Hi, young learners! Welcome back to Basic Science & Technology, Computer Studies. In our previous lesson, we learned about Input Devices. Today, we’re going to learn about Input Devices – Keyboard and Mouse.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Describe a keyboard and a mouse.
- Identify a keyboard and a mouse.
- State and list the uses/functions of a keyboard.
- State and list the uses/functions of a mouse.
Input Devices – Keyboard and Mouse
Input devices are tools that we use to give instructions to a computer. They allow us to interact with the computer and tell it what we want to do. Some of the most common input devices include:
- Keyboard: A keyboard is a tool that we use to type words and numbers into the computer. It has many keys, and some of them are special keys that help us do things quickly.
- Mouse: A mouse is a tool that helps us move a small arrow on the computer screen. The small arrow is called a Cursor and is used to point at things on the monitor. We can also use a mouse to click on things and open them.
- Touchscreen: A touchscreen allows us to interact with the computer by touching the screen directly. We can use our fingers to tap, swipe, and pinch to control the computer.
- Microphone: A microphone allows us to speak to the computer and give it voice commands. It can be used for things like dictating text or controlling the computer with our voice.
- Webcam: A webcam allows us to capture images and videos and share them with others. It can be used for video calls, recording videos, and taking pictures.
Keyboard
The keyboard is a very important input device. It is used to type letters, numbers, and symbols into the computer. The keyboard has many keys, and each key has a specific function.
Some of the main parts of a keyboard include:
- Keys: The keys are the main part of the keyboard. They are used to type letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Function Keys: These keys are located at the top of the keyboard and are used to perform special functions, such as printing a document or saving a file.
- Arrow Keys: These keys are used to move the cursor up, down, left, and right.
- Space Bar: The space bar is used to create a space between words.
- Enter Key: The enter key is used to confirm an action or move to the next line.
- Shift Key: The shift key is used to type capital letters or special characters.
- Control Key: The control key is used in combination with other keys to perform special functions.
Mouse
The mouse is another important input device. It is used to move the cursor on the screen and to click on things. The mouse has buttons that are used to perform different actions.
The main parts of a mouse include:
- Buttons: The buttons are used to click on things on the screen. The left button is used for selecting items, while the right button is used for accessing menus.
- Scroll Wheel: The scroll wheel is used to scroll up and down through documents or web pages.
- Cursor: The cursor is a small arrow that appears on the screen. It is controlled by the mouse and is used to point at things on the screen.
Evaluation Questions
Now that you’ve learned about input devices, let’s see if you can answer these questions:
- What are some examples of input devices?
- What is the main function of a keyboard?
- What is the main function of a mouse?
- What are some of the special keys on a keyboard and what are they used for?
- What are the different parts of a mouse and what are they used for?
Conclusion
Today, we learned about input devices, specifically the keyboard and mouse. These devices are essential for interacting with computers and giving them instructions. Remember that there are many other input devices, and each one has its own unique function. Keep exploring and learning about the world of technology! See you in the next lesson!
