Welcome to Computer Science 101! Here is some important information you'll need to know to get started and be successful this semester.
Learn about the course...
Please watch our course overview video to become familiar with how CS 101 works [2].
Get prepared...
Claim your WVU Login account
You will use your WVU Login account to access your MIX e-mail, use computers on campus, and to submit assignments and view grades for CS101. If you haven't already, claim your WVU Login account so it's ready for use.
Purchase your textbooks and software
CS101 uses the Exploring Microsoft 365 textbooks and MyLab IT software from Pearson. We have a bundle available that includes the MyLab IT software we use in the course and the eText of the books. Please make sure that you buy from Pearson, Barnes & Noble, or the Book Exchange. If you purchase elsewhere, like from Amazon, you will not be able to register for MyLab IT.
Get your computer ready
CS101 is based on the Windows version of Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Microsoft Office). WVU provides students with free access to Microsoft 365, which you can use with CS101.
The Mac version of Office does not include Microsoft Access, which we use in CS101. Don't fear, Mac users - we have a solution for you. Windows Virtual Desktop will let you run Windows and the Windows version of Microsoft 365 through your web browser.
If you don't have a computer of your own, you can use computers in the CS101 Learning Center or WVU Libraries. We strongly recommend you don't share computers with other students as this frequently leads to cheating.
Register for MyLab IT
You'll need to register for MyLab IT before you can start completing the MyLab Lessons and MyLab Extra Credit Projects. Instructions are available on the MyLab Registration Instructions page. It's very important you carefully follow them so you register properly and can receive credit for your work.
If you have problems using MyLab IT, you can visit our MyLab IT Help page for information and how to contact Technical Support.
Info to know...
Course learning objectives
After completing Computer Science 101, students will be able to:
| # | Course Learning Objective | Learning Activities & Informal Assessments |
Formal Assessments |
|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | Build spreadsheets to perform calculations, display data, conduct analysis, and explore what-if scenarios. |
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| C02 | Design and construct databases to store, extract, and analyze scientific and real world data. |
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| C03 | Create scientific and technical documents incorporating equations, images, tables, and bibliographies. |
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| C04 | Develop technical and scientific presentations which use charts and visual aids to share data. |
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| C05 | Identify, access, and evaluate information to solve real world problems. |
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Get help on your assignments
If you have any questions about your CS101 work, the CS101 Learning Center is a good place to get help. We have hours in Armstrong Hall each week. Check the schedule for hours.
Can't make it to Open Lab? Our Homework Help videos provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete projects similar to the Homeworks. You can get ready for exams by viewing an Exam Review Project video, too.
CS101 takes time
CS101 is a 4-credit hour course. While we don't meet for 4 hours each week like MATH 155: Calculus (another 4-credit course), we do have a similar workload. Expect to spend several hours each week outside of class reading, completing MyLab IT work, and finishing your Homeworks. We suggest initially setting aside 5 hours per week for CS101 until you find how long CS101 takes you. Treat the time as a regular scheduled part of your week. If you get behind, it can be difficult to catch up.
CS101 does not use eCampus
Computer Science 101 does not use eCampus. All of the tools you will need to complete the course are available here on the CS101 website and in MyLab IT.
Navigating the CS101 website
Please watch the YouTube video below to learn how to navigate the CS101 website and where information is located [1]:
Important links...
Syllabus
The syllabus for your section is on your instructor's Syllabus page. As a student, you are responsible for being familiar with its contents and our course policies.
Schedule
CS101 is not a self-paced course. Your section's schedule shows the due dates for your Homeworks, Exams, and MyLab Lessons this semester. It also lists the content being covered throughout the semester so that you can stay on track with your work. CS101 assignments build on previous projects, so it's important to stay on top of your coursework.
Please note that Participation Projects may not be listed on the Section Schedule page as they can vary by section. Please visit your instructor's Assignments page for these assignments.
Assignments and grades
The currently available assignments are posted on your instructor's Assignments page. Homeworks, Exams, and Participation Projects will be submitted through the CS101 Submit Assignments page. MyLab Lessons and MyLab Extra Credit Projects are completed on MyITLab.com.
Grades are posted on the View Grades page. Be sure to read the feedback for your grades to understand how each score was calculated.
Course materials
Links to the eText, Supplemental Content, and MyLab IT are all available on the Course Materials page.
Academic integrity policy
CS101 takes academic integrity very seriously. Simply put, we expect everyone to do their own independent work and not share files. If you cheat, you won't develop the skills you need for the Exams or to succeed when you get out of the course. For much more detailed information, please see the Academic Integrity Policy in your syllabus.
Technical Support
Are you having problems using the CS101 website, MyLab IT, Microsoft Office, or any of the other software used in Computer Science 101? Please visit the Technical Support page to learn about the support resources available to you.
Next steps...
Tell us about yourself
We want to learn about you. Please complete our CS101 Student Introduction to tell us more about you and your goals for this semester. If you like, we will include your information in a guide we may distribute to all students in your section so you can learn more about your classmates.
Complete the Policy Acknowledgement Form
In order to receive credit for submitted work, all students must complete and sign the Policy Acknowledgement Form.
The form will also ask you to nominate a proctor, someone who will be able to supervise you while you take the three exams required by the course.
References
- B. M. Powell, CS101 Website Tour. West Virginia University, 2017. Available: https://youtu.be/cd37MCqvWoE.
- B. M. Powell, CS101 Course Overview for Asynchronous Online Sections. West Virginia University, 2024. Available: https://youtu.be/Ic20dGyI_Ck.