Use Of Special Keys On The Keyboard Basic 2 Computer Studies Lesson Note

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:

• identify the special keys on the keyboard
• determine the functions of the special keys on the keyboard

Lesson Content:

Review and Additional Special Keys:

More Special Keys:

11. Windows Key:

• Location: Between Ctrl and Alt (bottom row)
• Symbol: Windows logo
• Function: Opens Start menu
• Use: Quick access to programs and settings

12. Menu Key:

• Location: Right side, near right Ctrl key
• Symbol: Small menu icon
• Function: Opens context menu (right-click menu)
• Use: Same as right-clicking with mouse

13. Print Screen (PrtSc):

• Location: Top right area of keyboard
• Symbol: “PrtSc” or “Print Screen”
• Function: Takes picture of computer screen
• Use: Capture what’s on screen to save or share

14. Scroll Lock:

• Location: Top right area, near Print Screen
• Symbol: “ScrLk” or “Scroll Lock”
• Function: Changes how arrow keys work
• Use: Mostly for special programs

15. Pause/Break:

• Location: Top right area of keyboard
• Symbol: “Pause” or “Break”
• Function: Pauses some programs
• Use: Rarely used in modern computers

Key Combinations: Special keys work together for powerful functions:

Ctrl Combinations:

• Ctrl + A: Select all text
• Ctrl + C: Copy selected text
• Ctrl + V: Paste copied text
• Ctrl + X: Cut (remove and copy) text
• Ctrl + Z: Undo last action

Alt Combinations:

• Alt + Tab: Switch between open programs
• Alt + F4: Close current program

Shift Combinations:

• Shift + Letter: Make capital letter
• Shift + Number: Type symbol above number

Function Key Uses:

• F1: Get help in most programs
• F2: Rename files
• F5: Refresh/reload page
• F11: Full screen mode

Practice Activities:

1. Typing Practice: Use spacebar between words
2. Capital Letters: Use Shift for names
3. New Lines: Use Enter key properly
4. Fix Mistakes: Use Backspace key
5. Tab Practice: Make neat lists

Keyboard Care:

• Keep keyboard clean
• Don’t eat over keyboard
• Press keys gently
• Don’t spill liquids on keyboard
• Cover when not in use

Multiple Choice Exercise:

1. Sandy soil feels: a) Smooth and sticky b) Rough and gritty c) Very soft d) Like mud 
2. Sandy soil particles are: a) Very tiny b) Large enough to see c) Invisible d) All the same color 
3. The Tab key is used to: a) Delete text b) Make spaces between words c) Make neat columns d) Turn off computer 
4. Earthworms in soil help to: a) Eat all plants b) Make soil worse c) Break down dead plants d) Stop plants growing 

Answers: 1(b), 2(b), 3(c), 4(c)