Understanding Electronic Mails Basic 5 Computer Studies Lesson Note

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Define email • Explain how to open an email • Explain the menus on the email interface

Materials Needed:

• Internet access • Email client (e.g. Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo mail) • Computer/laptop for each student

Content

Electronic Mails, what are they?

Electronic mail, or email, is a method of exchanging digital messages between people using the internet. Emails are sent and received using a software program called an email client, such as Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, or Apple Mail. An email message typically consists of a subject line, a message body, and one or more attachments. The sender and recipient communicate using email addresses, which typically have the format of username@domain.com.

How to create an email

To create an email, you will need access to an email service or client. Popular email services include Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook. Once you have an account with one of these services, you can create a new email by following these steps:

1. Log in to your email account.
2. Click on the button or link to compose a new email.
3. In the “To” field, enter the email address of the recipient. You can also enter multiple email addresses, separated by commas.
4. In the “Subject” field, enter a brief summary of the email’s content.
5. In the message body, type the content of your email.
6. If you want to attach a file to your email, click on the “Attach” button and select the file from your computer.
7. Once you are finished, click on the “Send” button to send the email.

Menus on the email interface

The menus on an email interface can vary depending on the email service or client you are using. However, most email interfaces have similar features and menus. Here are some common menus that you may find on an email interface:

1. File: This menu contains options for creating a new email, replying to or forwarding an email, saving an email as a draft, and printing an email. 
2. Edit: This menu contains options for editing the content of an email, such as cut, copy, paste, and undo/redo. 
3. View: This menu allows you to change the way emails are displayed, such as changing the font size or switching to a different view. 
4. Insert: This menu allows you to insert various elements into the email, such as images, tables, and links. 
5. Format: This menu allows you to format the text in your email, such as changing the font style, color, and size. 
6. Tools: This menu contains options for managing your email, such as searching for emails, filtering emails, and setting up rules. 
7. Help: This menu provides help and support resources for the email service or client. 
8. Inbox: This menu shows the list of emails that you received 
9. Sent: This menu shows the list of emails that you sent 
10. Draft: This menu shows the list of emails that you saved as draft 
11. Trash: This menu shows the list of emails that you deleted. 

Note that the names and location of the menus might vary depending on the client you use.

Evaluation

1. What is the main function of an email client? a) To send and receive emails b) To browse the internet c) To play games 
2. What is the name of the field where you enter the recipient’s email address? a) To field b) From field c) Subject field 
3. How do you attach a file to an email? a) Click on the “Insert” button b) Click on the “Attach” button c) Click on the “Save” button 
4. What menu allows you to change the font size in an email? a) File b) Edit c) View 
5. What menu contains options for creating a new email? a) File b) Edit c) View 
6. What menu allows you to format the text in an email? a) File b) Edit c) Format 
7. How can you undo an action in an email? a) Click on the “Undo” button b) Click on the “Edit” menu and select “Undo” c) Press the “Ctrl” + “Z” keys 
8. How can you send an email? a) Click on the “Send” button b) Click on the “File” menu and select “Send” c) Press the “Ctrl” + “S” keys 
9. Where do you find the “Reply” option in an email? a) In the “File” menu b) In the “Edit” menu c) In the “View” menu 
10. How can you filter emails? a) Click on the “Tools” menu and select “Filter” b) Click on the “File” menu and select “Filter” c) Click on the “Edit” menu and select “Filter”