How to Succeed in CS211
CS211 is a challenging course but many resources are available to help
you succeed. Here are some suggestions for doing well in the course and
finding help if you need it:
- Make sure you attend all lectures. Then review the lecture notes
on your own after class.
- Do all of the reading assignments listed on the lecture notes page. If you are confused
about some points, check out one of the optional textbooks for a different perspective.
- Check the course webpage and newsgroup regularly for corrections and
clarifications to assignments. Post your question to the newsgroup if
it hasn't been answered already.
- For help with Java, check on-line resources including Sun's
API reference
and tutorial.
- Stop by the office hours of a member of the course staff, or
send e-mail to set up an appointment.
- Start assignments early. At the very least, read through the entire
assignment description on the day it is posted.
- Follow good coding style guidelines. Your code will
be easier to debug and you'll impress the grader!
- Work with a partner on the programming assignments, but make sure
that you abide by the policy on partners
and the academic integrity policy.
- If your partnership isn't working out, consider a "divorce"
before starting on the next programming assignment.
- Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. Here's how not
to program, how
to write unmaintainable code,
and how to make
a group project harder. Try to avoid repeating disasters
caused by bad software.
- Check out Cornell's many academic support programs for getting additional help:
(note that not all of these services operate during the summer)
| Academic Support Services For Engineering
Students | Start here - This site has links
to a variety of services. |
| Free Computer Training |
CIT offers free computer training throughout the semester. You may also e-mail
tts_consult@cornell.edu for an appointment. |
| Student Web Services |
This website collects services that are more general. |
| Engineering Advising |
Academic advising for engineering students. |
| Arts College Student Services |
This website is a listing of general support services for a variety of concerns students may have. |
| Tau Beta Pi |
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society Tutoring Program: The members of Tau Beta Pi, selected for their academic aptitude
and social commitment, hold one-on-one tutoring sessions with students in courses that typically have a large enrollment
of engineers. |
| Learning Styles |
Not everyone learns the same way. If you are curious about how you learn, check out the Index of Learning Styles,
which is found in this collection of educational resources. |
| Gannett |
For all health related concerns, visit Gannett, which is the Cornell University Health Service Center. |
| CAPS |
If you have emotional distress, we urge you to contact CAPS, the Counseling and Psychological Services. |
| Dear Uncle Ezra |
When all else fails, ask Uncle Ezra! |