Computer Skills
It’s virtually impossible now to succeed at almost any level of educa-
tion without complete mastery of the computer. But knowing how
to use a computer is just the beginning. You have to know how to use
it to study more efficiently and more effectively. That includes learn-
ing how to write better papers, keep your schedules, and taking
advantage of the almost limitless research possibilities available online.
Score: If you are capable of doing just about anything online short of
hacking the Pentagon, and have made your computer equipment a
key tool in your quest for more efficient studying and better grades,
give yourself an A. If you are adept at word processing and playing
games and at least can get online, but have never used 75 percent of
the other tools on your computer and “wipe out” more often than
surf, give yourself a B. If you don’t even know what “being online”
means and need four minutes to figure out how to turn your com-
puter on, give yourself a C.
Note Taking
Different arenas—at home with your textbooks, in the classroom, at
the library, and online—require different methods of note taking.
From your textbooks: Working from your textbooks, you should
identify the main ideas, rephrase information in your own words, as
well as capture the details with which you were unfamiliar. Take brief,
concise notes in a separate notebook as you read. You should write
down questions and answers to ensure your mastery of the material,
starring those questions for which you don’thave answers so you can
ask them in class.
In class: Classpreparationis the key to classparticipation. By read-
ing material to be covered before class, you will be able to concentrate
and absorb the teacher’s interpretations and points. Using a topical,
short sentence approach or your own shorthand or symbols, take
notes on those items that will trigger thematic comprehension of the
10 How to Study