Digital Literacy I

Teacher(s)

Philippette Thibault;

Language

French

Prerequisites

• Understand the fundamental concepts of computer science and digital technology
• Use basic digital tools (such as office software and online platforms) for research, communication, and information management
• Critically evaluate AI tools and use them responsibly and ethically in academic work and communication professions
• Analyze a problem and identify, in simple cases, the steps necessary to solve it in the form of an algorithm (computational thinking).

Main themes

• Basic computer literacy: computers, networks, data (text, images, sound, video)
• Office automation and digital tools for research, communication, and information management
  • Word processing, spreadsheets, creation of visual presentations (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Bibliographic reference management tools (such as Zotero)
  • Relevant, ethical, and critical use of artificial intelligence tools for office automation
  • Algorithms and computational thinking

Content

UAA 1 - Basic computer literacy

• Computers and how they work
• Computer networks: architecture and protocols
• Digital data

UAA 2 - Office automation and digital tools for research, communication, and information management

• Word processing
• Spreadsheets (see UAA3)
• Creating visual presentations
• Managing bibliographic references

UAA 3 - Algorithms and computational thinking

• Breaking down a problem into sub-problems
• Basics of programming: loops, conditions, and variables

Teaching methods

Interactive and progressive teaching approach, comprising:

• Lectures: Introduction of key concepts accompanied by practical demonstrations of relevant tools.
  
• Formative assessment: Use of quizzes and hands-on exercises to monitor students’ understanding and their ability to apply concepts or technics throughout the course.
  
• Supervised summative exercises: Application of acquired knowledge to one or more concrete case studies, under monitored conditions.
  

Evaluation methods

• Continuous assessment: Three supervised integrative assignments (with the support of teaching assistants).
  
• Active participation: Bonus of up to 10% based on engagement during class sessions.
  
• No final exam in the first exam session.
  

• Written exam: Comprehensive assessment covering the entire course content, including the self-study modules on Moodle.
  
• The participation bonus will not be applied in the second session.
  

Other information

In this course, the use of AI tools is regulated in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the AI Smart Teaching note: https://oer.uclouvain.be/jspui/handle/20.500.12279/1007.
Students are expected to comply with the following principles:

• Transparency: If you use an AI tool to assist with writing, research, or structuring your ideas, you must explicitly acknowledge it in your work. This includes tasks such as language correction, translation, outlining, or text summarization.
  
• Authenticity: All submitted work must reflect your own understanding and skills. AI must not substitute for, or obscure, your intellectual and critical engagement.
  
• Responsibility: You remain fully accountable for the content you submit, even when AI tools have been used. Any undeclared or inappropriate use may be considered academic misconduct and sanctioned under the Study and Examination Regulations (notably Chapter 4, Section 7 of the RGEE).
  
• Retention: Records of interactions with AI tools used in the production of assignments must be preserved and made available for verification until final results are released.
  

In addition, in line with principles of energy efficiency and ecological responsibility, the use of generative AI should be limited to what is strictly necessary for the task at hand. Its use is strictly prohibited whenever assignment instructions explicitly forbid it, or implicitly do so by requiring a personal production, unless prior authorization has been granted.
English-Friendly Course

• Questions: Students may ask questions in English.
  
• Dictionary: Students are permitted to use a dictionary (either a monolingual French dictionary or a bilingual French–mother tongue dictionary, as specified by the instructor), including for assignments.
  
• Assignments: While course materials are primarily in French, assignments for continuous assessment may be submitted in either French or English.
  

Online resources

All course materials and updates are available on the Moodle course space

Faculty or entity

> ESPO