Program/Course: PC OPERATIONS NC II

Unit of Competency: OPERATE A PERSONAL COMPUTER

Module Title: Operating a Personal Computer

Learning Outcome 5: Work with user application programs

Assessment Criteria

1. Display and apply proper keyboarding

2. Classify the different application programs

References

1. Microsoft Philippines, Manual/handbook.

2. Minhas, Davinder Singh, 2005. Computers.

3. Penaflorida, Arlene R., et. al. 2006. Operating System, Word Processing
and Creating Presentations.

4. Tokunbo Osilaja, The Computer Knowledge Book (Beginner’s Module),

2004.

5. Kenneth Laudon.et.al, Information Technology: Concepts and Issues,

2nd Edition.

6. BATS Baseline Access and Training and Supports, Introduction to

Computers, 2000.

7. Information Resources Technology Support, Windows XP Basics,

California State University, BakersField.

8. Chua Chooi See, A Step By Step Guide: Microsoft Office 97 for Beginners,
1999.

9. Innovative Training Works, Inc,, Partners In Learning Volume I Quick

References.

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LEARNING EXPERIENCES/ACTIVITIES

Learning Outcome 5: WORKING WITH USER APPLICATION PROGRAMS

Learning Activities Special Instructions

1. Read Information Sheet 5.1 on  Strike the keys correctly

familiarizing the home keys and with the fingers
perform the following operation positioning/keyboarding
sheet:
5.1 keyboarding activity  Finish the activity within
5.2 Uses and types of application time allocation
software/program  Focus on the correct
posture to lessen back pains
2. Read Information Sheet 5.2 on
classifying different application  Identify the different
programs. types of application
software/programs and their uses.
3. Answer self-check 5.2.

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 INFORMATION SHEET 5.1

DISCUSSING AND APPLYING PROPER KEYBOARDING

One of the main input devices on a computer is the PC's keyboard, It

looks very similar to the keyboards of a typewriter with some additional keys.
Below is a picture of the keyboard with indicators pointing to each of the major
portions.

Keyboarding is a cumulative psychomotor skill involving the touch

method of input to a standard keyboard device. It does not involve elements of
typing such as text centering, page and letter format, etc. Therefore, the focus of
a keyboarding course is primarily on input rather than output.

Motor skills such as keyboarding are usually composed of a sequence of

movements:
A finger quickly strikes a particular key and then returns to the home key.
As each finger moves to hit the desired letter, the other fingers must remain
anchored to the home row.

To develop fine motor skills, a student must have a visual frame of

reference to initiate understanding. Modeling by the teacher is needed in
developing fine motor skills.

A realistic keyboarding program must be based on direct instruction,

modeling and successive reinforcement. Since keyboarding is a skill deemed
important for all students, it is necessary to continually use and reinforce the
skill in all levels. Students who use word processors frequently must receive
keyboarding instruction and continuous reinforcement.

The structure of an Effective Keyboarding Program suggests a sequence

for the development of keyboarding:
 first correct technique,
 then speed,
 and finally accuracy.

Initial keyboarding instruction, therefore, focuses on correct technique.

Instructional periods should be approximately 15-20 minutes in length with one
or two short evaluation exercises at the end of each lesson. Teachers must
directly teach the concepts and physical reaches of keyboarding as well as
monitor student keyboarding technique. Software tutorials should only be used
to reinforce skills taught.

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KEYBOARDING OBJECTIVES

The student should demonstrate:

 Proper body/hand/finger position of efficient keyboarding operation.

 Correct use of the home-row positions and its anchor keys.
 Correct pairing of fingers to the keys.
 Firm and even stroking of the keys.
 Proper direction of the fingers from their home-row positions to the target
keys and back to home positions.
 Control of the keys by touch.

Instructional objectives should include:

 Direct instruction by the teacher.

 Directed practice to prevent incorrect patterns during warm-ups.
 Daily emphasis on correct posture.
 Observation of individual student technique.
 Repetitive drill for redeveloping skill
 Variation of type of drill to keep student interest high.
 Dictation to develop rhythmic stroking.
 Motivation through praise.
 Use of instructional materials at the student’s level of comprehension.
 Software tutorials should not replace instruction.

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 To give you the clear view of the correct sitting position on keyboarding,
look at the pictures below and observe the importance of correct positioning.

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 PROPER TYPING TECHNIQUE  

The following should be considered in proper typing techniques.

 Fingers are on the home-row keys.

 Correct finger reaches are used.

 Correct return method is used.

 Eyes are focused on copy or paper.

 Feet are resting flat on the floor.

 Body is sitting straight in chair.

 Keyboard is one hand span away from body.

 Body is centered in front of the keyboard.

 Wrists are low but not touching the keyboard.

 Elbows are rested gently to your sides.

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 SELF CHECK 5.1

DISCUSSING AND APPLYING PROPER KEYBOARDING

Directions: Discuss the proper position of fingers on the keyboard.

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 OPERATION SHEET 5.1

DISCUSSING AND APPLYING PROPER KEYBOARDING

Directions: Using the micro computer, encode the given sample activity.

Procedures:

1. Follow the procedure in proper typing technique

2. Positioning of fingers on the home keys
3. Do the activity within 15 – 20 minutes .

Name:
Date:

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 Year and Section:

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INFORMATION SHEET 5.2

CLASSIFYING THE DIFFERENT APPLICATION PROGRAMS

Application software consists of Programs that direct computers to

perform specific information processing activities for end users. These programs
are called application packages because they direct the processing required for a
particular use, or application, which users want to accomplish. Thousands of
application packages are available because there are thousands of different jobs
end users want computers to do.

Kinds of Applications Software

Application software includes a variety of programs that can be

subdivided into general-purpose and application-specific categories.

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Word Processing Software

Word processing software is used to create, manipulate, and print

documents. Documents can be any kind of text material. Some examples of
documents are letters, memos, term papers, reports, and contracts. Popular
word processing packages include WordPerfect, MS-Word and MacWrite.

Spreadsheet Software

A spreadsheet is an electronic worksheet used to organize and manipulate

numbers and display options for what-if analysis. The electronic spreadsheet
has rows and columns stored in the computer's memory and displayed on its
video screen. On the other hand, spreadsheet packages include Lotus 1-2-3,
Quattro Pro, and Excel.

Presentation Program

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 A graphics program can display numeric data in a visual format for
analytical or presentation purposes. Presentation graphics programs are used to
create attractive finished graphs for presentations or report like the MS
PowerPoint program.

E Mail and Communication Software

These packages can connect a microcomputer equipped with a modem to

a public and private network. Communications software enables a
microcomputer to send and receive data over a telephone or other
communications line. Communications programs are used by all kinds of
people inside and outside business. For examples are students doing research
papers, travelers making plane reservations, consumers buying products,
investors getting stock quotations and economists getting government statistical
data. Popular communications software includes Broadband, Smart Bro and
DSL

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Database program

A database management package or database management system

(DBMS) is a software package used to set up or structure a database. It is also
used to retrieve information from a database. Popular database management
programs include dBASE, Paradox, and FoxPro.

SELF CHECK 5.2

CLASSIFYING DIFFERENT APPLICATION PROGRAM

Directions: Categorize the different application programs/software by

filling out the table below:

APPLICATION USES SAMPLE PROGRAMS

SOFTWARE

1.WORD PROCESSING

2.SPREADSHEET

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3.PRESENTATION

4.DATABASE

5.COMMUNICATION/
E-MAILING

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 ANSWER KEY 5.1

DISCUSSING AND APPLYING PROPER KEYBOARDING

Fingers are on the home-row keys.

Correct finger reaches are used.
Correct return method is used.
Eyes are focused on copy or paper.
Feet are resting flat on the floor.
Body is sitting straight in chair.
Keyboard is one hand span away from body.
Body is centered in front of the keyboard.
Wrists are low, but not touching the keyboard.
Elbows are rested gently to your sides.
 ANSWER KEY 5.2

CLASSIFYING DIFFERENT APPLICATION PROGRAM

Directions: Categorize the different application programs/software by filling out

the table below:

APPLICATION USES SAMPLE PROGRAMS

SOFTWARE

1.WORD PROCESSING Used in letter, memos, WordPerfect, MS-Word,

term papers, reports, and and MacWrite.
contracts
used to organize and
2.SPREADSHEET manipulate numbers and Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro,
display options for what- and Excel.
if analysis
used to create attractive
3.PRESENTATION finished graphs for Powerpoint.
presentations or reports.

database management
4.DATABASE system (DBMS) is a dBASE, Paradox, and
software package used to FoxPro. MS Access
set up, or structure
doing research papers,
5.COMMUNICATION/ travelers making plane
E-MAILING reservations, consumers Broadband, Smart Bro
buying products, and DSL
investors getting stock
quotations, and
economists getting
government statistical
data
Observation Checklist

Student’s name:
Teacher’s name:
Unit of competency: OPERATE A PERSONAL COMPUTER
Instructions for the Teacher:
1. Observe the proper position of fingers on the keyboard.
2. Perform activity on keyboarding within specified time frame.
3. Show right posture while doing the activity.
Date of observation
Description of assessment
activity
Location of assessment
activity
The candidate…. If yes, tick the box
 identify the home keys
 know the different functions keys of keyboard
 execute the right positioning of fingers with the
home keys
 control the unnecessary movement in
keyboarding
 take dictation to teachers instruction
 follow the procedure in the activity
 stroking of keys are done perfectly
 check the accuracy of the sample activity
 complete the activity within time frame.
 focus eyes on the screen
 sit up straight
Did the student’s overall performance meet the Yes No
standard?
Feedback to student:
Teacher’s signature: Date: