Tips for Success

To help you earn a good grade in Computer Science 101, here are some tips for success that you may wish to keep in mind.
 
Be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
The web-based components of this class take more commitment and discipline on your part as a student than courses that always meet in the classroom.  Keep up with the current material being covered and class and complete all of your assignments on time.  Once you fall behind, it is extremely difficult to catch up.
 
Speak up and ask questions if you are having problems.
If you encounter problems with understanding the material or with any of the assignments, let your instructor know as soon as possible.  We can't help you if we don't know there is a problem.  While these problems may not be excuses by themselves for late work, instructors tend to be more lenient if they know you are making a good faith effort.
 
Become familiar with how this course works.
Make yourself familiar with CS101 by carefully reading the course policies contained in the Course Syllabus.  Also, be sure to review the course schedules so that you are aware of due dates and tests.  This information will also help you in determining how to budget your time.
 
Schedule time to work on the assignments.
While this course only meets for 2 hours per week, it is a 4-credit course and has a workload equivalent to a 4-credit course.  As the semester progresses, the assignments frequently become more challenging and take longer to complete.  Schedule several hours a week for CS101 work.  If you don't spend all of the time, then you can get some free time in your schedule.  By scheduling the time beforehand, you can ensure that you will definitely be able to complete your coursework and keep pace with the learning.
 
Review your work.
After you complete an assignment or test, take a couple of minutes to review your projects.  It can be amazing how often you'll be able to find and correct small problems that would have harmed your grade with just a minimal amount of effort.
 
Plan ahead.
Don't wait until the last minute to complete an assignment.  Computer problems or other emergencies happen that can prevent you from completing work on time.  These aren't acceptable excuses for late or missing assignments.