computer science and IT   Introduction The following set of learning materials will help the user to improve their English language and study skills within the subject area of Computer Science and Information Technology (IT). Key academic skill areas such as listening, reading and critical thinking, writing, vocabulary and grammar are addressed in the context of Computer Science and IT through a range of learning activities. All of the activities are linked with reflection and practice Top   Learning Objectives To increase the user's overall confidence in dealing with learning material related to their own subject area To develop the user's specialist vocabulary in their own subject area and provide practice in using appropriate tools to help them do this To help the user learn how to plan and write a report and proofread a text in their own subject area To help the user improve their listening skills with material related to their own subject area Top   Language Prerequisite The materials are designed for users who have already demonstrated some competence in their academic subject area and who consider themselves to have an intermediate to advanced level of English. Top   Table of Contents Listening and understanding new vocabulary Outline - In these activities, you will practise listening in order to understand the use of more difficult specialist vocabulary in a short talk given on an IT-related topic. Forming complex noun phrases Outline - You will look at the rules for forming complex noun phrases and practise your own skills in transforming longer phrases into more academically acceptable noun phrases in your own subject area. Understanding the purpose of a text Outline - These activities will enable you to develop your reading skills, through the analysis of several common types of text. You will focus on analysing the writer's purpose and look at the kinds of language commonly used by writers to express purpose. Listening for particular phrases Outline - In these activities, you will practice listening for key phrases and less formal expressions used in an academic listening context. Describing graphs and tables Outline - These activities will allow you to practise using the particular kind of language used to describe information presented in graphs and tables. Specific attention is given to key vocabulary used in writing such descriptions. Planning and writing a report Outline - You will be introduced to a common report writing structure and in the process will develop your report writing skills. You will develop your report writing language and your ability to write a finished report from a plan. Listening for the significance of modal verbs Outline - You are going to focus on differences in the meaning and use of modal verbs and the difference that these can make to the force of the message delivered by a speaker. You will practise your listening skills at the same time. Proofreading a computer science text Outline - You will learn how to proofread a text that you have written and what kind of mistakes to look out for when doing this. You will also practise proofreading a computer science text. Researching specialist vocabulary Outline - In these activities, you will develop your ability to research the meaning of vocabulary in your subject area. You will also explore the advantages of using a specialist dictionary for your studies. Listening to a complex description You will listen to a complex description of an e-learning system and practise listening for both gist and detail. You will also develop your skill in summarising what you hear. Top   Duration up to 7.5 hours for 10 Learning Objects Top