Published Feb 24, 2005
SigmaSRNA
210 Posts
I'm starting at Texas Wesleyan this coming Fall '05. Should I get a PDA with a voice recorder or just get a regular PDA since the classes are available online. Also, what's the best equipment to get. ITS TIME TO SPEND SOME MONEY!!!!
alansmith52
443 Posts
as much as you would love to buy a pda right now i would wait untill clinicals..
I think a laptop is good and a digital voice recorder is a must. its true lecture will be aviable to watch on line you still have to go to class. :)
GoldRush777
1 Post
I would invest in a comfortable office chair, a decent laptop, a laser jet printer, not an inkjet, a roomy desk & a voice recorder is ok but not essential since you will view all the lectures on WebCT or at least the anatomy/physiology lectures. I would also buy the Katzung pharm review book with is not on the list of required texts (condensed with high points). For the most part just focus on the notes of any class and use the books only for reference & don't get caught up in making those note cards that will be availabe to you unless you just can't live without them.
A PDA will be nice for clinicals as you will enter all your info during your case and then sync to the Typhon Group, this is where all your data is saved and TWU will keep track of your cases.
Don't worry too much about your clinical site. There will be so many other factors that could change before you pass your phase I didatic portion. It is unfortunate that not everyone will be able to complete phase I due to financies, family, grades, etc. and cllinical sites usually change somewhat due to these circumstances. Oh yes, borrow plenty of money so you don't have to worry about this especially during phase I.
I would take the online chemistry class this summer if it is available, it will prepare your for the first 6 - 8 weeks of the real thing and you can use that spare energy to study physiology until you reach the organic section.
Well that's just a tidbit of the FAQ list that I had last semester.
The program is established, organized and designed to teach you what you will need for clinicals and to pass the certifying exam. Your instructors will prepare you well especially in physiology in case you haven't heard...
Good Luck to you guys and enjoy your summer.... :uhoh21:
I had a hard time sitting through two more hours of lecture at web ct speed, I enjoyed recording the lectures and then playing them back to myself double time. just a little somthing.
XIGRIS
234 Posts
I guess each one has his own preference...
I bought a laptop and a digital sony voice recorder which has a dragon speaking software built into it and I only used it once.
I take notes in class. I usually listen to A&P lectures on webct 2-3 days before the exam> Ask if Chemistry class will be offered this summer. Take it. Get you the Lippincott's Pharm book ( its red ) to supplement Katzung's. It will help. If we could be of help, you can PM us.
By the way, enjoy this summer....
alansmith52, 10 more months for you and you're done. i have 22 more.... please say hi to two of my friends in lubbock...vicky and gani....
How long are lectures available on webct and I need to find an apartment that's a decent commute to campus
should i get a laptop or just invest in a better desktop. I don't type fast enough to take notes in class with a laptop. So what's the point of getting one?
aRNnAR
51 Posts
I would buy a laptop, hold off on the PDA until clinicals start, & take an organic chem class or organic biochem class this summer as I heard from my classmates who took the online class that it was only helpful for the 1st few wks of class which is very "do-able" w/out the class. I would not buy the Katzung or the Lipincott pharm book...just the katzung "examination & board review" which is not listed on your book list. Unless you are a speed reader, you will not have ample time to read your assignments from the Katzung book. Do NOT buy the chem book or the chem review book....it's a waste of time as the instructor does not teach directly from it. To be perfectly honest, I don't know if I'd even buy Guyton unless u get a great deal on it. There is a condensed version of the same book that I have not read, but heard is helpful. Dr. Reinke will give you more than enough notes & even says that he tests from his notes (in a very odd & difficult manner). Spend the absolute MINIMAL time w/ethics as it's a pass/fail class & unless u put NO effort into ur presentation, u will pass.
If you can write quickly, you may want to take ur own notes instead of using the preprinted notes...it will help u pay attention. I did this at first, but once Dr. Reinke started speeding up, I was unable to keep up with him. Also, since the preprinted notes are ones that previous students typed, there are a few errors...they are not notes that Dr. Reinke has typed...the notes are VERY good though.
All of your classes will be recorded & posted on WebCT to view at your discretion. Most will remain online for about 2 weeks. I have not used a voice recorder thus far (used WebCT quite a bit last sem, but not much so far this sem), but as some have stated, they find them helpful.
I bought a laptop instead of buying a new desktop just for convenience. Some ppl took notes in class w/theirs, but can't imagine doing that myself. Sometimes, I'd take mine to the library w/me in case i wanted to review something on webct while i was studying my notes (the libary & NA building have wireless internet. However, if you have a pretty good desktop, it's not imperative that you have a laptop.
Good Luck
I'll dedicated my first A in Reinke's class to all of you for your help. I think I'll get a new laptop and a digital recorder so I can put my lectures on cd and listen in the car on the way to the club for a friday night off (laugh). Thanks guys