ProTips for Success in MTEC1003

What To Do IN Class

• Watch + Listen to slides, tutorials, and demonstrations.
• Take notes throughout, especially noting where anything is confusing.
• Work through the steps of each example alongside the instructor (code it on your computer as we’re going!)
• When something doesn’t work on your computer, Ask Questions.
• Don’t be shy or embarrassed about asking for clarification…
• Seriously, computers are just weird, and they always “throw errors.” Even the most seasoned pros deal with errors on a daily basis! And usually, it’s not obvious where the error is coming from!
• Ultimately, if you can’t solve the problem in class, follow up by sending the instructor an email, or ask about an office hour appointment to finish solving the problem at another time.

What To Do AFTER Class

• If some stuff is unfinished at the end of class, finish them by the deadline.
• Test your work using the Google Chrome console (if using JavaScript, HTML, CSS), or on the command line (e.g. if working on a Python script). Be sure it works, or work the problem.
• If it doesn’t work, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot:
  • Read the errors in the Chrome console or in Terminal. It will tell you which line of code to check.
  • Try coding something new on the lines causing the error. If you can’t figure it out…
  • Consult the slides and references given in class.
• If you still haven’t found the answer, email the instructor explaining the situation early in the week!
• Don’t wait until the night before class to ask. Give yourself time to work on the solution.
• Be sure to COMMIT and PUSH your work using our GIT commands before the deadline.
• If you forget these steps, you haven’t “turned in” your work on GitHub and won’t receive credit!
• If everything seems to be working, check your GitHub page to be sure your most current changes (i.e. “commits”) are visible online. Your grade comes from what you put on GitHub; not what is on your local computer.
• If you’re unsure whether the work is visible on GitHub, you can always email the instructor during the week to make sure they can see your labs.

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