Introduction to Computers and Applications
CS 115, 2026 Summer Session 2

INTRODUCTION

The class format is on line. Class runs from July 13 through August 14, 2026.

Assignments are spelled out for every day of the class. This is a 15-week class condensed into five weeks. You must work very hard and submit the assignments that are due on each assigned day. The class is organized so that work is due four days/week: Monday-Thursday. There is no work due on Fridays.

OBJECTIVE

Introduction to computers, both large and small, but with emphasis on, and hands-on experience with, personal computers (Machintosh, IBM-PC.) Includes a survey of current commercial software (including word processing, a database, and a spread sheet.)

Wilkes University General Education Computer Literacy Outcomes. Students will:

• define the relationship between hardware and software, in particular, the relationship between hardware and the operating system and the operating system and applications;
• develop an understanding of privacy and security issues with respect to networks, email, social media and WWW usage;
• know intellectual property laws with respect to software, music, and video, and understand the ethical use of information for academic and personal purposes;
• utilize software such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database software to effectively organize, manage, and communicate information; and
• understand the roles of computers and technology in mass communication, including social media.

PREREQUISITES

TEXT

COMPUTING

INSTRUCTOR

Email: barbara.bracken@wilkes.edu

Communication regarding questions and classes should be to the above email address. Lab and Assignment submissions will be through D2L. Two semester exams will be taken through D2L. Respondus Monitor and Lockdown Browser are required to take the exams.

GRADING

Your course grade is distributed as:

• 27% Exam 1
• 27% Exam 2
• 31% Reports and Chapter Assignments
• 15% Excel Assignments

         >= 93 , A = 4.0
         87-92, B+ = 3.5
         81-86, B = 3.0
         75-80, C+ = 2.5
         69-74, C = 2.0
         63-68, C- = 1.5
         57-62, D =   1.0
         < 56 , F = 0.0

COURSE POLICIES

Daily Activities

You are responsible for looking at the schedule every day and reading the assigned chapters.

Late Assignments: (this policy will be strictly enforced)

All assignments are due at 11:59 p.m. on the scheduled day. No exceptions.

Academic Honesty

Use of AI in the completion of any assignment is not allowed. The use of AI will result in a course grade of 0.

Violations will be turned over to Student Affairs and become a part of your permanent record.

• The first offense will result in a grade of -100 averaged in with the other assignments. It will have a significant impact on your final grade.
• A second offense will result in a 0 course grade.

Exams

The format for exams will be mainly short answer and short essay type questions.

Important: Unless otherwise notified, you are responsible for ALL of the material in the assigned chapters of the text.

Exams will be taken on the specified day. The exams must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the specified day. Exams are taken through D2L. You must have Lock Down Browser and Respondus Monitor. You must have a camera. You will be required to show your Wilkes id at the beginning of the exam and to pan the room with your camera. Your browser will be locked down, so you cannot go to any other web sites. You are not allowed any resources while taking the exam. You will be recorded through the camera on your computer and your microphone. I will review the recordings.

A sample exam is set up to be taken any time. It is on the schedule for July 20. It does not count towards your grade. The exam consists of you filling in your name, major, and year into a text box. The purpose of the exam is to get your testing environment set up and give you time to resolve any issues you have. If you do not take the sample exam and have problems with your environment that prevent you from taking an actual exam, no consideration will be given. It is recommended that you take the sample exam before the first exam and before the second exam to be sure everything still works properly. It is especially recommended if your environment for Exam 2 is different than Exam 1.
 

SCHEDULE