ABSTRACT
One of the difficulties that faces people trying to learn something on their own is acquiring the necessary resources and materials. This is not simply a matter of getting hold of them, which can be difficult or expensive enough, but of identifying the right kinds of resources: right for the learner and for that particular learning task. Thus, one of the basic functions of any course is to provide students with an adequate range of materials, textbooks that are well written and pitched at the right level, good handouts, software that is accessible and appropriate, equipment that is modern and works properly and facilities that enable them to get on with learning without continually running into practical obstacles or difficulties. However, even if these resources are available there is the further question of whether the students have the necessary skills to make proper use of them.
