Mind mapping

Mind mapping is a technique that will help you organise your thoughts and ideas.  It helps you to:
 (1) organise ideas from other people (e.g. from lectures, from books, from online resources etc.)
 (2) organise your own ideas (e.g. brainstorming about a topic, structuring an essay etc.)


It's a visual way of seeing the information and how it fits together.

Moreover, mind mapping helps you remember information because the maps are structured in a way that your mind finds easy to recall and review. Mind maps can be drawn by hand or using a piece of software.In this short video, Tony Buzan explains how and why he invented mind mapping...



You can create your mind maps on paper or electronically. Have a look at these free mind mapping websites.

Need to know about referencing?

Are you starting to write your assignments?  Do you need to learn how to reference your sources correctly?  Have a look at this short tutorial introducing the topic!

 
Learning to reference is a vital part of student life.  Referencing your sources correctly will help you to avoid plagiarism and loosing marks in your assignments.

Last semester the library subscribed to RefWorks, an online resource that can help you to keep track of your sources and reference them correctly.  See the online tutorials for more information!

Worried about plagiarism?

As you are starting to write your assignments, you have probably be warned about the dangers of plagiarism.  Plagiarism is a topic that students everywhere must get to grips with!

This short video from Bainbridge College gives a good overview of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.


You can also have a look at our short Moodle tutorial introducing plagiarism...

Two heads are better than one... ?

A study group is a small group of people who regularly meet to discuss the subjects they are studying.

Often, people can accomplish more by sharing their skills and resources than by working alone.

The ability to work in groups is widely encouraged in the business world, as well as in colleges.

Here are a few pointers for setting up a study group:

1. Select people who seem to share your desire to reach your academic goals.
2. Look for people who stay alert in class, who take notes, who ask questions, who respond to the lecturer's questions. (This may represent two or three different people, but that's good because you may all have different learning styles represented in your group).
3. Limit your group to four to six people.  Large groups get unwieldy and small groups can easily get off track.
4. Schedule a meeting to "test the waters" and see how you get along together. Once the group seems to be doing well, try to schedule regular meetings.

Need technical assistance?

The Computer Services Helpdesk is located in the Library (Block F).

Changing your password
If you need to change your network password, bring your student card to the Student Information Desk (9.15am - 5.00pm, Mon-Fri) or the Library Desk (5.00pm - 8.00pm, Mon-Thurs).

Other technical queries
The Computer Services Helpdesk is open:

You may also find the answers to your queries:
 ... on the ITB Student Hub: http://itbstudenthub.ie/?cat=15

Dropbox

Do you ever lose work because...
 ... you updated an old version of a document
 ... you can't find your USB / flash drive
 ... you're not sure if you saved it correctly

Dropbox might be the answer!  It is an online hosting service that uses cloud computing to store and share files and folders.  You can log into your account from any PC with an internet connection.  That means you need only have one version of your document, you need only save it to one place and you won't need a USB or flash drive.  (Although it is always a good idea to back up important files!)



Features of Dropbox
 
File Sync
1. Dropbox allows you to sync your files online and across your computers automatically (i.e. one version!).
2. 2GB of online storage for free, more if you join the space race .
3. Sync files of any size or type.
4. Sync Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
5. Automatically syncs when new files or changes are detected.

File Sharing
1. Shared folders allow several people to collaborate on a set of files.
2. You can see other people’s changes instantly.

Online Backup
1. Automatic backup of your files.
2. Undelete files and folders.

You can download Dropbox here

Note taking: using the Cornell System

When it comes to note taking, there are many different systems. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. One of the most effective and efficient systems is The Cornell System. It helps you to organise and summarise your study notes, and it will help you when revising for CA's or exams.

The Cornell System helps you to arrange your notes in a way that will allow you to find the important information more easily. This system can be used both during lectures and when reading from library books, journals, online resources etc

Have a look at this short tutorial to learn more.