Practical Introduction to Word Processing – JSS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (First Term)

Class: JSS 1

Subject: Digital Technologies

Topic: Practical Introduction to Word Processing (Getting Started)

Word processing is the use of a computer program to type, edit, format, save and print text.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define word processing and name a common word processing program.
2. Open Microsoft Word and start a blank document.
3. Type text using the Shift, Caps Lock, Space Bar, Enter and Backspace keys.
4. Make text bold, italic and underlined.
5. Save and print a document using menus and shortcut keys.

What is word processing?

Word processing is using a computer program to type, edit and format text.

• Word processor: a program used for word processing.
• Microsoft Word: the most popular word processor.
• Other word processors: Google Docs, WPS Writer and LibreOffice Writer.
• Document: the file you create and work on in a word processor.

Why do we use word processing?

A word processor lets you correct mistakes without rewriting the whole page, as you must with a pen.

• Appearance: change the colour and size of your words.
• Spelling: correct spelling mistakes easily.
• Pictures: add pictures to your stories.
• Saving: keep your work and use it again later.
• Printing: print your work as many times as you want.

How do you open Microsoft Word?

You open Microsoft Word from the Start button by searching for it and choosing a blank document.

1. Click the Start Button.
2. Type “Word” in the search bar.
3. Click the Microsoft Word icon.
4. Select “Blank Document” to start fresh.

How do you type your first text?

The cursor is the small blinking line on the page that shows where your text will appear.

Wherever the cursor is, that is where your typing will show.

Typing tips

• Capital letters: hold the Shift Key and press a letter, or press Caps Lock to type many capitals.
• Space between words: press the long Space Bar once.
• New line: press the Enter Key to move the cursor to the next line, like starting a new paragraph.
• Fixing mistakes: press the Backspace Key to erase letters to the left of the cursor.
• Erasing forward: press the Delete Key to erase letters to the right of the cursor.

Class activity

1. Type your full name.
2. Type your age.
3. Type the name of your school.
4. Do not worry about mistakes yet. Use Backspace to correct them.

What is formatting?

Formatting is changing the appearance of text to make it stand out or look neat.

You must first select (highlight) the text with your mouse before you format it.

Three basic formatting buttons

These buttons are found on the Home tab at the top of the screen.

• Bold (B): makes text thicker and darker. It is good for headings.
• Italic (I): slants text to the side. It is useful for book titles and special words.
• Underline (U): puts a line under the words.

How to format text

1. Click and drag your mouse over the word you want to change.
2. Click the B, I or U button.
3. Watch your text change at once.

• Font size: select the text, then choose a number in the font size box on the Home tab.
• Font colour: select the text, then choose a colour from the font colour button on the Home tab.

How do you save a document?

Saving stores your document on the computer so you do not lose it when the computer is turned off.

1. Click File at the top left corner.
2. Click Save As.
3. Click Browse and choose a folder, such as “Documents”.
4. Give your file a name, for example “My_First_Note”.
5. Click Save.

How do you print a document?

Printing makes a paper copy of your document, and you need a printer to do it.

1. Click File.
2. Click Print.
3. Check the “Preview” on the right to see how the page will look.
4. Click the big Print button.

What are the shortcut keys in Microsoft Word?

A shortcut key is a combination of keys pressed together to do a task quickly.

Evaluation

1. Define word processing and name one word processor.
2. What is the cursor?
3. State the difference between the Backspace key and the Delete key.
4. List the steps for making a selected word bold.
5. Write the shortcut keys for saving and for printing.

Assignment

1. Type a five-line poem about your favourite food.
2. Make the title bold and underlined.
3. Save the file with your name and “Poem” as the file name.