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Author: Margarida Farinha

Programming Fundamentals

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in Course, Highlight.

About this Couse

Every year new tools and programming languages ​​appear, but the fundamental principles end up being maintained. This is important because without the fundamental foundations of programming, you will have a tremendous effort to keep up to date.

More than knowing specific techniques, you will learn to think like a programmer. Knowing how to look at problems so that they can be solved by a program. Knowing how to do it but above all knowing the why it is done that way. And above all, acquire (or increase) a taste for programming. Because when you like it, it’s much easier to learn!

But don’t think it’s a theoretical course – all modules include small exercises and at the end of the first week you’ll already be writing your first program in a modern and increasingly popular language: Kotlin.

Prerequisites

None except a huge desire to learn! 😀
If you’ve never programmed, this is the right course because we start from scratch and move forward calmly, explaining each topic in detail so that you can progress with confidence.

If you have already done some “playing around” with programming, this course can also be useful for gaining a deeper understanding of why programs are made in one way and not another, and for having a more comprehensive view of this topic, which spans across various programming languages.

Program

  • Part 1
    • Introduction to programming
    • Algorithms, flowcharts
    • Syntax and semantics of languages
    • Declarations and attributions
    • Arithmetic expressions
    • Data inputs and outputs
  • Part 2
    • Program structure, code blocks
    • Logical expressions
    • Selection Mechanisms: simple, alternative and multiple selection
    • Mutability and nullability
  • Part 3
    • Scope of variables
    • Functions in one line
    • Repetition Mechanisms
    • Random number generators
  • Part 4
    • Incremental and non-incremental algorithms
    • Arrays
    • Functions with blocks
    • Reading and writing files
    • Imperative programming best practices
    • Good imperative programming practices

Instructor

Pedro Alves

Associate professor
Department of Computer Engineering and Information Systems – ULHT
Has been teaching various Programming subjects for several years

Certificate

You must obtain a rating greater than or equal to 80%

Common questions

Why Kotlin?

Although it is not a mainstream language like Java or Python, it is a modern language with a high adoption rate – for example, 60% of the 1000 most popular Android apps are developed in Kotlin. But above all, it is an excellent language for learning to program as it has a pleasant and concise syntax but at the same time guarantees the essential robustness and security for those taking their first steps in programming.

Do I have to install any program to take the course?

The course itself does not need you to install anything, as it is fully viewable through the browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.). However, to do the practical exercises you will have to install a free tool called Intellij, which will allow you to write and run your first programs.

Since this course is developed by a university, won’t it be very theoretical?

Any experienced programmer knows that the main way to learn programming is by programming, not by reading books or watching videos! Therefore, this course includes several practical programming exercises – small programs that you will have to develop independently throughout the course and that will be automatically validated by our tools. Of course, to be able to develop these programs you will first have to learn the theory, but where knowledge is solidified is in practical exercises.

Testimonials

Tânia D.

If you’re like me and don’t know anything about programming, you’re on the right course! With a simple and easy-to-understand approach, you will learn from the basics to the most complex, and you can always count on Professor Pedro’s help throughout your journey.

Sónia F.

I have to confess that I had a lot of difficulty understanding certain exercises. With the course I saw things more clearly and was able to learn a lot. I really liked the clear way the teacher explained the material. I highly recommend the course for more people with difficulties, it will be an asset to our learning!

Beatriz P.

I had never done anything related to programming in my life and this course was an excellent introduction to programming. I discovered the essence of learning to program, obtaining the “super power” of programming 🙂 Thank you very much and congratulations on organizing this course!

Generic person

Nuno S.

Congratulations, the course is very good, it combines syntax learning with more advanced programming concepts very well.

Ana L.

This is one of the courses that everyone should take, not only to acquire new skills, but also to gain another perspective on the digital world. It helps me look at new Management paradigms from different angles and leaves me with a special desire to learn more in the area of ​​Programming!

I enrolled but still don’t have access to the course.

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in FAQ.

I enrolled but still don’t have access to the course.

Make sure you completed all the steps

Make sure you complete all the steps to get acess to the course successfully:

  • Verify that you are logged in:

    1. Open the Side Menu;
    2. Check if you need to Log in / Register;
    3. If so, Log in / Register and try to acess the course once more.

  • Confirm that the course hasn’t ended:

    1. Acess your Dashboard;
    2. Search for the course you wish to acess;
    3. Verify if the course hasn’t endend.

  • If none of our’s suggestions worked, contact our Support Team.

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Can I take a course that is not in my field of study?

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in FAQ.

Can I take a course that is not in my field of study?

Yes, you have a huge list of courses to choose.

The vast majority of our courses have no pre-requisites and can be attended by students or individuals interested in any field of knowledge.
If any of the courses require prior knowledge, this information will be stated on the respective course’s presentation page.

Check the List of Courses available at the moment.

You can access the List of Courses in Various Ways:

  1. Through the Following link;

  2. In the Side Menu;

  3. In the Main Menu;

  4. Courses Option;

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I finished the course but can’t download the certificate.

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in FAQ.

I finished the course but can’t download the certificate.

Verify the course information

Make sure that you have a passing grade, this varies in between courses, and make sure that you have completed all of the existing exercices.
If it is a course that requires, for example, a evaluation of the final report , wait until the professor releases the grades.

If you still can’t download the certificate, try to contact the course professor.

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I forgot my password. How can I recover it?

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in FAQ.

I forgot my password. How can I recover it?

To recover your password follow the next steps:

  1. Go to the login page;

  2. Select the option “Need help signing in?“;

  3. Select the option “Forgot my password“;

  4. Insert your email and then click on the “Recover my password” button;

  5. Check your email, make sure you recieved the password recover email, choose the “re-define password” option;

  6. Insert the new password and confirm it.

After completing this steps, you should have a new passsword defined.

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EHN – European Handmakers Network

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in Course.

About This Course

Welcome to “EHN – European Handmakers Network”!

This Erasmus + funded project aims to promote handmakers’ self-employment and female entrepreneurship, joining the mission of increasing the employment levels and the economic autonomy of European women.

The project is building up a wide handmakers network by bringing together 5 female handmakers from Italy, Poland, Portugal, and The Netherlands who are offering their long-term professional experience in the sector to those that have just started operating in this practice or to those who want to transform their home craft business into a job.

Join us on our platform and check out the Masterclasses in order to better know the mentors which are going to follow your handmaker progress.

The project is based on the idea that straightforward, interactive and personal relationships between the 5 experienced handmakers and the women who want to be trained brings more added value for the future of female business.

So, no prefixed and general frontal lessons but live, practical and face-to-face interactions!

The project plans to select 5 women handmakers from the following countries: Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal that are going to:

  • attend free one-to-one live mentoring sessions (4 hours per selected women) with the female expert coming from their own same country (mentoring available during February and April 2023)
  • to participate at the EHN mentoring convention in Poland In April 2023 with experts of the handmaking sector (full travel and accommodation expenses covered)

Do not waste this opportunity!

Main Goal

The project proposes the creation of a digital platform and a physical event that allows European women handmakers to support each other, network and be mentored by long-experienced female experts of the handcrafting sector in order to increase their skills and turn their hobby into a micro business.

The project aims to create a model of female peer-to-peer, physical and virtual, in which relationships, mutual support and networking are the key words.

Course Mentors

Chiara Lorenzetti

Chiara Lorenzetti (Creativi108)

Art Restorations Since 1991

Chiara Lorenzetti, restorer, was born artistically in 1991. After attending the “Palazzo Spinelli” Institute for Art and Restoration in Florence, I opened my Chiaraarte shop in Biella, in my father’s historic antique shop, in Via Cernaia. Some year ago, following the closure of my father’s shop, I moved to Via Novellino 16, a Biella Chiavazza. I deal with conservative and aesthetic restorations on ceramic art objects: porcelain, stoneware, terracotta; plaster, ivory, wax, papier-mâché.

Specialized laboratory for the restoration of antique dolls. Restoration of polychrome and gilded wooden objects, statues and frames. Specific expertise in traditional Japanese restoration Kintsugi: I am one of the few restorers in Europe to use the original Japanese technique Kintsugi on ceramics. During the year I conduct workshops and conferences on: “Kintsugi, the art of repairing with gold” Artisan excellence of the Piedmont Region since 2007. Collaborator restorer, restoration technician with decree n. 38 of 23/03/2016 of the General Manager MiBACT Education and Research.

Małgorzata Jeżewska

Małgorzata Jeżewska (INBIE)

Horticulture Specialist

A qualified horticulture specialist with extensive experience and enthusiasm to share my passion. For many years, privately, and now I have been professionally involved in floristry and manual work with the use of floral compositions. In 2022, together with a friend who is a professional florist, I founded a florist’s “tqka marzeri”. Previously, I was involved in small projects and decorating in floral arrangements, among others churches, wedding halls, communions, etc.

Iwona Czaplicka

Iwona Czaplicka (ECM)

Artistic Jewellery – Handmade

It all started with my mother, who years ago started sewing clothes using linen. So I have always been connected to a natural product. Being in touch with natural materials, people who created beautiful designs with an emphasis on naturalness drove me to create something that would blend in with what I was already familiar with. My jewellery is created out of a passion for natural beauty. I started with small things, creating jewellery for myself and friends, and soon my work was appreciated by my family and friends, so I decided to expand my business.

Živile Navikiene

Živile Navikiene (S.A.F.E.Projects)

Youth/adult Education Expert

Živile Navikiene, has over fifteen years of experience in education spanning from CEO for enterprise, non-profit organizations, international relations officer, evaluator, project management to a youth leader and a national/international expert in the field of youth/adult education. For the past several years she has been working as a mentor for migrant women and consultant. As the CEO social enterprise she has proven her abilities in successful organizational design, project and program management, administration, coaching, mentoring, and training. Her work colleagues describe her as being a fast learner, who is very dependable, service oriented professional and a natural leader.

Célia Macedo

Célia Macedo (Lusófona University)

Ceramic Handmaker

Handmade ceramic handmaker based in Montemor-o-novo, Alentejo (south of Portugal). Célia Macedo, handmaker dedicated to the production of ceramic handcrafts entirely made by hand, with the use of a pottery wheel. Define his work as “Traditional ceramic, for modern life”. Ceramics’ design is inspired by the artisanal tradition of the region but aimed at more contemporary uses. High quality and national belonging of the products are two of the pillars of his work. To have a brand that represents a product 100% Portuguese, with only high-quality Portuguese material. 

Not a ready-born handmaker. Studied architecture and obtained a Master and a PhD in England. Worked in University as researcher and professor for 12 years. In 2016, first ceramic class while in England. Started as a hobby but then the desire of focusing only on ceramic production grew to the point that having a full time job was incompatible. Turned his passion into a full-time job in 2019. Now created a successful ceramic enterprise directed only by herself in every aspect, from the production to bureaucratic aspects, from social media customer relations to physical shop’s duties.

Youth Engagement Against Radicalisation

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in Course.

What you will learn

  • Properly differentiating between being ‘radical’ or radicalised
  • Which factors and processes contribute to the radicalisation of youth
  • The potency of youth as actors of negative and positive change
  • Suggestions for how to engage with youth
  • Past projects, good practices, campaigns and initiatives that practically apply these lessons.

About This Course Project

Community Engagement Against Radicalisation is a project led by The University of Lusofona, in partnership with NGOs and research institutions from 10 countries. Its objective is to develop practical models of community and civic engagement that can enhance civil society capacity to prevent and counter radicalisation. This includes developing digital toolkits, implementing tailored trainings, and launching a consultancy service. The project is expected to enable individuals working in the field of preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) to be better equipped to meet the challenges facing them as practitioners, and to enable them to work as multipliers within their own communities by developing PVE/CVE sustainable initiatives.

Project Consortium: ULHT (PORTUGAL), CESIE(ITÁLIA); UPPSALA UNIVERSITET(SWEDEN); SVF(HUNGARY); CSI(CYPRUS); Active Citizens Partnership (GREECE); Multikulturel (AUSTRIA); Techsoup (POLAND); CAPRI (FRANCE); PATRIR (ROMANIA) and BONS (FRANCE).

Visit the Project website

Requirements

None.

Certification

The course is composed of 4 modules. In each module has a short assessment at the end. If you score more than 50 (in 100) you will be granted a certificate at the end of the course.

Fees

The certificate and the course are free of any fees.

Muslims Engagement Against Radicalisation

Written by Margarida Farinha on . Posted in Course.

What you will learn

  • Properly differentiating between being ‘radical’ or radicalised
  • Which factors and processes contribute to the radicalisation of youth
  • Understanding the origins and characteristics of Fundamentalist Islam and Islamist Extremism
  • Being better able to identify the presence of Islamist Extremism among youth
  • How to engage in counter extremism interventions involving Islamist Extremists

About this Course

Community Engagement Against Radicalisation is a project led by The University of Lusofona, in partnership with NGOs and research institutions from 10 countries. Its objective is to develop practical models of community and civic engagement that can enhance civil society capacity to prevent and counter radicalisation. This includes developing digital toolkits, implementing tailored trainings, and launching a consultancy service. The project is expected to enable individuals working in the field of preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) to be better equipped to meet the challenges facing them as practitioners, and to enable them to work as multipliers within their own communities by developing PVE/CVE sustainable initiatives.

Project Consortium: ULHT (PORTUGAL), CESIE(ITÁLIA); UPPSALA UNIVERSITET(SWEDEN); SVF(HUNGARY); CSI(CYPRUS); Active Citizens Partnership (GREECE); Multikulturel (AUSTRIA); Techsoup (POLAND); CAPRI (FRANCE); PATRIR (ROMANIA) and BONS (FRANCE).

Visit the Project website

Requirements

None

Certification

The course is composed of 5 modules. In each module has a short assessment at the end. If you score more than 50 (in 100) you will be granted a certificate at the end of the course.

Fees

The certificate and the course are free of any fees

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