The aim of this session is to help students get the best out
of Computer Laboratory courses.
Lecture
Learning as a skill.
Techniques to cope with lectures, practicals, supervisions and
examinations.
The objectives of the Computer Science course.
Why the course has the structure and contents that it does, and where
it leads.
Contacting the teaching staff.
How, where and when to get advice, make suggestions or complain.
Computers for study and for fun.
Use of your own, College, Laboratory, national or international
resources for work, play and for keeping in contact.
In case of difficulty.
The difference between a difficult course and a disaster, and
other classes of problem with ideas about how to start to resolve
them.
Health and safety.
Issues relevant to computer users. Ergonomic advice. What to do should
you experience any pain as a result of typing: RSI.
Objectives
At the end of the course students should understand the expectations
that the Computer Laboratory has of them, should be aware of the
resources and support available to them and should understand the
importance of good working habits with regard to RSI and related
matters.
Recommended reading
Northedge, A., Thomas, J., Lane, A. & Peasgood, A. (1997). The
sciences good study guide. Open University.
Fairbanks, A. (1932). A handwriting manual. Faber and Faber.
* Pascarelli, E.F. & Quilter, D. (1994). Repetitive strain injury: a
computer user's guide. New York: Wiley.