Results and stuff

I received my result for T224 Computers and processors last week and confirmation by post this week, a distinction, hurray. As I enjoyed the course and didn't find it an onerous task to put the required hours in I thought I would do pretty well.

It was my fifth exam with the OU over the past three years, my revision technique has improved and although I retain a little adrenalin fear for the exam itself I find that I don't get as nervous as I did in the early days.

I recently started M255 Object-oriented programming with Java. There have been no surprises so far and I have found it straightforward, this may be due to the similarity to C++. I did C++ for an earlier course, MT262 Putting computer systems to work, and did very well, a distinction. No doubt the Java course will be very different from C++ as the course progresses but as I enjoy the process of programming I hope to do well again.

The pressure may build a little in 2009 as I will be starting T209 Information and communication technologies: people and interactions. I have done 30 point courses with an overlap before but a 30 and a 60 at the same time may present more of a challenge.

Working out a timetable that is realistic and achievable is key to doing well and maintaining interest and enthusiasm. Working full time it can be difficult to fit the hours in, particularly if your work follows you home in the evening and at weekends. I try to fit in a couple of hours of study each night during the week, when doing courses concurrently this needs to be increased. One day a week I have an afternoon of study time provided by my employer, this is really helpful as I can get a good long run of study, more so than is possible at the weekend in fact, although weekends can be another good period. I get at least eight hours out of the day on my study afternoon. When I say a good long run I should be clear that to make study most effective then breaks should be factored in! Otherwise fatigue sets in and words may be entering via the eye portals but they just bounce around inside your head until the letters are rendered disparate entities without form or meaning!