Uses Of Special Keys On The Keyboard Tab Key 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:

What are Special Keys? Special keys are keys on the keyboard that have specific functions different from letter and number keys.

Important Special Keys:

1. Tab Key:

• Location: Left side of keyboard, above Caps Lock
• Symbol: Usually shows two arrows or “Tab”
• Function: Moves cursor to next tab position
• Use: Makes neat columns in typing, indents paragraphs

2. Control Key (Ctrl):

• Location: Bottom corners of keyboard
• Symbol: “Ctrl”
• Function: Used with other keys for special commands
• Use: Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), Ctrl+S (save)

3. Spacebar:

• Location: Longest key at bottom of keyboard
• Function: Creates space between words
• Use: Press between each word when typing

4. Enter Key:

• Location: Right side of keyboard
• Symbol: “Enter” or curved arrow
• Function: Moves to next line, confirms commands
• Use: Start new paragraph, submit information

5. Function Keys (F1-F12):

• Location: Top row of keyboard
• Symbols: F1, F2, F3… up to F12
• Functions: Different for each program
• Common uses: F1 (Help), F5 (Refresh)

6. Shift Key:

• Location: Left and right sides of keyboard
• Symbol: “Shift” with up arrow
• Function: Makes capital letters, types symbols
• Use: Hold Shift + letter for capitals

7. Caps Lock Key:

• Location: Left side, above Shift
• Symbol: “Caps Lock”
• Function: Makes all letters capital
• Use: Press once for ALL CAPITALS, press again to turn off

8. Alt Key:

• Location: Next to spacebar
• Symbol: “Alt”
• Function: Used with other keys for special commands
• Use: Alt+Tab (switch programs)

9. Delete Key:

• Location: Upper right area of keyboard
• Symbol: “Delete” or “Del”
• Function: Removes text after cursor
• Use: Delete mistakes in typing

10. Backspace Key:

• Location: Upper right, above Enter
• Symbol: Arrow pointing left
• Function: Removes text before cursor
• Use: Erase mistakes while typing

Functions Summary:

• Tab: Makes neat spacing
• Ctrl: Special commands with other keys
• Spacebar: Spaces between words
• Enter: New lines and confirm actions
• Function Keys: Help and special features
• Shift: Capital letters and symbols
• Caps Lock: All capital letters
• Alt: Alternative commands
• Delete: Remove text ahead
• Backspace: Remove text behind

Practice Using Special Keys:

• Type your name using Shift for first letter
• Use spacebar between words
• Press Enter to go to next line
• Use Backspace to fix mistakes