ICT Class 2 - Learning To-Use-Keyboard-And-Mouse Notes

Learning to Use Keyboard and Mouse

Welcome to the chapter on Learning to Use Keyboard and Mouse for Class 2 ICT. In this chapter, you will discover what a keyboard and mouse are, how they help us use a computer, and how to use them correctly. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify the keys on a keyboard, use the mouse to point and click, and understand the importance of these two important parts of a computer.

Introduction

Computers are smart machines, but they need our help to work. We use special tools called input devices to tell the computer what to do. The two most important input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. Let’s learn how to use them!

Key Concepts

• Keyboard: An input device with many keys used to type letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Mouse: An input device used to point, click, and select things on the computer screen.
• Input Device: A device that helps us give instructions to the computer.
• Typing: Pressing keys on the keyboard to write words and numbers.
• Clicking: Pressing a button on the mouse to select or open something.
• Pointer: The arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse.

1. What is a Keyboard?

A keyboard is a flat device with many buttons called keys. We use the keyboard to type letters, numbers, and symbols into the computer. The keyboard helps us write words, sentences, and even stories on the computer.

• A keyboard usually has more than 100 keys.
• Each key has a letter, number, or symbol on it.
• When you press a key, the computer shows that letter, number, or symbol on the screen.

Types of Keys on the Keyboard

• Alphabet Keys: These keys have letters A to Z. We use them to type words.
• Number Keys: These keys have numbers 0 to 9. We use them to type numbers.
• Spacebar: The longest key on the keyboard. It is used to give spaces between words.
• Enter Key: Used to move the cursor to the next line or to tell the computer to do something.
• Backspace Key: Used to erase letters or numbers to the left of the cursor.
• Shift Key: Used to type capital letters and special symbols.
• Arrow Keys: Used to move the cursor up, down, left, or right.

Practice:

• Find the spacebar on your keyboard. Press it and see what happens on the screen.
• Type your name using the alphabet keys.
• Use the backspace key to erase a letter.

2. What is a Mouse?

A mouse is a small device that fits in your hand. It has buttons and sometimes a wheel. When you move the mouse on the table, a pointer (arrow) moves on the computer screen. The mouse helps us point to things, click to select or open them, and drag objects from one place to another.

• Most mice have two buttons: left and right.
• The left button is used for most actions, like selecting and opening.
• The right button is used for special menus.
• The wheel in the middle helps us scroll up and down on the screen.

How to Hold and Use a Mouse

• Place your hand gently on the mouse.
• Rest your index finger on the left button and your middle finger on the right button.
• Move the mouse slowly and watch the pointer move on the screen.
• Click the left button to select or open something.
• Double-click to open files or programs.
• Right-click to see special options.
• Use the wheel to scroll up and down.

Practice:

• Move the mouse and watch the pointer on the screen.
• Click on a folder to select it.
• Double-click to open a file or program.
• Right-click on the desktop and see what menu appears.

3. How to Type Using the Keyboard

Typing is the skill of pressing keys on the keyboard to write words, numbers, and symbols. Good typing helps you use the computer faster and better.

• Sit straight and keep your fingers on the keyboard.
• Use both hands to type.
• Look at the screen while typing, not at your hands.
• Practice typing simple words like your name, school, or favorite color.

Typing Practice:

• Type the alphabet from A to Z.
• Type numbers from 0 to 9.
• Type the sentence: "I love my computer."

4. How to Use the Mouse for Drawing and Games

The mouse is not just for clicking and selecting. You can use it to draw pictures and play games on the computer!

• Open a drawing program like Paint.
• Use the mouse to select colors and brushes.
• Click and drag the mouse to draw shapes and lines.
• Play simple games that use the mouse to move and click.

Practice:

• Draw a house using the mouse in Paint.
• Play a matching game using the mouse to click on pairs.

5. Taking Care of Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboards and mice are important parts of the computer. We must take care of them so they work well.

• Keep your hands clean before using the keyboard and mouse.
• Do not eat or drink near the computer.
• Press the keys gently; do not bang on them.
• Move the mouse smoothly; do not drop it.
• Tell an adult if a key or button is not working.

6. Fun Facts about Keyboard and Mouse

• The first computer mouse was made of wood!
• Some keyboards have colored keys to help you learn typing.
• There are wireless keyboards and mice that do not need wires to connect to the computer.
• Some mice have extra buttons for playing games.

Summary

• The keyboard and mouse are important input devices for the computer.
• The keyboard helps us type letters, numbers, and symbols.
• The mouse helps us point, click, select, and draw on the computer.
• We must use the keyboard and mouse gently and keep them clean.
• Practice makes you better at typing and using the mouse!

Practice Questions

Try these questions to test your understanding:

1. What is a keyboard used for?
2. Name any three keys on the keyboard and their uses.
3. What does the mouse pointer do?
4. How do you select and open a file using the mouse?
5. How should you take care of the keyboard and mouse?
6. Type your name using the keyboard. Which keys did you use?
7. Draw a picture using the mouse in a drawing program.

Challenge Yourself

• Learn to type the alphabet without looking at your hands.
• Play a typing game to improve your speed.
• Use the mouse to draw a flower in Paint.
• Teach a friend or family member how to use the mouse and keyboard.

Did You Know?

• The spacebar is the longest key on the keyboard.
• Some computers have touchpads instead of a mouse.
• You can use keyboard shortcuts to do things faster on the computer.
• The mouse was invented in 1964 by Douglas Engelbart.

Glossary

• Keyboard: An input device with keys for typing.
• Mouse: An input device for pointing and clicking.
• Pointer: The arrow on the screen that moves with the mouse.
• Click: Pressing a button on the mouse.
• Double-click: Quickly pressing the left mouse button twice.
• Input Device: A device used to give instructions to the computer.
• Typing: Writing using the keyboard.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. A keyboard is used to type letters, numbers, and symbols into the computer.
2. Alphabet keys (for letters), number keys (for numbers), spacebar (for spaces), enter key (to move to the next line), backspace (to erase).
3. The pointer shows where you are on the screen and helps you select things.
4. Click once to select, double-click to open a file or program.
5. Keep them clean, use them gently, do not eat or drink near them, and tell an adult if they are not working.
6. (Student’s own answer, e.g., A, B, C, etc.)
7. (Student’s own drawing in a drawing program.)

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Keep practicing your typing and mouse skills every day. The more you use the keyboard and mouse, the faster and better you will become at using the computer!