Word Processing Lesson 6 - Terms of the Day 3

 

Goal
To develop computer literacy skills

Objective
Learners will gain familiarity with computer terminology.

Skills
Word processing: using the mouse, cursor, and insertion point; deleting and backspacing; basic text formatting (bolding, centering and enlarging text).

Preparation/pre-requisite skills
Opening a word processing program, mouse skills, basic keyboarding

Time
45 minutes to one hour

Related Activities
What’s In That Box? See Inside the Computer; Terms of the Day 1 and 2

Instructor’s Notes
The terms of the day are divided into 3 sections. I distribute the terms during the first few weeks of class. I use the terms frequently and encourage students to use them as much as possible. For example I’ll ask them “What is an icon?” or “Show me the insertion point” when I go around to work with them individually, so that these terms clearly have useful, practical functions.

This exercise works well even with multi-levels, since more experienced learners can contribute what they know. Often even those with more experience may not know what all the terms mean, so the lesson is valuable for them as well.

Computer Terms of the Day 3
CPU, RAM, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, CD ROM, operating system, laptop, desktop, recycle bin

Activity

Give the class the handout “Terms of the Day 3” WITHOUT definitions.

Go through the terms one at a time, asking the students if anyone can define the term for the class. It may be necessary to rephrase or clarify the defintion.

Participants write each definition on their handouts. This helps to remember what the terms mean.

From their handwritten list they will create a word processing document of their own. Instructors can also use Computer Terms of the Day 1 and 2.

Follow-up
The terms list can be used to practice simple formatting, by doing things like bolding the terms, centering the title and increasing the font size, etc. It’s also useful for very new students to practice things like moving the insertion point with the mouse and with the arrow keys, using the enter key, and using backspace and delete. This can be done as a group with participants who are on a similar level.

Here’s the Terms 3 list with its definitions:

CPU - Central Processing Unit, the “brains” of the computer.

RAM - Random Access Memory, the memory the computer uses to run software.

byte - a small unit which measures memory (RAM) and storage capacity.

kilobyte - (abbreviated as k) = 1,000 bytes

megabyte - abbreviated as mb) = 1,000 k

gigabyte - (abbreviated as gig) = 1,000 mb

CD ROM - a high-capacity storage disk which has information (often programs) on it

operating system - necessary software which manages operations of the computer. Examples: Windows 95, Windows 98, Mac, Unix are operating systems.

laptop - a portable computer

desktop - two different meanings
1. The “background” you see in the computer screen symbolizing an office environment with its files, folders, trash bin, etc.
2. A computer which sits on a desk ot tabel and is too heavy to be portable like a laptop.

recycle bin - the trash