Module 2

IKWEZI E-LEARNING

Ikwezi Community Development Centre

🏠 Main Website

MODULE 2 OF 7

Using the Keyboard and Mouse

Basic Computer Literacy • Beginner Level

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• ✓ Identify the main keys on a computer keyboard.
• ✓ Use the keyboard to type letters, numbers and symbols.
• ✓ Use the mouse to point, click, double-click and right-click.
• ✓ Drag and drop items using the mouse.
• ✓ Correct typing mistakes using editing keys.
• ✓ Use common keyboard shortcuts.
• ✓ Select, copy, cut and paste text.

⌨️ Lesson 1: Keyboard Basics

A keyboard is an input device used to enter letters, numbers, symbols and commands into a computer.

Important Keyboard Keys

• Letter keys: Used to type A–Z.
• Number keys: Used to enter numbers.
• Spacebar: Creates a space between words.
• Enter: Starts a new line or confirms an action.
• Backspace: Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
• Delete: Deletes the character or item selected.
• Shift: Used for capital letters and some symbols.
• Caps Lock: Turns capital letters on or off.
• Tab: Moves the cursor to the next field or creates an indent.
• Arrow keys: Move the cursor up, down, left or right.
• Esc: Often cancels or exits an operation.

💡 Remember:
The keyboard allows you to communicate with the computer by entering information and commands.

🖱️ Lesson 2: Using the Mouse

A mouse is a pointing device used to control the pointer on the computer screen.

Common Mouse Actions

• Point: Move the pointer to an item.
• Left-click: Select an item.
• Double-click: Quickly click the left mouse button twice. It is commonly used to open files and programs.
• Right-click: Opens a shortcut or context menu with additional options.
• Drag: Hold the mouse button while moving the pointer.
• Drop: Release the mouse button after dragging an item.
• Scroll: Move up or down through a page using the mouse wheel.

💡 Example:
To move a file into a folder, you can click and hold the file, drag it over the folder, and release the mouse button.

✍️ Lesson 3: Typing and Editing Text

When typing, the flashing vertical line on the screen is called the cursor or insertion point. It shows where the next character will appear.

Correcting Mistakes

• Use Backspace to delete characters to the left of the cursor.
• Use Delete to remove selected text or characters to the right of the cursor.
• Use the Arrow Keys to move around your text.
• Use Shift with a letter to type a capital letter.
• Use Caps Lock when you need to type several capital letters.

Selecting Text

Text can be selected so that it can be copied, moved, deleted or formatted.

You can select text by clicking and dragging across it with the mouse.

⚡ Lesson 4: Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform common tasks quickly.

• Ctrl + C Copy selected text or files.
• Ctrl + V Paste copied or cut content.
• Ctrl + X Cut selected content.
• Ctrl + Z Undo the last action.
• Ctrl + S Save your work.
• Ctrl + A Select All available content.

⚠️ Important:
When using shortcuts, hold down the Ctrl key and then press the second key.

💻 Practical Activity

If you have access to a computer, complete the following activity.

1. Open a word-processing program such as Microsoft Word.
2. Type your full name.
3. Press Enter and type: I am learning basic computer literacy.
4. Make a typing mistake intentionally.
5. Use Backspace or Delete to correct the mistake.
6. Select some of the text using the mouse.
7. Use Ctrl + C to copy the selected text.
8. Move the cursor to another location.
9. Use Ctrl + V to paste the text.
10. Use Ctrl + S to save your work.

🎯 Goal:
You should be comfortable using both the keyboard and mouse before moving to the next module.

📝 Module 2 Quiz

Answer all eight questions and select Submit Quiz.

1. Which key is normally used to create a space between words?

A. Enter B. Spacebar C. Shift D. Delete

2. What is a double-click commonly used for?

A. Turning off the monitor B. Opening a file or program C. Typing a capital letter D. Printing automatically

3. Which mouse action usually opens a shortcut menu?

A. Left-click B. Double-click C. Right-click D. Scroll

4. Which key deletes characters to the left of the cursor?

A. Backspace B. Enter C. Tab D. Caps Lock

5. What does Ctrl + C normally do?

A. Cut B. Copy C. Close D. Cancel

6. What does Ctrl + V normally do?

A. Paste B. Save C. Undo D. Select all

7. Which shortcut is commonly used to save your work?

A. Ctrl + X B. Ctrl + A C. Ctrl + S D. Ctrl + Z

8. What does Ctrl + Z normally do?

A. Undo the last action B. Save a document C. Copy text D. Select all text

✅ Complete Module 2

After studying the lessons, completing the practical activity and passing the quiz, mark this module as complete.

← Previous Module Next Module →

IKWEZI E-LEARNING

Ikwezi Community Development Centre

Basic Computer Literacy Course

ikwezicdc.co.za