THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

DESIGN PLAN
The Design Plan presented below reflects the CUE suggested Plan but goes beyond that to
specify how each outcome will be handled. All modules are based on this Design Plan.
Note: The principle of constructive alignment informs this Design Plan.

Programme title BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Course title CIT 122 Computer Applications

Learning Module number CIT 122-01

Learning module title Introduction to Word Processing

Module Developer Dr. Mary Mwadulo

Module duration in hours 6 Hours

Instructional Hour Equivalent

(Divide duration by 2)

Reviewed by

Vision The innovative university for inclusive prosperity

Audience description This module is designed for beginners who want to

learn the fundamentals of word processing. It will
provide step-by-step guidance on how to create,
format, and manage documents using word
processing software, along with practical tips and
techniques for creating professional-looking
documents efficiently. Whether you're a student,
office worker, or just someone who wants to
improve their computer skills, this module will help
you gain confidence in using word processing
software and enhance your productivity.

Instructions to learners Designer:Provide an audio with the followed

prerecorded informations

Welcome to Introduction to Word Processing

module! As your facilitator, I'm here to guide you
through this learning experience.

Here are some instructions to help you get started:

1. Familiarize yourself with the course

materials: Ensure you understand what you'll
be studying in this module, what the learning
outcomes are, and how the course is structured.
2. Manage your time effectively: Set aside a
specific amount of time each day or week to
work on this module. Make a schedule that
works for you, and stick to it as much as
possible.
3. Stay organized: Keep track of your progress
by taking notes, using a planner, or using an
online tool to keep track of your assignments
and deadlines.
4. Participate in the online discussions: Take
advantage of any online forums or discussion
boards that are available to you. Engage with
your fellow learners, ask questions, and share
your own experiences and insights.
5. Complete all assignments: Make sure you
complete all the assignments and quizzes
associated with this module. This will help you
reinforce what you've learned and prepare you
for any assessments that may be required.
6. Seek help when needed: If you're struggling
with any part of the module, don't hesitate to
reach out to your facilitator or the support team
for help. They're there to assist you and help
you succeed.

Remember, learning is a process, and everyone

learns at their own pace. Don't be discouraged if
you encounter challenges along the way. With
 persistence and effort, you can master the material
and achieve your learning goals.

Good luck!

Learning module description This module is designed to provide beginners with

a solid foundation in word processing. Participants
will learn the essential skills needed to create, edit,
format, and manage documents using word
processing software. The module will cover the
basics of popular word processing software such as
Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar
applications.

Teaching Methodology

 Step-by-step demonstrations and tutorials for

using word processing software.
 Hands-on practice exercises to reinforce
learning.
 Real-world examples and scenarios to illustrate
practical applications.
 Interactive discussions and Q&A sessions to
clarify concepts.
 Supplemental resources, such as cheat sheets
and quick reference guides, for further learning.

Target Audience

 Beginner-level computer users with little or no

experience in word processing.
 Office workers, students, educators,
administrative staff, or anyone who needs to
create written documents for personal or
professional purposes.
 Individuals who want to improve their computer
skills, increase their productivity, and create
professional-looking documents efficiently.
 Duration

 The module can be completed in approximately

6 hours, depending on the pace of the learners
and the depth of content covered.

Module objectives: The module seeks to facilitate learning about:

1. Basic features and functions of word processing

software, including creating, editing, and
formatting documents.
2. Concepts of text manipulation, paragraph
formatting, and page layout in word processing
software.
3. Creating, editing, and formatting documents
using word processing software through hands-
on practice.
4. Effective communication, time management,
and attention to detail through creating well-
formatted and error-free documents.

Module learning outcomes: By the end of the module you should be able to:

1. Explain basic features and functions of word

processing software, including creating, editing,
and formatting documents.
2. Discuss concepts of text manipulation,
paragraph formatting, and page layout in word
processing software.
3. Develop skills in creating, editing, and
formatting documents using word processing
software through hands-on practice.
4. Develop skills in effective communication, time
management, and attention to detail through
creating well-formatted and error-free
documents.
Planned Learning Resources A Computer, course modules, online based
materials, virtual lab, recorded lecturers,
assessment tools, online videos, case studies, LMS,
eBooks, books, interactive quizzes, Smart phones,
virtual tools such as Zoom , google meet

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION Designer: Provide a video with the following

prerecorded information
VIDEO 1: Pre-recorded
lecture on topic emphasizing
LEARNING OUTCOME 1:
“Welcome to "Introduction to Word Processor “module.
Factual knowledge. My name is [*******] and I will be your instructor for this
module. This is the first module for the Computer
Application Course.

This module aims to focus on the following:

 What is a word processor:

 Purpose of a word processor
 Examples of word processor
 Features of a word processor
 Functions of word processor
 Creating, editing and formatting documents using a
word processor

Before we begin, for purpose of demonstration of tasks,

I will use Ms- Word. However, you are not limited to this
word processor.

So, let’s get started.

A word processor is a software application

used for creating, editing, formatting, and printing
documents.

Word processors are commonly used for various

purposes, such as creating letters, reports, memos,
resumes, and other types of written documents.
Word processors provide a user-friendly interface
that allows users to enter and manipulate text,
images, and other elements in a document.

Some popular word processors include Microsoft

Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and LibreOffice
Writer, among others.

Features of Word Processing software

1. Creating Documents
 Word processing software allows users to create
new documents from scratch or start with pre-
designed templates.
 Users can specify document properties such as
page size, orientation, margins, and font
settings.
 Documents can be created with text, images,
tables, and other multimedia elements.
2. Editing Documents
 Word processing software provides various
editing features, such as inserting, deleting, and
moving text.
 Users can copy and paste text within the
document or from external sources.
 Spell check and grammar check features help
users identify and correct errors in the
document.
 Word processing software often includes a
"Find" and "Replace" function that allows users
to search for specific words or phrases and
replace them throughout the document.
3. Formatting Documents
 Users can apply formatting options to text, such
as changing font type, size, color, and style
(e.g., bold, italic, underline).
 Word processing software allows users to adjust
paragraph settings, such as indentation,
alignment, and spacing.
 Users can add headers and footers to the
document, which can include page numbers,
date, and other information.
 Word processing software often provides tools
for creating bulleted and numbered lists, as well
as adjusting the formatting of these lists.

4. Saving and Printing Documents

 Word processing software allows users to save
documents in various file formats, such
as .docx, .pdf, and .rtf.
 Users can choose to save documents locally on
their computer or in cloud storage for easy
access from different devices.
 Word processing software provides printing
options, allowing users to customize print
settings such as page layout, paper size, and
print quality.
5. Collaborative Editing
 Many word processing software tools offer
collaborative editing features that allow multiple
users to work on a document simultaneously.
 Users can track changes made by different
collaborators and accept or reject those
changes.
 Word processing software may also offer
commenting and reviewing features, allowing
collaborators to provide feedback on the
document.
6. Formatting Tools
 Word processing software often provides
additional formatting tools such as styles, which
allow users to apply consistent formatting
throughout the document.
 Users can create and apply custom styles for
headings, paragraphs, and other elements.
 Some word processing software may also
provide advanced formatting features such as
columns, text boxes, and shapes for creating
 more visually appealing documents.
7. Document Organization
 Word processing software typically allows users
to manage multiple documents by providing
options for opening, saving, and organizing files
into folders.
 Users can create, rename, move, and delete
documents and folders within the software.
 Some word processing software may also offer
document versioning and revision history
features, allowing users to track changes made
to a document over time.

Functions of Word Processing Software

1. Text Creation: Word processing software

allows users to create new documents by
entering and editing text. Users can type, paste,
or import text from external sources to create
content for their documents.
2. Text Editing: Word processing software
provides various text editing features, such as
inserting, deleting, copying, and moving text
within a document. Users can also undo and
redo changes, as well as use cut, copy, and
paste functions to manipulate text.
3. Formatting: Word processing software offers a
wide range of formatting options for text,
including font type, size, color, and style (e.g.,
bold, italic, underline). Users can also apply
paragraph formatting, such as indentation,
alignment, and spacing, to control the
appearance of their documents.
4. Document Layout: Word processing software
allows users to define the layout of their
documents, including page size, orientation
(e.g., portrait or landscape), margins, and
headers/footers. Users can also create and
manage sections, columns, and page breaks to
structure their documents.
5. Images and Multimedia: Word processing
 software enables users to insert and manipulate
images, charts, tables, and other multimedia
elements within their documents. Users can
resize, position, and format these elements to
enhance the visual appeal and functionality of
their documents.
6. Spell Checking and Grammar Checking:
Word processing software includes built-in spell
check and grammar check features that help
users identify and correct spelling and grammar
errors in their documents. This ensures that
documents are error-free and professional-
looking.
7. Find and Replace: Word processing software
allows users to search for specific words or
phrases within a document and replace them
with other text. This function is useful for
making global changes or corrections in a
document.
8. Collaboration and Revision Tracking: Many
word processing software tools offer
collaborative editing features that allow multiple
users to work on a document simultaneously.
Users can also track changes made by different
collaborators and accept or reject those
changes. Revision tracking features allow users
to view and compare different versions of a
document.
9. Saving and Printing: Word processing
software allows users to save documents in
various file formats and locations, such as local
drives or cloud storage. Users can also print
documents, specifying print settings such as
page layout, paper size, and print quality.
10. Templates and Styles: Word processing
software often provides templates and styles
that users can apply to their documents for
consistent formatting. Templates may include
pre-designed document layouts, while styles
allow users to define and apply consistent
 formatting to headings, paragraphs, and other
elements.

ACTIVITY 2: READING 1. Access the reading material below and read on

functions and features of a word processor
READING MATERIAL 1
2. Make your own notes as they will guide you in
answering the questions that follow.

Title: Word Processing

Link:
http://eagri.org/eagri50/STAM102/pdf/lec07.pdf

Title: Word Processing Uses and Features

Link: http://www.raymundoconnor.com/wp/wp-
content/uploads/2017/09/lo1_word_processing_use
s_and_features.pdf

Title: Useful Word Processing Functions

Link:
https://media.bloomsbury.com/rep/files/978144117
1306_useful-word-processing-functions.pdf

Designer: avail the reading materials for the learner

ACTIVITY 3: Comprehension 1. Having watched the videos and read the reading
questions: material on features and functions of a word
processor, attempt ALL of the following multiple
choice questions.
2. You are expected to get at least eight questions
correct in order to proceed to the next activity.
3. This Activity will be graded

1. What is the purpose of the "Find and Replace"

function in word processing software?
a. To create templates for documents.
b. To format text with different font styles.
c. To search for specific words or phrases
and replace them throughout the
document.
d. To track changes made by different
collaborators.
2. What function allows users to apply consistent
formatting to headings, paragraphs, and other
elements in a document?
a. Templates
b. Find and Replace
c. Revision tracking
d. Styles
3. What is the purpose of the spell check and
grammar check features in word processing
software?
a. To create tables and charts in a
document.
b. To insert and manipulate images.
c. To track changes made by different
collaborators.
d. To identify and correct spelling and
grammar errors in a document.
4. What is the purpose of the collaborative editing
feature in word processing software?
a. To insert multimedia elements into a
document.
b. To apply formatting options to text.
c. To work on a document simultaneously
 with multiple users.
d. To save documents in different file
formats.
5. What function allows users to adjust paragraph
settings, such as indentation and spacing?
a. Text creation
b. Find and Replace
c. Document layout
d. Paragraph formatting
6. What is the purpose of the "Save As" function in
word processing software?
a. To create a new document from scratch.
b. To undo the last action performed.
c. To save a document in a different file
format or location.
d. To apply consistent formatting to a
document.
7. What function allows users to manage multiple
documents by organizing them into folders?
a. Text editing
b. Document layout
c. Document organization
d. Revision tracking
8. What is the purpose of the "Print" function in
word processing software?
a. To create a backup copy of a document.
b. To apply formatting options to text.
c. To share a document with others.
d. To produce a hard copy of a document on
paper.
9. What function allows users to insert and
manipulate images, charts, and tables in a
document?
a. Text creation
b. Find and Replace
c. Multimedia insertion
d. Document layout
10. What is the purpose of the revision tracking
feature in word processing software?
a. To apply consistent formatting to a
 document.
b. To create a new document from scratch.
c. To track changes made by different
collaborators.
d. To search for specific words or phrases in
a document.

Designer: What is highlighted in red is the correct

answer. Each question carries one point. If a learner
does not get atleast eight correct answers then the
learner should be referred back to watch the videos and
re read the book chapter

LEARNING OUTCOME 2: 1. Click the link below to watch the four videos on
Conceptual knowledge creating a word document, text manipulation,
paragraph formatting, and page layout in word
processing software.
2. Write your own notes to summarize what you have
watched. This notes will guide you in responding to
ACTIVITY 4: Video to be the questions that follow.
used.

Video 1

Title: Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Word

Video Link: https://youtu.be/S-nHYzK-BVg

Source: Technology for Teachers and Students

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 18:27

Video 2

Title: Word: Formatting Text

Video Link: https://youtu.be/ViGf0RKbCyA

Source: GFCLearnFree

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 2:53
 Video 3

Title: Formatting Paragraphs

Video Link: https://youtu.be/kHMBZe-vq5o

Source: ICFLearnICT

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 7:53

Video 4

Title: Word Page layout

Video Link: https://youtu.be/jgNpoksYOLE

Source: GFCLearnFree

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 2:41

CASE 1: 1. Read the case scenario below creating a word

document, text manipulation, paragraph
formatting, and page layout in word processing
software.
2. Write your notes to summarize what you have
understood from the case scenario. These notes will
guide you in responding to the questions after the
case.
3. Respond to the questions after the case
4. Each question carries one point
5. Each answer you give should not exceed twenty
(20) words

Case Scenario: Sarah is a college student working

on her term paper for her history class. She is
using a popular word processing software called
"WordGenius" to write her paper. Sarah has
gathered all the necessary research material and is
now ready to start formatting her document.

6. After reading the case scenario above, answer the

questions below.
7. The write-up of your answers should not be more
than 200 Words
8. Upload the write-up of your answers on to your E-
Portfolio on the LMS

Questions

1. Explain five advantages of using word

processing software, such as "WordGenius", for
writing academic papers compared to other
methods like handwritten or typewritten
documents?
2. Explain why is paragraph formatting important
in academic writing, and how did Sarah use
paragraph formatting tools in "WordGenius" to
ensure consistency in her paper? Can you think
of any other paragraph formatting options that
could be helpful in this scenario?
3. Discuss the significance of page layout in a term
paper or other academic documents. How did
Sarah adjust the margins and insert page
numbers in "WordGenius" to meet her
professor's requirements? What other page
layout elements could be relevant in this
scenario?
4. Consider the role of technology in academic
writing. How did Sarah's use of word processing
software impact her writing process and the
final outcome of her term paper? What other
features or functions in "WordGenius" or other
word processing software could be beneficial in
academic writing?
5. Discuss the transferable skills that Sarah may
 have developed by using word processing
software, such as "WordGenius", to format her
term paper. How can these skills be applicable
in other academic, professional, or personal
contexts?

ACTIVITY 5: READING 1. Click the link below to access the reading

MATERIAL material text formatting, paragraph formatting
and page layout.
2. Summarize your understanding of the read
material and post it on the blog.
3. The write-up should not be more than 500
characters.
4. Upload the write-up on the LMS

Title: Word Processing Tool

Link: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/kect103.pdf

Title: Text Formatting

Link:
https://www.uvu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/digita
l-computer-lit/compulit_textformattinghandout2022.pdf

Title: Formatting paragraph

Link: https://www.visualsteps.nl/1st-hoofdstuk/237.pdf

Title: Introduction to Page Layout in Microsoft Word

Link:
http://cre8te.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Lesson-
 4-Page-Layout-in-Microsoft-Word.pdf

Designer: Download and make the reading material

accessible to learners.

ACTIVITY 6: ONLINE 1. Join and participate on this discussion forum on the

DISCUSSION concepts of text formatting, paragraph formatting
and page layout
2. Form groups of five learners
3. Ensure you post your discussion on the forum and
critique at least two posts posted by other learners.
4. Your answer should be brief and to the point, not
more than 50 words per answer
5. This activity will be graded.

Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the impact of font styles, sizes,

alignment, spacing, and other formatting
options on the overall visual appeal of a
document.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
using different types of indentation, such as first
line indentation or hanging indentation, in
academic writing.

Designer: Create a discussion forum and Provide a

mechanism to award points to those who participate in
this discussion. Award five points for participation

LEARNING OUTCOME 3: 1. Click the link below to watch the two videos on
PRACTICAL SKILLS creating, editing and formatting word documents
2. Based on what you have watched, write your own
VIDEO 3: short notes.
3. These notes will guide you in performing the task
that follow.

.
Video 1

Title: Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Word

Video Link: https://youtu.be/S-nHYzK-BVg

Source: Technology for Teachers and Students

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 18:27

Video 2

Title: Word: Formatting Text

Video Link: https://youtu.be/ViGf0RKbCyA

Source: GFCLearnFree

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 2:53

Video 3

Title: Formatting Paragraphs

Video Link: https://youtu.be/kHMBZe-vq5o

Source: ICFLearnICT

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 7:53

Video 4

Title: Word Page layout

 Video Link: https://youtu.be/jgNpoksYOLE

Source: GFCLearnFree

Time taken to watch the video (minutes:

seconds): 2:41

1. After watching the videos on how to create, edit

and format text, practice the skills learnt by
ACTIVITY 7: Learner practice performing the tasks below.
sessions 2. To undertake the tasks you will require:
a. Computer with word processing
software (e.g., Microsoft Word,
Google Docs, etc.)
3. You will be required to self-recorded yourself as
you perform the tasks
4. Ensure you explain the activity as you conduct it
5. The self-recorded video should not exceed 60
seconds
6. Upload the self-recorded video showing you,
performing the tasks to your E-Portfolio
7. This activity will be graded.

Tasks
1. Pick a topic of your interest and write an article
of at least one page and at most two pages
about it.
2. The themes in the title should be split into four
paragraphs.
3. Save the document Using your Registration
Number. First name. e.g CT201/0001/2024. Alice
4. Format the article as per the instructions below:
a. Format the first line with font style
Open Sans, size 14, and color blue.
b. Format the second paragraph with
first-line indentation, right align the third
paragraph, bullet the fourth paragraph
c. Adjust the page layout of the article
with margins 2cm all the four sides,
Landscape page orientation, and
paper size executive.
ASSESSMENT OF Marking scheme for the practical
PRACTICAL SKILL:
 Each task carries 3 points, a learner scores the
full point if he/she is able to perform the task to
completion and is also able to explain.

LEARNING OUTCOME 4: Click the link below to access the reading material on
KEY/TRANSFERABLE how to write a curriculum vitae
SKILLS

Title: Curriculum Vitae

Link:
https://kibu.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Margare
t-Wangari-Waithaka-CV.pdf

Designer: Make the reading materials accessible to the

learner

ACTIVITY 8 1. This activity aims to demonstrate transferable skills

in creating, editing and formatting a word document
2. You are required to carry out the tasks given below.
3. The curriculum vitae should not be more than two
pages word document
4. Upload your work on the LMS
5. The Activity will be graded

You will need:

 A computer with appropriate software for data
entry e.g. Word Processor

Task

Write your own Curriculum Vitae

QUIZZ: Having watched videos read materials, responded

to a case scenario and performed practical
exercise. Undertake the following quiz to test your
knowledge and skills acquisition on this module.

Match the terms on the left column with their

correct description on the right column.

Each term can only be matched to one definition

Quiz

1. Match the terms on the left column with their

correct description on the right column.

Terms Definitions
Margin A command that indicates the end of
s one page and the beginning of a new
one.
Page A particular typeface or style of text.
break
Forma A style that defines the appearance of
tting text, such as font, size, color, and
spacing.
Font A list with items preceded by bullet
points for easy readability.
Paragr The process of applying various visual
aph elements, such as font, spacing, and
style alignment, to text.
Bullete The process of aligning text to both the
d list left and right margins of a paragraph.
Indent The process of indenting the first line of
ation a paragraph, leaving subsequent lines
unaffected.
Justific The blank space around the edges of a
ation document

Marking Scheme

Designer: Each question carries one point. See

 marking scheme below

Terms Definitions
Margin The blank space around the edges of a
s document
Page A command that indicates the end of
break one page and the beginning of a new
one.
Forma The process of applying various visual
tting elements, such as font, spacing, and
alignment, to text.
Font A particular typeface or style of text.
Paragr A style that defines the appearance of
aph text, such as font, size, color, and
style spacing.
Bullete A list with items preceded by bullet
d list points for easy readability.
Indent The process of indenting the first line of
ation a paragraph, leaving subsequent lines
unaffected.
Justific The process of aligning text to both the
ation left and right margins of a paragraph.

Designer: What is highlighted in red is the correct

answer. Each question carries one point. If a
learner does not get atleast nine correct answers
then the learner should be referred back to watch
the videos and re read the materials provided

TAKE HOME MESSAGE On the blog, post your take home message about
this module

Reference list 1. Lambert, J. (2023). Microsoft Word Step by Step. ISBN-13:

978-0137522729

2. Zeldovich, B. (2022). Microsoft 365 2023 Edition. ISBN:

979-8363221682