COMPUTER LESSONS

Title: Introduction to Computer Applications and Digital Skills

Target Learners
Beginner to intermediate computer learners.

Duration
12–16 weeks, depending on lesson frequency and practical sessions.

General Aim
To equip learners with basic computer knowledge, practical skills in
Microsoft Office packages, CorelDraw, Command Prompt usage, and
Internet operations.

Objectives

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

1. Explain the basic concepts of computers and their uses.

2. Identify computer hardware and software components.
3. Use Microsoft Word to create and format documents.
4. Use Microsoft Excel to organize data, perform calculations, and
create charts.
5. Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations.
6. Use Microsoft Publisher to design simple publications.
7. Use Microsoft Access to create and manage simple databases.
8. Use CorelDraw to create basic graphic designs.
9. Use basic Command Prompt commands.
10. Browse the Internet safely and effectively.
11. Send and receive emails.
12. Apply basic computer ethics and safety practices.

UNIT 1: COMPUTER APPRECIATION

Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers

Topics
- Meaning of a computer
- Characteristics of computers
- Uses of computers
- Types of computers
- Advantages and disadvantages of computers
Learning Outcomes
Learners should be able to:
- Define a computer.
- Mention areas where computers are used.
- Identify different types of computers.

Practical Activity
- Identify desktop, laptop, tablet, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and system
unit.

Lesson 2: Computer Hardware and Software

Topics
- Meaning of hardware
- Meaning of software
- Input devices
- Output devices
- Storage devices
- System software and application software

Examples

| Hardware | Examples |
| Input devices | Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone |
| Output devices | Monitor, printer, speaker, projector |
| Storage devices | Hard disk, flash drive, memory card, CD/DVD |

| Software | Examples |
| System software | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Application software | Microsoft Word, Excel, CorelDraw, Chrome |

Practical Activity
- Learners should identify and classify computer devices.

Lesson 3: Basic Computer Operations

Topics
- Booting a computer
- Shutting down a computer properly
- Using the mouse
- Using the keyboard
- Opening and closing programs
- Creating folders
- Saving files
- Copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files

Practical Activity
- Create a folder named “Computer Class”.
- Create a file and save it inside the folder.
- Rename the file.
- Copy the file to another location.

UNIT 2: MICROSOFT WORD

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microsoft Word

Topics
- Meaning of Microsoft Word
- Uses of Microsoft Word
- Opening Microsoft Word
- Parts of the Microsoft Word window
- Ribbon, tabs, groups, ruler, workspace

Practical Activity
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Type a short paragraph about yourself.
- Save the document.

Lesson 2: Text Formatting

Topics
- Font type
- Font size
- Bold, italic, underline
- Text color
- Alignment: left, center, right, justify
- Line spacing
- Bullets and numbering

Practical Activity
Type and format a short essay titled “My School” or “My Community”.

Lesson 3: Page Formatting

Topics
- Margins
- Orientation: portrait and landscape
- Page size
- Page borders
- Header and footer
- Page numbering

Practical Activity
Create a one-page document with:
- Title
- Header
- Footer
- Page number
- Page border

Lesson 4: Tables and Images

Topics
- Inserting tables
- Formatting tables
- Inserting pictures
- Resizing pictures
- Text wrapping
- Shapes and WordArt

Practical Activity
Create a simple class timetable using a table.

Lesson 5: Printing and Document Review

Topics
- Print preview
- Printing a document
- Spelling and grammar check
- Find and replace
- Saving as PDF

Practical Activity
Prepare a formal letter and save it as PDF.

UNIT 3: MICROSOFT EXCEL

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Topics
- Meaning of Microsoft Excel
- Uses of Excel
- Workbook and worksheet
- Rows, columns, and cells
- Cell address
- Entering data
- Calculations in Excel

Practical Activity
Create a worksheet containing names, subjects, and scores.

Lesson 2: Formatting Worksheets

Topics
- Formatting cells
- Adjusting row height and column width
- Borders and shading
- Number formatting
- Merging cells
- Text alignment

Practical Activity
Create and format a student score sheet.

Lesson 3: Basic Formulas and Functions

Topics
- Meaning of formula
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
- SUM
- AVERAGE
- MIN
- MAX
- COUNT

Examples
- `=SUM(B2:B6)`
- `=AVERAGE(C2:C6)`
- `=MAX(D2:D6)`
- `=MIN(D2:D6)`

Practical Activity
Calculate total and average scores for students.
Lesson 4: Charts and Data Sorting

Topics
- Creating charts
- Bar chart
- Pie chart
- Column chart
- Sorting data
- Filtering data

Practical Activity
Create a chart showing students’ performance in different subjects.

Lesson 5: Printing Excel Worksheets

Topics
- Page layout
- Print area
- Print preview
- Page orientation (Portrait & Landscape)
- Scaling worksheet to fit page

Practical Activity
Prepare and print a formatted worksheet.

UNIT 4: MICROSOFT POWERPOINT

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

Topics
- Meaning of PowerPoint
- Uses of PowerPoint
- Slides and presentations
- PowerPoint interface
- Creating a new presentation

Practical Activity
Create a presentation titled “My Family” or “My School”.

Lesson 2: Designing Slides

Topics
- Slide layouts
- Themes
- Backgrounds
- Fonts and colors
- Inserting pictures
- Inserting shapes

Practical Activity
Design five slides using different layouts.

Lesson 3: Transitions and Animations

Topics
- Slide transitions
- Object animations
- Animation timing
- Slide show view

Practical Activity
Apply transitions and animations to a presentation.

Lesson 4: Presentation Skills

Topics
- Organizing presentation content
- Using bullet points
- Avoiding overcrowded slides
- Speaking clearly
- Maintaining eye contact

Practical Activity
Deliver a short presentation to the class.

UNIT 5: MICROSOFT PUBLISHER

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microsoft Publisher

Topics
- Meaning of Microsoft Publisher
- Uses of Publisher
- Difference between Word and Publisher
- Templates
- Publication types

Examples of Publications
- Flyers
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Certificates
- Newsletters
- Invitation cards

Practical Activity
Open Publisher and explore available templates.

Lesson 2: Creating Simple Publications

Topics
- Choosing a template
- Editing text
- Adding images
- Changing colors
- Inserting shapes
- Page layout

Practical Activity
Create an invitation card for a birthday, wedding, or school event.

Lesson 3: Designing Flyers and Certificates

Topics
- Flyer design
- Certificate design
- Using borders
- Using WordArt
- Arranging objects
- Printing publications

Practical Activity
Create a school event flyer or a certificate of participation.

UNIT 6: MICROSOFT ACCESS

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microsoft Access

Topics
- Meaning of Microsoft Access
- Uses of Access
- Database
- Table
- Record
- Field
- Primary key

Learning Outcomes
Learners should be able to:
- Explain what a database is.
- Identify fields and records.
- Create a simple database.

Lesson 2: Creating Tables

Topics
- Creating a database
- Creating tables
- Data types
- Entering records
- Saving tables

Common Data Types

| Data Type | Use |
| Short Text | Names, addresses |
| Number | Scores, quantities |
| Date/Time | Dates |
| Currency | Money values |
| Yes/No | True or false entries |

Practical Activity
Create a student database table with the following fields:
- Student ID
- First Name
- Surname
- Gender
- Class
- Date of Birth
- Phone Number

Lesson 3: Forms, Queries, and Reports

Topics
- Creating forms
- Entering data through forms
- Creating simple queries
- Generating reports
- Printing reports

Practical Activity
Create a form for student registration and generate a report.

UNIT 7: CORELDRAW

Lesson 1: Introduction to CorelDraw

Topics
- Meaning of CorelDraw
- Uses of CorelDraw
- Vector graphics
- CorelDraw workspace
- Toolbox
- Property bar
- Color palette

Uses of CorelDraw
- Logo design
- Posters
- Flyers
- Business cards
- Banners
- Letterheads
- Book covers

Practical Activity
Open CorelDraw and identify tools in the toolbox.

Lesson 2: Basic Drawing Tools

Topics
- Pick tool
- Shape tool
- Rectangle tool
- Ellipse tool
- Text tool
- Freehand tool
- Fill tool
- Outline tool

Practical Activity
Draw simple shapes and apply colors and outlines.
Lesson 3: Working with Text and Objects

Topics
- Artistic text
- Paragraph text
- Resizing objects
- Rotating objects
- Grouping and ungrouping
- Aligning objects
- Ordering objects

Practical Activity
Design a simple name tag or business card.

Lesson 4: Logo and Flyer Design

Topics
- Principles of good design
- Using colors properly
- Combining text and images
- Importing images
- Exporting designs

Practical Activity
Create a simple logo and a one-page flyer.

Unit 8: Computer Command Prompt

Lesson 1: Introduction to Command Prompt

Topics
- Meaning of Command Prompt
- Uses of Command Prompt
- Opening Command Prompt
- Command line interface
- Difference between GUI and CLI

Practical Activity
Open Command Prompt and identify the command line.

Lesson 2: Basic Command Prompt Commands

Common Commands
| Command | Function |
| `dir` | Displays files and folders |
| `cd` | Changes directory |
| `cd..` | Moves back one directory |
| `cls` | Clears the screen |
| `mkdir` | Creates a folder |
| `rmdir` | Removes a folder |
| `copy` | Copies files |
| `del` | Deletes files |
| `rename` | Renames files |
| `exit` | Closes Command Prompt |

Practical Activity
Use Command Prompt to:
1. Create a folder.
2. Open the folder.
3. Create another folder inside it.
4. Display the contents.
5. Delete the folder.

Lesson 3: File Management with Command Prompt

Topics
- Navigating drives
- Viewing files
- Creating folders
- Copying files
- Deleting files safely

Practical Activity
Create this folder structure using Command Prompt:

```text
Computer_Class
│
├── Word
├── Excel
├── PowerPoint
└── CorelDraw
```
UNIT 9: INTERNET
Lesson 1: Introduction to the Internet

Topics
- Meaning of Internet
- Uses of Internet
- Web browser
- Website
- Webpage
- Search engine
- URL

Examples
| Term | Example |
| Browser | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari |
| Search engine | Google, Bing, Yahoo |
| Website | [Link] |
| Email service | Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail |

Practical Activity
Open a browser and visit an educational website.

Lesson 2: Searching for Information Online

Topics
- Using search engines
- Keywords
- Reliable and unreliable information
- Downloading information
- Copying information ethically
- Avoiding plagiarism

Practical Activity
Search for information about “Uses of Computers in Education” and
summarize it in Microsoft Word.

Lesson 3: Email and Online Communication

Topics
- Meaning of email
- Creating an email account
- Sending emails
- Receiving emails
- Attaching files
- Printing Emails (With and without attachments)
- Replying and forwarding
- Email etiquette

Practical Activity
Send an email to the teacher with a Microsoft Word document attached.

Lesson 4: Internet Safety and Cyber Ethics

Topics
- Strong passwords
- Avoiding suspicious links
- Cyberbullying
- Phishing
- Malware
- Privacy
- Responsible use of social media
- Copyright and plagiarism

Practical Activity
Create a poster in PowerPoint or Publisher on “Internet Safety Rules”.

Teaching Methods

The following methods can be used:

1. Explanation and demonstration

2. Question and answer
3. Guided practical work
4. Group projects
5. Individual assignments
6. Class presentations
7. Peer review
8. Assessment through practical tasks

Required Teaching Materials

- Computers or laptops
- Projector or smartboard
- Microsoft Office package
- CorelDraw software
- Internet connection
- Printer
- Flash drives
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sample files and images
- Antivirus software

Assessment Plan

Continuous Assessment
| Assessment Type | Percentage |
| Class attendance and participation | 10% |
| Practical exercises | 30% |
| Assignments | 20% |
| Project work | 20% |
| Final test/examination | 20% |
| Total | 100% |

Sample Practical Assignments

Assignment 1: Microsoft Word

Create a one-page formal letter applying for admission into a computer
training school. The document should include:
- Proper address format
- Date
- Salutation
- Body
- Closing
- Signature
- Page border
- Header and footer

Assignment 2: Microsoft Excel

Create a student result sheet with:
- Student names
- Five subjects
- Total score
- Average score
- Grade
- Chart showing performance

Assignment 3: Microsoft PowerPoint

Create a 6-slide presentation on “Benefits of Computer Education”.

Slides should include:

1. Title slide
2. Introduction
3. Uses of computers
4. Benefits of computer education
5. Internet safety
6. Conclusion

Assignment 4: Microsoft Publisher

Design an invitation card for a school end-of-year party.

Assignment 5: Microsoft Access

Create a simple database for a library containing:
- Book ID
- Book Title
- Author
- Category
- Date Borrowed
- Borrower’s Name
- Date Returned

Assignment 6: CorelDraw
Design a business card for a computer training center.

The card should include:

- Business name
- Logo
- Contact address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website
- Attractive colors and layout

Assignment 7: Command Prompt

Use Command Prompt to create folders for each Microsoft Office package:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Publisher
- Access

Assignment 8: Internet
Search online for information about “Computer Hardware and Software”
and prepare a short summary in Microsoft Word.
Final Project

Project Title: Digital Skills Portfolio

Learners should create a portfolio containing:

1. A Microsoft Word document

2. An Excel worksheet with formulas and chart
3. A PowerPoint presentation
4. A Publisher flyer or certificate
5. An Access database
6. A CorelDraw design
7. Screenshot of Command Prompt folder creation
8. Evidence of Internet research or email attachment

Project Evaluation Criteria

| Criteria | Marks |
| Correct use of software tools | 25 |
| Creativity and design | 20 |
| Accuracy of content | 20 |
| Proper formatting | 15 |
| Completion of all required tasks | 10 |
| Presentation and explanation | 10 |
| Total | 100 |

Weekly Scheme of Work

| Week | Topic | Practical Activity |

| 1 | Computer appreciation | Identify computer parts |
| 2 | Hardware, software, and file management | Create folders and manage files |
| 3 | Microsoft Word basics | Type and save a document |
| 4 | Microsoft Word formatting | Create a letter/timetable |
| 5 | Microsoft Excel basics | Create a score sheet |
| 6 | Excel formulas and charts | Calculate totals and create charts |
| 7 | Microsoft PowerPoint | Create a slide presentation |
| 8 | Microsoft Publisher | Design an invitation card |
| 9 | Microsoft Access | Create a simple database |
| 10 | CorelDraw basics | Draw shapes and design a business card |
| 11 | Command Prompt | Use basic commands |
| 12 | Internet and email | Search online and send email |
| 13 | Internet safety and cyber ethics | Create safety poster |
| 14 | Revision and practical exercises | Complete unfinished tasks |
| 15 | Final project | Portfolio preparation |
| 16 | Examination and presentation | Project defense |
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lessons, learners should be able to:

- Operate a computer confidently.

- Create and format documents using Microsoft Word.
- Perform calculations and create charts using Microsoft Excel.
- Prepare professional presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.
- Design cards, flyers, and certificates using Microsoft Publisher.
- Create simple databases using Microsoft Access.
- Produce basic graphic designs using CorelDraw.
- Use basic Command Prompt commands for file management.
- Use the Internet for research, communication, and learning.
- Practice safe and responsible computer and Internet use.