5.1. Inserting and Manipulating
5.5.2. Drawing Objects
5.6. Presentation Preparation
5.6.1. Preparation
5.6.2. Presentation Management and public speaking concepts
6. Networks – (3 hours)
6.1. Telecommunications, Computing, and Telematics
6.1.2. Types of Networks
6.1.3. Client-Server Architectures
6.1.4. Data Transfer
6.1.5. The Network of Networks
6.1.6. Email, IRC, Videoconferencing, World Wide Web
6.1.7. Network Protocols: TCP/IP
6.1.8. Bridge, Router, Switch
6.2. ICT in the Workplace
6.2.1. The Electronic World
6.2.2. Communication
6.2.3. Virtual Communities
6.2.4. Internet of Things
6.2.5. Industry 4.0 Technologies
6.2.6. Cloud Computing
6.2.7. Smart Manufacturing
6.2.8. Big Data
6.2.9. Computational Thinking
6.2.10. Health Protection
6.3. Security
6.3.1. Identity and Authentication
6.3.2. Data Security and Encryption
6.3.3. Malware, Grayware, Cyberattacks, and Traceability
7. Web Browsing and Communication – (2 hours)
7.1. Internet
7.1.1. Concepts and Terms
7.1.2. Security
7.2. Browser Usage
7.2.1. Browsing
7.2.2. Settings
7.2.3. Hyperlinks and History
7.2.4. Bookmarks
7.3. Web Usage
7.3.1. Data Collection Forms
7.3.2. Searching
7.4. Extracting Material from the Web
7.5. Electronic Communication
7.5.1. Concepts and Terms
7.5.2. Email Theory and Usage
7.5.3. Certified Email
7.5.4. National Service Card
7.5.5. Digital Signature
7.5.6. Timestamping
7.5.7. Security Considerations
7.6. Internet Risks
7.6.1. Cyber Fraud
7.6.2. Phishing (Techniques and Attack Methods)
7.6.3. Pharming (Techniques and Attack Methods)
7.6.4. Sniffing, Cybersquatting, Spoofing, Warchalking
Books
Any ECDL Full Standard book with AICA (Italian Association for Informatics and Automatic Calculation) validation stamp
Bibliography
Carmine Gallo (2009), “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs - How To Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience”, McGraw - Hill Education
Teaching methods
TEACHING METHODS:
The course combines theoretical and practical lessons, with guided exercises and hands-on activities focused on topics that require greater operational application to develop skills and competencies.
Students are encouraged to engage in moments of reflection and analysis, including group work, to actively develop digital skills by applying computational thinking methodologies. Some selected topics are covered using the flipped classroom technique, providing students with the necessary tools and guidance to maximize their learning and develop real autonomy in their studies.
The course also includes study materials and opportunities for self-directed learning, fostering increasing autonomy and encouraging students to take an active role in acquiring knowledge and experience.
The course combines theoretical and practical lessons, with guided exercises and hands-on activities focused on topics that require greater operational application to develop skills and competencies.
Students are encouraged to engage in moments of reflection and analysis, including group work, to actively develop digital skills by applying computational thinking methodologies. Some selected topics are covered using the flipped classroom technique, providing students with the necessary tools and guidance to maximize their learning and develop real autonomy in their studies.
The course also includes study materials and opportunities for self-directed learning, fostering increasing autonomy and encouraging students to take an active role in acquiring knowledge and experience.
Exam Rules
The course includes in-person lectures and hands-on classroom exercises.
The exam consists of a written test and, if necessary, an oral examination. The decision to require an oral test is at the discretion of the examination committee. The written test is a practical assessment that students must complete using their own computer. If they do not have one, the university will provide a suitable device. The written exam is held in person, and responses are graded as follows:
- Correct answer: +1 point
- No answer: 0 points
- Incorrect answer: -0.5 points
During the test, students will receive a set of files and must perform specific operations, solve problems, and answer questions related to the use of key Office Automation software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
The evaluation will be based on the accuracy of the tasks performed and will be expressed as a pass/fail judgment. However, students who require a numerical grade for academic purposes may request one.
Students who fail the exam in a given session will not be allowed to retake it in the immediately following session of the same exam period.
The exam consists of a written test and, if necessary, an oral examination. The decision to require an oral test is at the discretion of the examination committee. The written test is a practical assessment that students must complete using their own computer. If they do not have one, the university will provide a suitable device. The written exam is held in person, and responses are graded as follows:
- Correct answer: +1 point
- No answer: 0 points
- Incorrect answer: -0.5 points
During the test, students will receive a set of files and must perform specific operations, solve problems, and answer questions related to the use of key Office Automation software, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
The evaluation will be based on the accuracy of the tasks performed and will be expressed as a pass/fail judgment. However, students who require a numerical grade for academic purposes may request one.
Students who fail the exam in a given session will not be allowed to retake it in the immediately following session of the same exam period.