how to succeed in cs1007.

• Is this the first time you have done any formal computer programming?
  • If it is, then remember this: You are learning a programming language. If you got off a plane in a country where you didn't speak the language, you would feel lost and frustrated for a while until you learned to communicate your basic needs. Eventually, you'd learn how to do more than order a coke and ask directions to the loo. The same thing applies here.
  • If it isn't, then remember this: The first few weeks may be easy, but it will get harder later in the term. So don't get in the habit of skipping class and skimping on assignments in the beginning. Challenge yourself to understand the material in more depth than you did in high school, help your friends get started and after a few weeks, you should find the course more difficult/interesting/challenging. If it doesn't, then you are in the wrong class and you should probably be taking Data Structures (COMS3137).

• Just like learning how to play the piano, you need to practice, practice, practice.
  • It is not silly to do the same homework over and over again until you can do it easily, in order to study for an exam.
  • This is a HANDS-ON course. Again, just like playing the piano, you have to put your own hands on the keyboard. You will be awfully embarrassed at your next music lesson if your roommate has done all the practicing for you.

• Come to class.
  • There isn't much else to say on this point.

• Yes, I post lecture notes on the web.
  • BUT, the notes are NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMING TO CLASS. If you must miss a class, YOU are responsible for getting notes from someone who did come to class.
  • No, I do not post lecture notes on the web before class. I purposely post them AFTER class for several reasons. First, you learn better when you actually have to write things down yourself. Reading along with my notes makes you sleepy and lazy. Second, everything I say is NOT in the lecture notes, but anything I say MIGHT be on an exam or in a homework, so you need to take notes on what I say. Third, sometimes there are mistakes in the lecture notes which get caught during class. So posting the notes after class gives me a chance to correct any mistakes before you print out the notes.
  • Yes, I will post any code that I cover in class.

• Read my hints for sending me email.
  

• Read my submission and late policy.
  

• Read my regrade policy.
  

• Know that arguing about grades is something that really annoys me. I don't know why you are here, but I am here to help you learn, not to give you a piece of paper with a letter on it. If I feel that you are spending more time arguing with me about your grade than you are working on learning the material or doing your homework, I will not be happy.

• But really, I'm a reasonable person. I know that things in life go wrong, especially if this is your first time away from home. Stress is something to avoid in life. If things in your life start to go wrong, please come see me before you let things get out of hand.