ICT, or information and communications technology, is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing. It consists of all devices, networking components, applications and systems that combined together allow people and organizations to interact in the digital world. Some ICT components are well established (e.g., computers and telephones have existed for decades), others are more recent (e.g., smartphones, digital TVs and robots). ICT has drastically changed how people work, communicate, learn and live, and it continues to revolutionize all parts of the human experience, as first computers and now robots do many of the tasks once handled by humans. Specifically, ICT underpins broad shifts in society, as individuals are moving massively from personal, face-to-face interactions to ones in the digital space. ICT permeates all aspects of life, providing newer, better, and quicker ways for people to interact, network, seek help, gain access to information, and learn. Besides its presence everywhere, ICT has an immense economic significance. The job market strongly requires that, independently from their fields of specialization, new graduates and young professionals own extensive know-how and background in ICT. This course provides an introduction to ICT. It offers the basic concepts of data representation and logic operation in computers and digital devices, the fundamental principles of computer architecture, including both hardware and software components, the background of computer networking and distributed systems; in addition, it provides a comprehensive overview of the key technologies in modern ICT, including heterogeneous digital systems, cloud, IoT, databases, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The contents presented here are preparatory to the courses of the program in “Digital Skills for Sustainable Societal Transitions” that will address specific topics of the ICT domain (e.g., computer programming, databases, artificial intelligence, IoT), as well as courses in which ICT will be the enabling factor for several societal contexts.

By taking this course, students will learn how a modern computer is organized, how it works and how it can communicate to other computers and digital devices. In particular, at the end of this course, the students will: • Understand how information is represented in digital computing and communication systems. • Be able to apply problem solving methodologies which are at the basis of the art of computer programming • Understand the basic concepts, issues and solution concerning computer networking. • Have received a comprehensive overview of the most promising and widely adopted digital technologies in many domains of the real life.

Basic concept of discrete mathematics and logics.

• Course introduction • History of computers • Computer programming and operation • Data representation and logic networks • Computer organization and hardware components: o Processor o Memory o Peripherals • Operating systems and software • Data communication and networking: o Distributed systems o Internet • Advanced technologies : o Embedded platforms o Databases o Data analytics o Artificial intelligence o Cloud, fog, edge o IoT o Cybersecurity

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The course will be delivered as classroom lectures, allowing to efficiently mix lessons and related exercises. In case this is impossible due to existing Covid-19 restrictions, the course will be delivered as distance teaching, keeping the same structure.

Lecture notes distributed by the instructor and available on the course portal. Additional reading material will be provided on some specific topics covered in the lectures. No textbook is required.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale facoltativa;

Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam;

... Mandatory written exam, an additional oral exam is at discretion of the instructor. The exam covers all the material presented in class, it lasts 1.5 hours for 4 or 5 questions and/or short problems. The exam is “closed book” and students must pre-register for it. Students must show picture ID at classroom entrance; during the exam, no cell phone or connected device is allowed.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.

Modalità di esame: Prova orale facoltativa; Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

Mandatory written exam, an additional oral exam is at discretion of the instructor. The exam covers all the material presented in class, it lasts 1.5 hours for 4 or 5 questions and/or short problems. The exam is “closed book” and students must pre-register for it. For the execution of the exam, one of the available videoconferencing platforms will be used. Camera and microphone should be turned on during the whole duration of the exam.

Modalità di esame: Prova orale facoltativa; Prova scritta tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;

Mandatory written exam, an additional oral exam is at discretion of the instructor. The exam covers all the material presented in class, it lasts 1.5 hours for 4 or 5 questions and/or short problems. The exam is “closed book” and students must pre-register for it. Students taking the exam ONSITE must show picture ID at classroom entrance; during the exam, no cell phone or connected device is allowed. Students taking the exam ONLINE will be requested to use one of the existing videoconferencing platforms; camera and microphone should be turned on during the whole duration of the exam.