Sections of the Keyboard – Understanding Keyboard Layout and Functions
JSS 1 Computer Studies – Week 10 Lesson Note
Sections of the Keyboard
Lesson Plan
Subject: Computer Studies
Class: JSS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 10 – 12 years
Topic: Sections of the Keyboard
Sub-topic: Identifying and Understanding Different Keyboard Sections
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify the different sections of the keyboard.
- Explain the functions of each section.
- Give examples of keys found in each section.
- Describe the importance of each section in computer usage.
Keywords
- Keyboard
- Function Keys
- Alphanumeric Keys
- Navigation Keys
- Numeric Keypad
- Special Keys
Set Induction (Introduction)
The teacher asks students:
- “How do we enter letters, numbers, and symbols into a computer?”
- “Have you noticed that a keyboard has different types of keys?”
- “What do you think each key is used for?”
This will help students recall their past experiences with keyboards and prepare them for the lesson.
Entry Behavior
Students have previously learned about the keyboard and its types. This lesson builds on that by explaining how the keyboard is structured into sections.
Learning Resources and Materials
- Physical computer keyboard
- Chart displaying labeled keyboard sections
- Projector or printed images of keyboards
Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge
Students have used keyboards on computers, tablets, or mobile phones. This lesson helps them understand the arrangement of keys and their functions.
Embedded Core Skills
- Digital literacy
- Observation skills
- Critical thinking
Reference Books
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work
- Introduction to Computer Studies for JSS 1
Lesson Content
Definition of a Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to type text, numbers, and symbols into a computer. It consists of different keys grouped into sections for easy use.
Sections of the Keyboard
A computer keyboard is divided into different sections, each with a unique function.
1. Alphanumeric Keys
- Includes letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and punctuation marks.
- Used for typing words, sentences, and numbers.
- Example: Typing an essay in Microsoft Word.
2. Function Keys (F1 – F12)
- Located at the top of the keyboard.
- Each key has a special function, such as opening help menus or refreshing pages.
- Example: Pressing F5 refreshes a webpage.
3. Control Keys
- Includes Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and Windows key.
- Used for shortcuts and special commands.
- Example: Pressing Ctrl + P prints a document.
4. Navigation Keys
- Includes arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down.
- Helps move the cursor in a document or webpage.
- Example: Using the Up Arrow to move the cursor to the previous line.
5. Numeric Keypad
- Found on the right side of most keyboards.
- Used for quick number entry.
- Example: Entering numbers into a calculator application.
6. Special Keys
- Includes Enter, Backspace, Delete, Spacebar, Caps Lock, and Tab.
- Used for editing and formatting text.
- Example: Pressing Enter moves to a new line.
10 Examples of Keys and Their Functions
- A-Z keys – Used to type words.
- 0-9 keys – Used for typing numbers.
- Shift key – Used to type capital letters and symbols.
- Caps Lock – Used to turn uppercase letters on or off.
- Enter key – Moves to a new line or submits a command.
- Backspace key – Erases characters to the left of the cursor.
- Delete key – Removes text or files.
- Arrow keys – Moves the cursor up, down, left, or right.
- F1-F12 keys – Used for special functions like opening help menus.
- Ctrl key – Used in shortcuts like Ctrl + S (Save).
Evaluation (Fill in the Blanks with Options)
Choose the correct answer from options (a, b, c, or d).
-
The section of the keyboard that contains letters and numbers is called _______.
a) Navigation keys
b) Alphanumeric keys
c) Function keys
d) Special keys -
The keys labeled F1 to F12 are called _______.
a) Navigation keys
b) Function keys
c) Numeric keys
d) Special keys -
The key used to erase characters to the left of the cursor is _______.
a) Delete
b) Spacebar
c) Backspace
d) Enter -
The numeric keypad is located on the _______ side of the keyboard.
a) Left
b) Right
c) Center
d) Bottom -
The arrow keys are part of the _______ keys.
a) Navigation
b) Numeric
c) Function
d) Special
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers)
-
What is the function of the keyboard?
- It is used to input data into a computer.
-
How many function keys are there?
- There are 12 function keys (F1 – F12).
-
What is the purpose of the numeric keypad?
- It helps enter numbers quickly.
-
Which key is used to delete text?
- The Backspace key erases text to the left, while the Delete key removes text to the right.
-
What do arrow keys do?
- They move the cursor up, down, left, or right.
Presentation Structure
- Review of the previous lesson (Teacher revises the last topic on keyboard types).
- Introduction to the new topic (Teacher explains the keyboard sections).
- Student contributions and corrections (Students share their ideas, teacher corrects where necessary).
Assessment (Short Answer Questions)
- Name the different sections of a keyboard.
- What is the function of function keys?
- Give two examples of navigation keys.
- What is the role of the numeric keypad?
- Which section contains the letters and numbers on a keyboard?
Conclusion
The teacher moves around, marks students’ work, and provides corrections.