Correct Keyboarding Techniques – JSS1 Business Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Correct keyboarding technique is the proper method of operating every key on the keyboard, using the right finger for each key.

Behavioural objectives

1. Name the rows of the keyboard.
2. List the keys on the home row.
3. State the use of the Enter, Space bar, Backspace, Delete, Shift, Insert, Caps lock and Tab keys.
4. Name other keys on the keyboard, such as Ctrl, Alt and Esc.
5. Describe the correct sitting posture and finger position for typing.

Why is correct keyboarding important?

Correct keyboarding lets a user type quickly and accurately without looking at the keys all the time.

• Speed: typing with all fingers is faster than using one or two fingers.
• Accuracy: each finger has its own keys, so fewer mistakes are made.
• Less strain: good posture protects the back, neck, wrists and eyes.
• Care of the keyboard: keys are pressed lightly, so they last longer.
• Future use: good typing helps in school work, offices and all ICT tasks.

What are the rows of the keyboard?

The keyboard has a function key row at the top and four rows of alphanumeric keys below it.

Function key row

• Keys: twelve function keys, F1, F2 to F12.
• Use: their jobs differ from one software package to another.
• Programming: some of them can be programmed by the user.

Alphanumeric rows

• Number row: the numbers 0 to 9 and special characters such as @, #, $, %, ( ) and -.
• Top row: the letters Q, W, E, R, T, Y, U, I, O, P.
• Home row: the letters A, S, D, F, G, H, J, K, L and the semicolon (;) key.
• Bottom row: the letters Z, X, C, V, B, N, M, with the comma, full stop and other keys.

What is the home row and how are the fingers placed on it?

The home row is the middle row of letter keys where the fingers rest while typing.

1. Place the left fingers on A, S, D and F.
2. Place the right fingers on J, K, L and the semicolon (;).
3. Rest both thumbs lightly on the Space bar.
4. Reach for other keys from the home row, then return the fingers to it.

• Tip: many keyboards have a small raised mark on F and J to help the fingers find the home row.

What is the correct posture for typing?

Correct posture is a relaxed, upright sitting position that keeps the body free from strain.

• Back: sit upright and close to the desk.
• Feet: keep both feet flat on the floor.
• Arms: keep the elbows close to the body and bent at about a right angle.
• Wrists: keep them level and relaxed, not bent up or down.
• Eyes: look at the screen or the text, not at the keys.
• Touch: press each key lightly and release it quickly.

What are the uses of the main keys?

What are the other keys on the keyboard?

Other keys on the keyboard include Ctrl, Alt, Esc, the numeric keypad and the cursor movement keys.

• Ctrl: the Control key, pressed with another key to give a shortcut, such as Ctrl and S to save.
• Alt: the Alternate key, pressed with another key to give a shortcut or open a menu.
• Esc: the Escape key, used to cancel an action or leave a program or menu.
• Numeric keypad: the block of number keys on the right, used for fast entry of figures.
• Cursor movement keys: the arrow keys, which move the cursor up, down, left and right.

Evaluation

1. Name the function key row and the four rows of alphanumeric keys.
2. What is the use of the Space bar?
3. State one difference between the Backspace key and the Delete key.
4. Which key do you press along with an alphabet key to type a capital letter?
5. List three other keys on the keyboard apart from those in the table.

Assignment

Write down the keys on the home row. State the use of the Tab key, the Insert key and the Caps lock key.