Harambee University

Ethiopian TVET-System
HARDWARE AND NETWORK SERVICING (HNS)
Level I
Occupational Standard (OS)
Unit of Competence: Develop Computer Keyboard Skills
Module Title: Developing Computer Keyboard Skills
LG Code: EIS HNS1 M03 0322 LO (1-3)
TTLM Code: EIS HNS1 M03 0322
Learning outcomes:

LO # 2- Identify and develop keyboard skills

ICT Dep’t Instructor of Ayele T

 2.1. Identify and apply keyboard functions for both alpha and
numeric keyboard functions
Why is keyboarding important?
Our life is usually centered on computers. Even in school, children bring their laptops
to work on their projects and school activities.
In the office, computers are also very helpful for filing and other transactions. Life
becomes easier and faster because of computers.
typing in computers can also be stressful if proper keyboarding is not taken seriously.
Keyboarding is typing with the use of the keyboard.

In any typing class, the student is taught how to position the fingers so that these will
not feel strained and tensed.
In keyboarding, there is an appropriate finger for every letter in the keyboard.
If you look on each keyboard, the patterns of the letters are the same (QWERTY).
The QWERTY pattern was a standard layout ever since the typewriter was invented.
People got used to this layout so this was carried on for computers, laptops,
notebooks and even cell phones.
 Use Touch Typing--
Touch Typing is typing without looking at the keyboard keys.
This typically involves placing the eight fingers in a horizontal row along the
middle of the keyboard (the home keys) and having them reach for other keys
without having to look down at the key board.
Two - fingered (or four - fingered) Hunt-and-Peck typists have to look at the
keyboard for every letter or every few letters they type.
Benefits of Touch Typing--
 Increase in speed and efficiency - more time for you!
 Increased effectiveness - you can focus on the output instead of the keys producing
an increase in quality.
 Less mental fatigue - Touch Typing is less demanding as it involves muscle memory
and, once mastered, you no longer have to focus on two issues; locating the keys and
what is on the screen. With Touch Typing, you can focus on output alone.
 Less physical fatigue - spreading the load between all your fingers reduces the
physical stress on individual fingers.
The ―Hunt-and-Peck- method produces keying habits that limit speed and
proficiency.

While ―Hunt-and-Peck- typists can reach speeds of about 37 words per minute
(wpm) for memorized text, and 27wpm when copying text, the average Touch Typist
reaches 50 to 70 wpm while some reach 80 to 95 wpm and Touch Typing experts
can work at speeds above 120 wpm.
Something to think about--
• Handwriting has a speed of approximately 20 wpm
• A skilled Touch Typist can have a speed of 80-100 wpm
• A Hunt-and-Peck typist, on the other hand, may type as slowly as 10 wpm,
especially if the typist needs to look at a source document.
• You could save yourself days of time per year using Touch Typing!
2.2 Apply touch typing technique to complete a task
Touch typing technique may vary according to:
 level of competency of operator
 workplace requirements Speed and accuracy must be
 consistent with degree of experience of operator
 relevant to level of responsibility
 Computer keyboard

In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style device, which uses an arrangement of

buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches.

Following the decline of punch cards and paper tape, interaction and teleprinter-
style keyboards became the main input device for computers.

A keyboard typically has characters engraved or printed on the keys and each press
of a key typically corresponds to a single written symbol.
to produce some symbols requires pressing and holding several keys simultaneously or
in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters, numbers or signs (characters),
other keys or simultaneous key presses can produce actions or execute computer
commands.
 Despite the development of alternative input devices, such as the mouse, touch
screen, pen devices, character recognition and voice recognition, the keyboard
remains the most commonly used device for direct (human) input of alphanumeric
data into computers.
In normal usage, the keyboard is used to type text and numbers into a word
processor, text editor or other programs. In a modern computer, the interpretation
of key presses is generally left to the software.

A computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from every other and reports
all key presses to the controlling software.
Keyboards are also used for computer gaming, either with regular keyboards or by
using keyboards with special gaming features, which can expedite frequently used
keystroke combinations.
A keyboard is also used to give commands to the operating system of a computer, such
as Windows' Control-Alt-Delete combination, which brings up a task window or shuts
down the machine.
A command-line interface is a type of user interface operated entirely through a
keyboard, or another device doing the job of one.
 CONSIDER THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Whatever speed non-touch-typists achieve, it is usually accompanied by several
downsides‘:
 much looking up and down,
 A lot of correcting of mistakes (and the accompanying frustration that
causes!)
 Poor posture, with tension or pain in the arms, wrists, shoulders and neck.
What if you, or your employees, were free from these burdens?
 Employee well-being, sickness costs and quality of work can all be positively
affected!
 Staff can sit upright, arms relaxed, eyes up, typing accurately and steadily… In fact,
whatever the effect on your typing speed, becoming a touch typist delivers you, and
your business, other valuable benefits – making it easier to:
 Stay relaxed (physically) and upright at ones desks
 Avoid RSI risks (reducing the dangers, and costs, of sick leave)
 Remain calm, positive & focused while using a computer
 Concentrate on the quality and purpose of one‘s work, rather than the
 distractions of ‗hunting‘ letters and deciding which finger to ‗peck‘ them with this
time.
 Ergonomics—
Ergonomics is the applied science of the designing a workspace to
increase productivity and to limit injury fatigue, and discomfort.

It is important to set up a keyboarding station with an ergonomic

chair, and adjust the computer components to the correct height
and location for the user.

It is most important that the student learn correct keyboarding

technique in order to avoid future injury such as carpal tunnel
syndrome.
Correct technique at the keyboard enables you to key with increased speed and
accuracy for longer periods of time.

Correct technique is not only important for greater efficiency and accuracy, but also
physical well-being. Keying for extended periods, rest your eyes occasionally by looking
away from the monitor.

Change position, walk around, or stretch when your muscles feel tired. Following these
steps can help you avoid long-term bodily damage such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
 Keep in mind these ergonomic changes you can make before you start to key:
 Adjusting the position of your computer keyboard to prevent carpal tunnel
syndrome
 Being sure that the height of your desk chair allows your feet to rest flat on floor
 Pull your keyboard down to the edge of the desk before you start to key
 Use correct keying technique with straight wrists

Using your keyboard

Whether you're writing a letter or entering numerical data, your keyboard is the main
way to enter information into your computer.

But did you know you can also use your keyboard to control your computer?
Learning just a few simple keyboard commands (instructions to your computer) can help
you work more efficiently.
 Basic Keyboard Layout
The diagram above shows you a typical Windows QWERTY keyboard. So the majority
of computers will have a keyboard having a similar style to the one above.
To check whether your keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard, just take a look at the first six
keys on the top left.

If they spell QWERTY then your keyboard is the typical computer keyboard.
 How the keys are organized
The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:
 Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number,
punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter.
 Control and Alternate (Alt) keys. These keys are used alone or in combination
with other keys to perform certain actions.
 Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are
labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs
from program to program.
 Movement (arrow) keys. These keys are used for moving the insertion point right,
left, up or down.
 Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The
keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding
machine.
The following illustration shows how these keys are arranged on a typical
keyboard. Your keyboard layout may differ.
 Typing text
Whenever you need to type something in a program, e-mail message, or text box,
you'll see a blinking vertical line ( ).

That's the cursor, also called the insertion point. It shows where the text that you
type will begin. You can move the cursor by clicking in the desired location with
the mouse, or by using the movement keys.
In addition to letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols, the typing keys also
include:
Key name How to use it
 SHIFT Press SHIFT in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press
SHIFT in combination with another key to type the symbol shown on the upper part
of that key.

 CAPS LOCK Press CAPS LOCK once to type all letters as uppercase. Press CAPS LOCK
again to turn this function off. Your keyboard may have a light indicating whether
CAPS LOCK is on.

 TAB Press the TAB key to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press
the TAB key to move to the next text box on a form.
 ENTER Press ENTER to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. In a dialog
box, press ENTER to select the highlighted button.

 SPACEBAR Press the SPACEBAR to move the cursor one space forward.

 DELETE Press DELETE to delete a character to the right of the cursor

 INSERT Press the INSERT key to turn on and off the insert mode.

 BACKSPACE Press BACKSPACE to delete the character to the left of the cursor.

 ESC Press the ESCAPE key to cancel commands

Three odd keys

So far, we've discussed almost every key you're likely to use.
But for the truly inquisitive, let's explore the three most mysterious keys on the
keyboard: PRINT SCREEN, SCROLL LOCK, and PAUSE/BREAK.
 Print Screen
A long time ago, this key actually did what it says—it sent the current screen of text
to your printer.

Nowadays, pressing PRINT SCREEN captures an image of your entire screen (a

"screen shot") and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory.

From there you can paste it (CTRL+V) into Microsoft Word or another program and, if
you want, print it from that program.
More obscure is SYS RQ, which shares the key with PRINT SCREEN on some keyboards.
Historically, SYS RQ was designed to be a "system request," but this command is not
enabled in Windows.

**Press ALT+PRINT SCREEN to capture an image of just the active window, instead of
the entire screen.
 Scroll Lock (or SCR LK)
In most programs, pressing SCROLL LOCK has no effect.

In a few programs, pressing SCROLL LOCK changes the behavior of the arrow keys
and the PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys; pressing these keys causes the document
to scroll without changing the position of the cursor or selection.

Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether SCROLL LOCK is on.
Pause/Break
This key is rarely used. In some older programs, pressing this key pauses the program
or, in combination with CTRL, stops it from running.
Touch typing method
Alphanumeric keyboard
Using a touch typing technique has many advantages.
Your communication with your personal computer will be faster.
You will also be able to concentrate on your work more, because your typing will be
nearly automatic.
 The computer keyboard is too expensive to use only one base position for the
hands, therefore three positions must be used.

There are three keyboard sections (alphanumeric, numeric and functional).

If somebody types with all ten fingers, without correct fingering, then it will be very
hard to learn correct touch typing.

It is a big disadvantage and it is important to start using the new method without
switching to your old typing method.
There is no different between left-handers and right-handers. It seems that left-
handed people are usually faster.

The touch typing method uses an alphanumeric keyboard which corresponds to the
old typewriter appearance.
It is very important to use the home row position for hands all the time when
typing. Fingers should return to the home row after each keystroke.
 The home row position is defined in the middle row for following fingers:
left hand right hand
Little finger A Little finger ;
Ring finger S Ring finger L
Middle finger D Middle finger K
Index finger F Index finger J
Thumb spacebar Thumb spacebar
Fingers are slightly bent during typing. Keys are touched by finger pads and glide from
one key to other.

Don't try to bend wrist and fingers. Palms cannot lean on the desk or front part of the
keyboard when typing.

Type only with one finger, and don't move your wrist. Unused fingers should stay in the
home row position and each finger should return to the base position after use.
 Finger Placement for the Touch Method:

Keyboard types
The keyboard is divided into four different sections.
The Alphanumeric Keypad
Majority of the typing on a keyboard is done using the alphanumeric keypad.
The Navigation Keypad
There are ten keys on the Navigation keypad.
Eight of these are used to move the cursor around on the screen and the other two
are used to insert and delete characters.
The Numeric Keypad
The Numeric keypad serves two purposes. When Num Lock is pressed it is a numeric
keypad. It is a navigation keypad when Num Lock it is turned off.
The Function Keypad
Identified by the letter F and a number each key has a special purpose. This purpose
varies according to the software program being used.
One factor determining the size of a keyboard is the presence of duplicate keys, such
as a separate numeric keyboard, for convenience.
 Standard

Standard "full-travel" alphanumeric keyboards have keys that are on three-

quarter inch centers (0.750 inches, 19.05 mm), and have a key travel of at
least 0.150 inches (3.81 mm).

Desktop computer keyboards, such as the 101-key US traditional keyboards or the

104-key Windows keyboards, include alphabetic characters, punctuation symbols,
numbers and a variety of function keys.

Computer keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but contain

additional keys, such as the command or Windows keys.
 Laptop-size
Keyboards on laptops and notebook computers usually have a shorter travel
distance for the keystroke, shorter over travel distance, and a reduced set of keys.
They may not have a numerical keypad, and the function keys may be placed in
locations that differ from their placement on a standard, full-sized keyboard.

The switch mechanism for a laptop keyboard is more likely to be a scissor switch
than a rubber dome; this is opposite the trend for full-size keyboards.
Handheld ergonomic keyboards are designed to be held like a game controller,
and can be used as such, instead of laid out flat on top of a table surface.

Typically handheld keyboards hold all the alphanumeric keys and symbols that a
standard keyboard would have, yet only be accessed by pressing two sets of keys
at once; one acting as a function key similar to a 'Shift' key that would allow for
capital letters on a standard keyboard.
 The keyboards on laptops usually have a shorter travel distance and a
reduced set of keys

Thumb-sized
Smaller external keyboards have been introduced for devices without a built-in
keyboard, such as PDAs, and smart phones.
Small keyboards are also useful where there is a limited workspace.

Numeric keyboards contain only numbers, mathematical symbols for addition,

subtraction, multiplication, and division, a decimal point, and several function keys.
They are often used to facilitate data entry with smaller keyboards that do not have a
numeric keypad, commonly those of laptop computers.
These keys are collectively known as a numeric pad, numeric keys, or a numeric
keypad, and it can consist of the following types of keys: Arithmetic operators,
Numerical digits, Arrow keys, Navigation keys, Num Lock and Enter key.

There are a number of different arrangements of alphabetic,

numeric, and punctuation symbols on keys.

Key types Alphanumeric

 A Hebrew keyboard lets the user type in both Hebrew and the Latin alphabet.

A Space-cadet keyboard has many modifier keys.

Alphabetical, numeric, and punctuation keys are used in the same fashion as a
typewriter keyboard to enter their respective symbol into a word processing
program, text editor, data spreadsheet, or other program.

Many of these keys will produce different symbols when modifier keys or shift
keys are pressed. The alphabetic characters become uppercase when the shift
key or Caps Lock key is depressed.
 Modifier keys
Modifier keys are special keys that modify the normal action of another key, when
the two are pressed in combination. For example, <Alt> + <F4> in Microsoft
Windows will close the program in an active window.

In contrast, pressing just <F4> will probably do nothing, unless assigned a specific
function in a particular program. By themselves, modifier keys usually do nothing.

Compact keyboard layouts often use an Fn key. "Dead keys" allow placement of a
diacritic mark, such as an accent, on the following letter (e.g., the Compose key).

The Enter/Return key typically causes a command line, window form or dialog
box to operate its default function, which is typically to finish an "entry" and
begin the desired process. In word processing applications, pressing the enter key
ends a paragraph and starts a new one.
 Cursor keys
Navigation keys or cursor keys include a variety of keys which move the
cursor to different positions on the screen.

Arrow keys are programmed to move the cursor in a specified direction; page scroll
keys, such as the Page Up and Page Down keys, scroll the page up and down.

The Home key is used to return the cursor to the beginning of the line where the
cursor is located; the End key puts the cursor at the end of the line.
The Tab key advances the cursor to the next tab stop.

The Insert key is mainly used to switch between overtype mode, in which the
cursor overwrites any text that is present on and after its current location, and
insert mode, where the cursor inserts a character at its current position, forcing
all characters past it one position further.
 The Delete key discards the character ahead of the cursor's position, moving all
following characters one position "back" towards the freed place.
On many notebook computer keyboards the key labeled Delete (sometimes
Delete and Backspace are printed on the same key) serves the same purpose
as a Backspace key. The Backspace key deletes the preceding character.

Lock keys lock part of a keyboard, depending on the settings selected.

The lock keys are scattered around the keyboard.

Most styles of keyboards have three LEDs indicating which locks are enabled, in
the upper right corner above the numeric pad. The lock keys include Scroll lock,
Num lock (which allows the use of the numeric keypad), and Caps lock.
 Numeric keys
When we calculate, we use these numeric keys to type numbers.
Symbols concerned with calculations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division symbols are located in this group of keys.
The enter key in this keys indicate the equal sign.

Multiple layouts
It is possible to install multiple keyboard layouts within an operating
system and switch between them, either through features
implemented within the OS, or through an external application.

Microsoft Windows,[7] Linux,[8] and Mac[9] provide support to add

keyboard layouts and choose from them.
2.3. Develop speed and accuracy in accordance with workplace
requirements for level of responsibility
Speed and accuracy must be:
 consistent with degree of experience of operator
 relevant to level of responsibility
How to Improve Typing Speed

Typing is a skill that is used in many career paths, so improving your speed
might be a necessity if you want to be more proficient in your job.

Increasing your typing speed is something that can be done on your own or
with proper training, but whatever you decide; learning how to improve typing
speed must be ongoing in order to maintain your skill.
 1. Consider taking a typing class to refresh your computer skills and
increase how fast you type.
Typing courses are offered for various skill levels and are available both online
and on site. If you attend a professional course, you will learn the tips of the
trade from those who are typing veterans.
2. Type with both your hands, as this is the best way to ensure a fast typing speed.
Using only 2 fingers will slow you down, and covering the home row keys is a
typing technique designed for a reason and is worth learning. Home row keys are
A, S, D, and F for the left hand fingers and J, K, L, and ; for the right hand fingers.
3. Get into the habit of sitting with a good posture when you type so that you are
comfortable and can focus on better typing speed and accuracy.
Being comfortable will also ensure that you type for longer periods.
4. Practice typing as often as possible so that you familiarize yourself
with the layout of the typing keys.
There are a number of online resources that you can take advantage of
that will help you improve your skill.
Online chat, email, online forums, and typing games are all fun ways to
interact with people while improving on your skill as a typist.
Another great way to practice is to copy pages from books. This technique
allows you to focus on the typing itself and not on what you are typing.

5. Make a point of not looking at the keyboard while you are typing.
Once you feel confident that you know the key layout, practice
typing from memory.
It won't be easy at first, but with constant training, it will become
second nature. Once you have mastered this skill, you will actually know
when you are pressing the wrong key without looking.
 6. Take advantage of typing-speed tests on a regular basis.
You can find many free tests online. If you take these tests frequently you can
not only improve your skill but you can take note of your own progression.

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End Of LO#2