Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Computer Studies
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: Basic Computer Operations: Booting Process, Cold booting, Warm booting & Components of Windows Desktop.
Topic: BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
Subject Matter: running an application program, opening Microsoft Word, using menus and icons, process of shutting down the computer

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define an application program.
List the steps to open Microsoft Word.
Identify common menus and icons in an application program.
Outline the steps to shut down a computer.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of properly shutting down a computer.
Develop confidence in performing basic computer operations.

Psychomotor Domain:

Successfully run an application program, such as Microsoft Word.
Demonstrate the use of menus and icons within an application.
Perform a correct computer shutdown procedure.

Collaborate with peers when practicing basic computer operations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Computer Studies (Senior Secondary).
State Unified Scheme of Work for Computer Studies (SSS 1).
Aladegbola, A. (2018). Comprehensive Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1. University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A functional computer system.
A projector (optional, for larger display).
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how to use common computer programs and properly turn off a computer. Knowing these basic operations enables them to interact effectively with computers for learning and everyday tasks.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of computer hardware components and the concept of software.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS

Running an Application Program

An application program is a type of software designed to perform a specific task for the user. Examples include word processors, web browsers, and media players.

Ways to run an application program include:

Clicking on its icon on the desktop.
Clicking on its icon pinned to the taskbar.
Using the Start Menu to locate and click the program.
Using the search bar to find and open the program.

Opening Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a popular word processing application used for creating and editing text documents.

The steps to open Microsoft Word are:

Click on the Start button (usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen).
Navigate to All Apps or All Programs.
Scroll down and click on Microsoft Word (or Word).
Alternatively, double-click on the Microsoft Word icon if it is available on the desktop.

Using Menus and Icons

Within an application program, menus and icons provide access to various commands and features.

Menus: These are lists of commands or options, often grouped under headings like File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, etc. Clicking on a menu heading reveals a dropdown list of commands.
Icons: These are small graphical representations that symbolize a specific command or function. For example, a floppy disk icon often represents “Save,” a pair of scissors icon represents “Cut,” and a printer icon represents “Print.”

Process of Shutting Down the Computer

Shutting down a computer properly is important to prevent data loss and ensure the system operates correctly in the future. It closes all programs and powers off the hardware safely.

The steps to shut down a computer are:

Click on the Start button.
Click on the Power icon.
Select Shut down from the options (other options may include Restart, Sleep, Hibernate).
Wait for the computer to completely power off before disconnecting it from power.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall some common tasks they perform with a computer. The teacher then introduces the topic, “Basic Computer Operations,” and explains that the lesson will focus on how to start programs and properly turn off the computer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Running an Application Program

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines what an application program is and explains different ways to run an application program using the computer system. The teacher demonstrates by opening a simple application like Calculator or Paint.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and listen to the explanation, asking questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how to initiate an application program.

Step 3: Opening Microsoft Word

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher specifically demonstrates the steps to open Microsoft Word, showing how to navigate through the Start Menu. The teacher guides a few pupils to attempt opening it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and, where possible, practice opening Microsoft Word under the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the specific procedure for opening Microsoft Word.

Step 4: Using Menus and Icons

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: Using Microsoft Word (or any open application), the teacher explains what menus are (e.g., File, Home, Insert) and points out common icons (e.g., Save, New, Bold, Italic) found within the application, explaining their functions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the different menus and icons on the screen and try to identify their functions as explained by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and understand the basic use of menus and icons.

Step 5: Process of Shutting Down the Computer

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of properly shutting down a computer and demonstrates the correct step-by-step procedure to shut down the computer system.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay close attention to the shutdown procedure and understand why it is important.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the correct and safe way to shut down a computer.

Step 6: Practical Demonstration/Pupil Practice

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher allows pupils, in turns or groups, to practice running an application (like Microsoft Word), identifying menus/icons, and performing a simulated shutdown (or actual shutdown if time permits and systems are available). The teacher provides supervision and assistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively practice the operations demonstrated, applying their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils gain hands-on experience in basic computer operations.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is an application program?
Mention two ways to run an application program.
List the steps to open Microsoft Word.
Explain why it is important to shut down a computer properly.
Outline the steps to shut down a computer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points, emphasizing the practical importance of knowing how to run applications and shut down a computer properly. The teacher gives homework: “Practice opening and closing Microsoft Word at home if you have access to a computer.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are encouraged to practice.

Lesson Keywords

Application Program – A software designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
Microsoft Word – A popular word processing application.
Menu – A list of commands or options within an application.
Icon – A small graphical symbol representing a command or program.
Shutdown – The process of properly closing all programs and powering off a computer.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to explore more complex menus or functions within Microsoft Word. For pupils who struggle, the teacher will provide more one-on-one guidance and repeated demonstrations of the steps.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that a functional computer system is available for demonstration and, ideally, for pupils’ practical sessions. Emphasize the hands-on aspect of the lesson to ensure pupils develop practical skills. Safety precautions regarding computer handling should also be briefly mentioned.