COMP110-003, Introduction to Programming

Spring 2013

Do the assigned reading before class. Go over it again after class.
Start early on all assignments. If a programming assignment takes 5 hours of work to complete, and you start exactly 5 hours before it is due, you have no hope of getting it done. Why? First, if you absolutely, positively need to get on a computer, you won't be able to. Your laptop will be acting up, a network will be down, a printer is not working, etc. This a basic Law of the Universe: they know when you are desperate! Here is some advise from students who took this course on earlier years:
- "Don't, I repeat DON'T, procrastinate."
- "Start the assignment the day it is handed out."
- "Don't wait until the last minute."
Take it from those who found out the hard way.
Come for help. It's why I have office hours. I want you to come. There is a lot of help available to you, but if get a late start on your assignments, it will be much more difficult to get the help you need.
Participate in class. With lots of classmates, this seems scary, but it is not so bad once you get used to it.
Think in class. You can easily download the notes so don't spend time writing them down. Follow the instructor and comprehend the materials.
Review your class notes after each class. A good self-test is: Can I explain the material to someone else? Use study groups to regularly review course material.