Teaching code

4S007327

Teacher

Fabio Aurelio D'Asaro

Coordinator

Fabio Aurelio D'Asaro

Credits

3

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

INF/01 - INFORMATICS

Period

Sem. 2A dal Feb 13, 2023 al Mar 30, 2023.

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

Workshop on IT and multi-media
The workshop aims to provide students with an updated, rigorous and analytical framework on the professional applications of information technology and multimedia in contemporary society, with a specific focus on education and teaching, taking into account both the recent evolution of Instructional Design techniques, both of the progressive affirmation of e-learning, of the diffusion of the LIM (Multimedia Interactive Whiteboard) and of m-learning (mobile-learning). Therefore, at the end of the workshop, students must be able to list and describe on a regular basis the various information and multimedia technologies to support teaching, through the adoption of scientific terminology and the constant reference to examples, case studies and best practices (national and international), all in the perspective of communication within the job environment.

Prerequisites and basic notions

No specific prerequisites are required.

Program

The course aims to explore the fundamental theoretical aspects of computer science, Turing machines, and artificial intelligence, with a specific focus on propositional logic, first-order logic, and the historical and theoretical context that led to the analysis of Turing's concept of computability. The approach will be accessible to students from different backgrounds, adapting the techniques and methods of interpreting these themes for a diverse audience.

Specifically, the course will be divided into three 12-hour modules. Each module will address a specific theme and aims to provide students with the tools necessary to refine and apply their skills. In this regard, the modules will consist of a traditional lecture component (where students will acquire the terminology and basic skills related to the module's topic) and an active learning component (through open debates between students) and/or concept experimentation (through small practical activities that help focus on the concepts).

The specific topics will be as follows:

Module 1. Propositional Logic and Introduction to First-Order Logic:

The first module will focus on propositional logic and briefly introduce first-order logic. Students will learn concepts such as propositions, logical connectives, and inference, laying the foundations for understanding the historical and theoretical context that led to the analysis of Turing's concept of computability. The active learning component will concentrate on problem-solving and formalizing problems, primarily through the application of truth tables.

Module 2. Turing Machines and Computability:

The second module will focus on Turing machines and understanding the concept of computability introduced by Turing. The concepts of Turing machines, algorithms, and decidability will be explored, and students will have the opportunity to work with a Turing machine simulator to experience the principles of computation firsthand. The active learning component will concentrate on the design and analysis of simple Turing machines and the exploration of the limits of computation.

Module 3. Artificial Intelligence and the Debate on Intelligence:

The third and final module will concentrate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and begin with a reading of Turing's 1950 article. In this module, the focus will be on understanding what AI is, its main techniques and algorithms, and the role it plays in the contemporary era. The active learning component will center on student debates and thesis presentations on the possibility of machine intelligence.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The teaching approach will consist of lectures (for approximately 2/3 of the time) and practical/laboratory activities (for about 1/3 of the time), such as reading articles, collaborative design and analysis of Turing machines, and debates among students.

Learning assessment procedures

The final evaluation of the students will be carried out through their participation in class activities and on the basis of a written exam (1 hour/1 exercise per module) which test the mastery of the concepts exposed during the lectures.

Evaluation criteria

Students' participation in classroom activities will be assessed based on their linguistic, analytical, dialectical, and collaborative skills. On the other hand, the written exam will aim to evaluate their technical skills.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

Class activity - 50%
Written exam - 50%

Exam language

Italiano