Table of Contents
Contents
Page
Acknowledgements
1
Part A: Students' Guide to Computers and the Computer Labs
2
Introduction
3
1. Introduction to Computers
2. Introduction to the Computer Lab
3. Introduction to English Language Learning Programs
4. Introduction to the Internet
5. Introduction to WebCT
6. Introduction to Moodle
4
9
17
23
36
54
66
Part B:
Using Microsoft Word
Part C:
Introduction to the Online Vocabulary Program
for Levels 2 and 3
Appendix 1: A list of computer based English language programs
in the Language Center’s computer labs
79
87
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere appreciation and to all those people who provided the
answers to the many questions we had whilst working on this project. First and foremost we
would like to thank David Cunliffe, who identified the need for this booklet, and for his many
helpful comments, suggestions, and feedback.
We would also like to thank James Scully, Saleh Al Busaidi, Charles Asante, Marian Dunne,
all Programme and Course-Co-ordinators, and teachers for their suggestions, feedback and
the time they were always willing to give out of their busy schedules to meet with us to
discuss parts of this project.
We are grateful for being given the opportunity to share our skills and experiences to help
students and staff of the Language Centre at Sultan Qaboos University.
Azza Busheha
Pooja Sanchetti
Katherine Usha
1
Part A
Students’ Guide to Computers
&
The Computer Labs
Prepared by:
Azza Busheha
2
Introduction
To the Student
This book will help you to understand what a computer is and how you can start using the
computers in the computer labs at the Language Centre. You will learn how to use
computers to help you with your course and your English. You will also find out about how
you can use the computer to send messages to your teacher and other students on your course.
I hope you enjoy using this book.
To the Teacher
This book has been produced to act as an introduction to computers for students who have
little or no knowledge about computers. The book starts with the very basics and takes
students to more complex tasks such as: how to login to the computers in the computer labs,
an introduction to the Internet and WebCT.
It is important to note that you do not need to have any prior knowledge about computers or
of using computers before you use this book. This book has been written to act as a basic
guide for both teachers and students. You do not have to do any preparation as all the
sections include simple step by step instructions with graphical illustrations making it simple
for you and your students to follow.
How do I use this book as a teacher?
You may use this book with your students in your first session about computers. All you
have to do is take students through the steps in each section of the book, or simply give it to
your students to work through with your support.
You can follow the sections in a logical manner, or you can skip the first two sections if your
students already have some knowledge about computers. You may choose to leave out the
‘Do you remember?’ exercises at the end of each section if you find you are short of time in
your session. You can task students to do the exercises in their own time.
Please send any feedback and comments to Azza Busheha at the Language Centre, Sultan
Qaboos University, Email: azzaa@squ.edu.om
Azza Busheha
3
Part A:
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS
4
What is a computer?
This is a picture of a computer:
screen
CPU
central
processing unit
switch on
button
mouse
monitor
A : drive
headphones
keyboard
Why do I need to use a computer?
You will need to use the computer to help you with your homework and to practice your
English.
Why do I need to use the mouse?
You need to right click or left click on the mouse to tell the computer what you want it to do.
Right Click
Left Click
Important Note: Sometimes you need to right click or left click twice on the
mouse to tell your computer to do something.
Why do I need to use the keyboard?
5
You will need to use the keys on the keyboard to tell your computer what you want it to do.
Remember! You do not need to use all the keys on your keyboard. You will
use some keys more than others.
Below are the keys you will need to use when you start using the computer:
Ctrl
Alt
Tab
Shift
Look at the picture and
try to find the keys on
your keyboard. Try to
remember where the
keys are on your
keyboard.
Delete
Caps
Lock
Enter
keyboard
Ctrl
When do I need to use the headphones?
You will need to use your headphones to listen to sound from your computer.
Headphones
Do You Remember?
6
Enter
Now you try!
9. Put the words in the box in the right space in the picture below:
mouse
switch on
button
screen
monitor
keyboard
A: drive
CPU
right click
headphones
left click
1. ------------2. ----------------------
4. --------------
5. ------------
3. ----------
6. ------------
7. ---------------
10. ------------8. ----------
9. -------------
Check! Go back to page 5 and check your answers.
9. Put the words in the box in the right place in the picture below:
7
Ctrl
Caps Lock
1. ---------
Alt
Ctrl
Shift
Keyboard
Tab
Enter
Delete
Enter
2. --------3. -----------
4. --------------
10. -----------
You can look at your
keyboard to help
you.
5. ----7. ------------
9. ------------
8. ------------
6. ----------------
Check! Go back to page 6 and check your answers.
Go! Go to page 10 to find out how you can start to use the computers for
students in the computer labs at the Language Centre.
8
2. INTRODUCTION TO THE
COMPUTER LAB
9
2. Introduction to the Computer Lab
What is the computer lab?
The computer lab is a room where you will find many computers. You and other students
can use these computers to do your homework during your course.
When can I start using the computer lab?
You can use the computer lab as soon as you start your course.
Where can I find the computer labs?
You will find the computer labs on the ground floor in the language centre.
Some of the things you can do in the computer lab:
•
•
You can learn more English
You can use the computer to do your homework
…… and much much more
Answer these questions:
9. How do you think you can use the computers in the computer labs to help
you with your English course?
2. Why do you think it is good to have computer labs for students at SQU?
Now share your answers with your group or a friend!
10
How to start using computers in the computer labs
How can I start using the computers in the computer lab?
You must switch on your computer and login before you start using the computer.
REMEMBER! You need to check that your computer is on before you login.
How to check if your computer is on
1. Press any key on your keyboard
2. Wait and see if your screen opens
3. My screen opens
Help! My screen does not open
Your computer is off and you need to
switch it on. Go to page 14 and
follow steps for how to switch on
your computer.
You can now login to your
computer. Look and follow
steps below for how to login
to your computer:
How to login to your computer
9. You will see a box open asking you to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete
Welcome to Windows
Press Ctrl – Alt - Delete
2. Press Ctrl+Alt on your
keyboard
3. Keep your fingers pressed
down on Ctrl+Alt
Help! I can’t find the Ctrl, Alt, Delete keys.
Go! Look at the picture of the keyboard on
page 6 to help you find the keys.
4. Press Delete at the same
time
Important Note: You must keep your fingers pressed down on Ctrl and Alt
and press on Delete at the same time to get the login box.
11
5. The Login box will open
Log on to Windows
Username
lc student
Password
LCALB….(this computer)
Log onto
STOP and CHECK!
9. CHECK the Caps Lock key on your key board is off.
A green light
will show if the
Caps Lock key
is on.
Press the Caps
Lock key once to
switch it off if it is
on.
Caps
Lock key
Important Note! If your Caps Lock is on you will not be able
to login to your computer.
Log on to Windows
Username
lc student
Password
student
Log onto
LCALB….(this computer)
7. Key in student
8. Left click once on OK
OK
Help! I can’t login to my computer
Remember! Make sure the Caps Lock key is off before keying in the
password. Go to the top of this page to see how to switch off your Caps
Lock.
12
9. An Anti Virus Box will open
The antivirus definition used is more than 30 days old ……………..
Close
Help
10. Left click once on Close
11. The Desktop will open on your screen
Desktop
Desktop
Remember! You must see the desktop on your screen before you
can start working with your computer. Go to page 11 and follow
steps for how to login to the computers and open your desktop.
13
What is on my desktop? (New page)
You will find many ICONS on your desktop for different programs.
LOOK!
Desktop
ICON
E- Learning Login
Page ICON
Remember: You must see the
desktop on your screen. Without
the desktop you will not be able
to work on your computer.
Why do I need to see the desktop?
You need to see the desktop on your screen so you can start using your computer. Each
ICON on your desktop is like a key that opens a program.
What is an ICON?
You will find ICONS on the Desktop. Look below to see an ICON:
Internet Explorer ICON
Remember: Each ICON
opens a different
program.
Microsoft Word ICON
What is a program?
You can use a program to help you with your English. You will find many programs on your
computer to help you with your listening skills and your grammar.
Do You Remember?
14
E -Learning Login page ICON
Internet Explorer ICON
ICON (x3)
Programs
Start
Desktop (x3)
Program (x2)
Put the words in the right place below:
Example: You will find many ICONS on your desktop for the different Programs
---------
--------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Remember: You must see
the -----------on your screen.
Without the --------- you will
not be able to work with
your computer.
You need to see the desktop on your screen so you can -----------using your computer. Each ---------- on your desktop is like a key and opens a ------------.
Remember: Each ---------opens a different program.
---------------------
You can use a --------------to help you with your English. You will find many -----------on
your computer to help you with your listening skills and your grammar.
CHECK! Go back to page 14 to check your answers.
Go! Now go to page 18 to find out how to open and start using the English
language learning programs to help you with your English.
How to Switch on your Computer
15
How do I switch on my computer? Look and follow the steps below:
Remember! Press on any key on your keyboard to make sure your
computer is not on before you try to switch it on.
4. Your screen will open
1. Press on the Switch
on Button
2. Look to check if
the green light
next to the switch
on button has
come on
3. Press on the switch
on button to switch on your
monitor
5. A box will open on your
screen
Remember! Always check the green lights
next to the switch on buttons your monitor
and CPU are on.
Welcome to Windows
Press Ctrl – Alt - Delete
Go! Now go to page 11 and follow steps for how to login to your
computer.
16
3. Introduction to English Learning
Programs
17
3. Introduction to English Learning Programs
What are the English learning programs?
On your computer you will find many programs which you can use to help you with your
English.
You will find different ICONS on your desktop for different programs.
ICON for the New Dynamic
English program
ICON for The Grammar
Rom program
ICON for Tense
Buster program
ICON for the
Ultimate Speed
Reader program
How can the English learning programs help me?
You can use the programs to help you with your English:
•
•
•
•
reading skills
listening skills
writing skills
grammar
…… and much much more!
18
How to start using the English Learning Programs
Remember! Before you start you must login to your computer to see the
Desktop below. Go back to page 11 for how to login to your computer and
open your desktop.
How do I open the programs on my computer?
Look and follow the steps below:
Desktop
1. Left click once on
the Mind Game
Upper Int ICON
2. The ICON will
change color
3. Left click twice to
open the program
19
9. The Mind Game Program opens:
5. Left click once on
Exit to close the
program
20
Now You Try!
Open the Grammar ROM program. Look and follow steps below:
1. Left click once on
The Grammar Rom
ICON
2. The Grammar Rom
ICON will change
Colour
3. Left click twice to open
The Grammar Rom
program
21
4. The Grammar Rom
program opens
6. Wait
7. The Grammar Rom program will
ask you to key in your name to
start using the program
8. Lift click
once on the
door to close
the program
GO! Try to open the other programs and see what you can find.
Important Note: You can also Left click twice on the ICONS to open
the programs.
GO! Go to Appendix at the back of this book to find out more about the
programs you will find in the computer labs.
22
4. Introduction to the Internet
23
4. Introduction to the Internet
What is the Internet?
The Internet is a place where you can look for information. It is like a phone and many
computers call each other to get the information you need.
When can I start to use the Internet?
You can use the Internet as soon as you start your course.
Some of the things you can do on the Internet:
•
•
You can practice your English
You can use the computer to help you with your homework
…… and much much more!
Why do I need to use the Internet?
Your may ask you to use the Internet to do your homework. You can use the internet to help
you with your homework.
What will I find on the Internet?
You will find lots of Information on the Internet. You can search for anything you want on
the Internet. You will also find web pages to help you with your English.
You can find on the Internet information about:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sports
Films
Shopping
Art
Science
Business
Agriculture
Medicine
Geography
GO! Go to page 25 to find out how you to start using the Internet.
24
How to start using the Internet
How can I start using the Internet? Look and follow the steps below:
9. Make sure you can see the Desktop on your computer screen
2. Left Click once on the
Internet Explorer ICON
Help! I can’t see the desktop on my computer
REMEMBER! You must login to the computer in the computer lab to see
the desktop. GO to page 11 and follow the steps for how to login to the
computer in the computer lab.
3. The Internet
Explorer ICON will
change colour
4. Left click twice to
open the Internet
25
5. The Internet will open:
You will see the Sultan
Qaboos university
website on your screen.
Address Bar
Remember! You might see a different website on your screen if you use a
computer outside the university.
6. Left click once in the
Address Bar
26
7. Key in www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish
8. Press Enter on your keyboard
9. A new box will open asking you to key
in your Username and Password
10. Key in your Username
11. Press Tab on your keyboard
12. Key in your Password
13. Left click once on
OK
Important Note: You will need your password and username to
use the Internet. You will be given a password and username
when you start your course. You must not share your password
or username with anyone else.
27
9.
The LearnEnglish website will open:
15. Left click once on the X to close the website
Remember! Left click
once on the X to close the
page on your screen.
28
Do you remember?
Now you try!
Try to open some of the websites listed below and see what you can find.
www.go4english.com
www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish/central
www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish
http://www.english-at-home.com
Well done!
GO! Now go to page 30 and find out how to search the Internet.
29
How to search the Internet
How do I search the Internet? Look and follow the steps below:
9. Open your Desktop
Help! I can’t remember how to open my desktop.
Go! Go to page 11 to find out how to open your desktop and for how to
login to the computers in the computer lab.
Desktop
2. Left click once on the
Internet Explorer Icon
3. The Internet
Explorer ICON will
change colour
5. The university website will open:
6. Left click once in the
Address Bar
30
4. Left click twice to
open the Internet
7. Key in www.google.com
8. Press Enter on your keyboard
9. A new box will open asking you to key
in your Username and Password
10. Key in your Username
11. Press Tab on your keyboard
13. Left click once on
OK
12. Key in your Password
31
14. The Google search page will open:
15. Key in Oman
16. Press Enter on your
keyboard
Remember! You can key
in any word to search for
anything you want on the
Internet.
17. A new page will open with the search results
You will get lots of links on your new page
Links
18. Left click once on the
Oman-Wikipedia link
Remember! Left click
once on a link to open a
new page.
32
19. The Oman Wikipedia website will open
20. Left click once on
Back button
This will take you back to your search results page.
21. Left click again
on the Back button
33
This will take you back to the Google search page
22. Left click once on the Forward button
This takes you forward to the page you were on.
Back button
Forward
button
Remember! Left click once on the
Back button or the Forward button
to move between web pages.
34
Do you remember?
Now you try to search the Internet!
9. Open Internet Explorer.
Help! I can not remember how to open Internet Explorer?
Go! Look at page 30 for help on how to open Internet Explorer.
2. Open the Google search page.
Help! I can’t remember how to open the Google search page.
Go! Look at page 31 for how to open the Google search page.
3. Now think of an animal you like and want to know more about.
Write the name of the animal here----------------------- (e.g cat, dog, cow)
4. Now use Google to find out more about the animal you chose.
Help! I can’t remember how to do the search in Google.
Go! Look at page 32 for how to do a search in Google.
5. Did you find out anything new about the animal you chose?
List some of the things you found out:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now tell your group or your friends about your animal.
Well done!
35
5. Introduction to WebCT
36
5. Introduction to WebCT
What is WebCT?
WebCT is like a website where you will find materials and information about your
course. WebCT is also like a teacher and will help you with your English.
What will I find in WebCT?
Some of the things you will find in WebCT:
•
•
•
You can practice the English you learn in class
You can meet other students and chat about your course online
You will find test results for your tests
……………. And much much more!
How can WebCT help me with my course?
Answer the questions:
9. How do you think WebCT can help you with your course?
Example: I will be able to practice the language I learn in class ..... and
2. What kind of things do you think you will find in WebCT?
Example: My test results ………and
3. Why do you think you will use WebCT during your course?
Example: I will be able to practice language I learn in class ………. And
Now Share your answers with your group or a friend!
How to start using WebCT
When can I start using WebCT?
You can start using WebCT as soon as you start your course.
How do I open WebCT?
37
You can open WebCT by using any computer in the student’s computer labs. You can also
open WebCT using any computer that has the Internet just like a website.
How do I open WebCT? Look and follow the steps below:
9. Make sure you can see the desktop in the student’s computer lab
Desktop on computers in the student’s computer lab
Help! I can’t see the desktop on my computer?
REMEMBER! You must log in to the computer in the computer lab to see
the desktop. GO to page 11 and follow the steps for how to log in to the
computers in the student’s computer lab.
38
2. Left Click twice on the
E-Learning Login Page Icon
3. The WebCT login page will open
4. Left click once
on the X to
close WebCT
GO! Go to page ------- to find
out how you login to WebCT.
keep check here
Important Note: You can also use Internet Explorer to open WebCT. Go to
page 40 to see how you can open WebCT using Internet Explorer.
How to open WebCT with Internet Explorer
39
Look and follow the steps below:
Desktop
1. Left click twice on the Internet
Explorer ICON
2. Internet Explorer will open
40
3. Right click once in the address bar to highlight the
university website address
4. Key in http://webct.squ.edu.om/
Make sure you press on the Shift key on your
keyboard at the same time as the : key to get the
: sign after the http.
5. Press Enter on your keyboard
9. The Welcome to WebCT page will open
7. Left click twice on login to myWebCT
41
9. The WebCT login page will open
Remember! Use Internet explorer to open WebCT when you can’t find the
WebCT Icon on your desktop or when you are using any other computer
with Internet access.
42
How to Login to WebCT
How do I login to WebCT? Look and follow the steps below:
1. Key in your student ID
number
2. Press Tab on your keyboard
3. Key in your student
ID number
4. Left click once
on Log in
9. A new page will open asking you to change your password
Important Note: You must change your WebCT password the
first time you log into WebCT. Go to the next page to see how
you change your password.
43
How to change your WebCT password
1. Key in your old password.
(Remember this is your student ID)
2. Press the Tab key on your keyboard
3. Choose a new password for your
WebCT. Choose a password that
you will be able to remember.
Do not choose a password that is
longer than 8 letters and numbers.
Remember! Do not give
your password to anyone
else.
4. Key in your new
password
5. Press the Tab key
on your keyboard
44
6. Key in your new
password again
7. Left click once on update password
9. A new page will open telling you that your password has been changed
9. Left click once on
continue
Remember! You must use your new password every time
you login to WebCT. You must not forget this password.
45
10. Your WebCT homepage will open with your name and your course
Important Note! Your WebCT page will look
different and you will only find one link to
your course on your WebCT homepage.
Your name
Your course and the
name of your teacher
LOOK! Look for your
course on the WebCT
page.
11. Left click once on the link for
your course to open your
course homepage
46
12. Your course homepage will open
ICONS
Your course homepage will look
different to this one. You will
have different ICONS on your
course homepage.
Note: Every course has a different homepage and different Icons.
GO! Now go to page 48 and find out how to start opening other
pages in your WebCT course.
47
How to open pages for your course in WebCT
9. Open your course homepage
Help! I can’t remember how to open my course homepage
Go! Look at page 40 and follow the steps for how to open your course
homepage in WebCT.
Remember! Your course
homepage will look
different. You find different
ICONS on your homepage.
1. Left click once on any ICON to
open a new page
Blue links to other pages.
Left click once on the blue
links to open new pages.
Remember! To open new pages in WebCT left click once the Icons. You
can also left click once on the blue links on the left side of your screen to
open other pages.
48
2. A new page will open
Remember! The
ICONS on your page
will look different.
3. Left click on any Icon on
the new page
4. A new page will open
49
5. Left Click on the x to
close the new page
Remember! The link for your Homepage is on all pages in WebCT. You
can click on it whenever you want to go back to your course homepage.
Getting around in WebCT
50
How do I open pages for my course in WebCT?
You can left click
on links to open
new pages for
your course
OR
You can left click on
Icons to open new
pages for your course
How do I go back to my course homepage?
Left click on Homepage to
go back to your course
homepage
How to Log out of WebCT
51
How do I log out of WebCT?
Left click on the Log
Out Link to log out of
WebCT
GO! Now go to page 45 and see how much you can remember about WebCT.
Do you remember!
52
Try to do these exercises by yourself.
9. Open WebCT.
Help! I can’t remember how to open WebCT.
GO! Look back at page 40 and follow the steps for how to open WebCT.
2. Login to WebCT so that you can see your WebCT page.
Help! I can’t remember how to login to WebCT
GO! Look back at page 40 and follow the steps for how to open and login to
WebCT.
3. Open your course homepage in WebCT.
Help! I can’t remember how to open my course homepage in WebCT
GO! Look back at page 40 and follow the steps for how to open your course
homepage in WebCT.
Now you try!
Open more pages in WebCT and see what you can find.
What did you find? Make Notes:
1.__________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________________________
Now tell your friend or group about what you found in WebCT.
53
9.
9.
Introduction to Moodle
Introduction to Moodle
54
What is Moodle?
You can use Moodle to help you with your course and with your English. Your teacher may put
some things from your course on Moodle to help you with your English.
Where do I find Moodle?
You will be able to find Moodle on the computers in the computer lab.
Can anyone use Moodle?
Your teacher will tell you if they have put a course for your class in Moodle. Your teacher will
also give you a password to open the course in Moodle.
What does Moodle look like?
This is the Moodle page
GO! Go to page ----------to find out
how you can start using Moodle.
How to start using Moodle
55
How do I open Moodle? Look and follow the steps below:
9. Make sure you can see the desktop in the student’s computer lab
Desktop on computers in the student’s computer lab
Help! I can’t see the desktop on my computer?
REMEMBER! You must log in to the computer in the computer lab to see
the desktop. GO to page 11 and follow the steps for how to log in to the
computers in the computer lab.
2. Left Click twice on the
E-Learning Login Page Icon
3. The E-Learning Login Page will open
56
4. Left click once on the Login to
moodle ICON
9. The Moodle login page will open
GO! Go to the next page for how to login to Moodle.
How to login to Moodle
57
9. Open the moodle login page
Remember: You must open the Moodle
login page to login to Moodle. Go to page
56 and follow steps for how to open the
Moodle login page.
2. Key in your student ID
number
3. Press Tab on your keyboard
4. Key in your password
58
5. Left click once on Login
9. The Moodle will open
6. Left click once on X
to see the moodle page
59
What is on the Moodle page?
Calendar
You will see your
course under My
courses
Important Note: You will only see your courses on your
Moodle page. This is the course your teacher has put on
Moodle for your class.
You will see all other
users that are online at
the same time as you
GO! Go to the next page to for how to find your course in Moodle.
60
How to find your course in Moodle?
Help! How do I find my course in Moodle?
Look and follow the steps below:
Remember! You must open the Moodle login page and login to Moodle
before you start to look for your course. Go to pages 56 and 57 for how to
open the Moodle login page and login to Moodle.
1. Look for your course under
My courses
2. Left click once on the
link for your course to
open your course page
Help! I can not find the link to my course on the Moodle page.
GO! Go the next page and follow steps for how to find your
course in Moodle if you do not see the link to your course on
the Moodle page.
61
How to search for your course in Moodle
How do I search for my course in Moodle?
Look and follow steps below:
9. Open the Moodle page
Remember! Go to pages 56 and follow steps for
how to open the Moodle login page and login to
Moodle.
2. Left click once on the
All courses link
3. The course list page in Moodle will open
4. Left click
once on the
Language
Centre link
You should find your course
under Language Centre
62
5. A page will open with a list of all
Courses for the Language Centre
6. Left click V (move down
the page sign) to move
down the page and
look for your course
7. LOOK! Look for your course
Remember! Left click V
(move down the page sign)
to move down the page
and look your course
Important note! Left click once on (Next) if you do not find your
course on this page. Your course may be listed the next page.
63
8. Left click once on the link for your
course to open your course page
9. Your course homepage will open
You will find many links on
your moodle course page
Remember! Left click once on
links to open new pages or files in
moodle.
64
Part B: Using Microsoft Word
Prepared by:
Pooja Sancheti
65
Dear Colleagues,
This booklet is quite interactive and leaves a lot of room for flexibility. All the features of MS
Word mentioned in the book are explained using illustrations. It is important to remember
that the knowledge of students will vary according to their previous exposure to computers.
Basically, it is a part of a self learning project and teachers’ input is not necessary but if a
student is struggling and is losing interest because of that, then you are a better judge.
You will notice that there are not many exercises in this section, that is where you can use
your creativity. Once the students are comfortable with the functions, you can ask them to
type a paragraph from a book and then edit it or you can also ask them to make their
timetable while practicing tables, etc.
I am aware of the fact that more functions could have been included, but because of the time
constraint, we have to do with this much only. In future, I will try to add more to this book.
I would appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Pooja Sancheti
66
Dear Students,
Welcome to SQU and the world of computers. Some of you are absolutely new to computers
but, do not worry. Typing on a computer is like writing in a notebook. This booklet has been
designed in a way to give you enough knowledge about word-processing. After going
through all the functions mentioned in this booklet, you should be able to work on your
assignments and projects independently. Remember ‘practice makes a man perfect’; so, keep
practicing the skills and try using them in your time alone in computer labs. Once you are
comfortable in using computers, you can try using the other functions and features not
mentioned in the booklet. There is no harm in trying out new things but don’t waste your
precious time. Don’t forget to save your file from time to time. This will make sure that you
don’t lose your work.
Some of you must have used computers before and are very comfortable in using them, that’s
very good. Now, since you are well – versed with computers, your teachers will appreciate it
if you can give support to the students new to computers (in English). Please don’t hesitate in
sharing your knowledge with others; it will help all of you.
This booklet is a part of a self- learning project. It will help you become an independent
learner. Try to follow the instructions carefully in steps. If you don’t get the desired result, try
once again.
Pooja Sancheti
67
Starting the Computer
You can start your machine by pressing the power button. After switching it on, you need to
log in by typing in your username and password into the box on the screen. Username and
password are stuck on the walls in all the computer labs. After typing in the correct username
and password, press enter.
Once you have logged in successfully, you get to see your desktop. This is how a desktop
looks like.
Desktop
These small pictures on the desktop are called icons. Some of
the icons represent certain programs.
68
Working on MS Word
On your Desktop, can you see your
and
Microsoft Word Program icon (W for Word)
the start button?
Now lets talk about how to start your Microsoft Word Program using the two above-mentioned
Desktop features.
On your desktop if you can see the MS Word icon
button twice).
, double click it (press the left mouse
and click on it once. A menu will appear directly
Or else, go to the start button
above the button. Take your cursor to Programs in the menu, now another menu will appear
and you can select (by clicking the left mouse button) MS word
from this.
When you start your Microsoft Word Program, a new blank document automatically opens.
Blank document is like a blank notebook on which you can write anything.
At the top of your computer screen you can see four horizontal bars.
The first row shows the Title Bar. It displays the name of the document or file.
The second row shows the Menu Bar. Each of these words (File, Edit ……) refer to a special
menu that allows you to take many actions.
The third row shows the Standard and Formatting Toolbars. These two tool bars show
various icons representing different functions.
The fourth row shows the Ruler.
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The large white space (just below the ruler) on your computer screen is your text area.
You can use this area to type in whatever you want to.
Let’s do some work now. Type the following sentences on your blank screen. Remember
you should use shift ( ) key to capitalize an alphabet and press enter (
) key to go to
the next line.
My name is __________ .
I am _____ years old.
I enjoy reading storybooks in my free time.
I am here to study in the College of ___________.
Now since you have created a document, you should give it a name and save it. It is very
important to save your document or file so that you do not lose it and can use it later.
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Saving a File
To save your work, take your cursor to the Standard Toolbar and click on the save as
icon.
The box shown below will appear on the screen.
Type a name for your work in the ‘File name’ box. You should only use letters and numbers.
Do not use any punctuation marks.
After you have typed in your file name, click [Save].
This will save your work in a folder called My Documents.
Closing a File and Exiting
To close a document, you should first take your cursor to File on the Menu Bar and click
once. When the drop down menu appears, click on Close and then repeat the same procedure
and click on Exit to quit the program.
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Opening an Existing File
You may want to do some more work on a file that you have already started. To go back to
the same file, first double click on the MS Word icon on your desktop. Then, take your cursor
to the Standard Toolbar and click on open
icon. You will see the following box.
Click on the file you want to open and then click on [Open].
Editing the Text
1. To replace the existing text with new information, you should select the text that you
want to replace (by dragging the mouse) and type the new text.
This is how a highlighted or selected text looks.
2. You can copy a text to some other file or somewhere else in the same file. To copy a
text, select the text and then click the right mouse button. From the menu select copy.
72
Now, you can take your cursor to where you want this text to appear. Click the right
mouse button and from the menu select paste. The text will be copied.
3. You can also cut some text and paste it somewhere else. To cut the text, first select it
and then click the right mouse button. From the menu select cut.
Now, you can take your cursor to where you want this text to appear. Click the right
mouse button and from the menu select paste. The text will be pasted.
4. There are a lot of things you can do to make your text look more attractive. You can
change the font size, the font type, the alignment of the text, the colour of the text and
many more things. To change the appearance of your text you have to click on the
options available on the Formatting Toolbar.
73
B can make a text bold, I
can turn it into italics and U
can help you underline a
text.
This will help
you change the
font type.
These are used to align
the text to left, in center
or to right respectively.
This will help
you change the
font size.
5. If you want to undo a change you can click on the undo
Toolbar.
button on the Standard
Inserting Tables
When working on assignments, you sometimes need to create tables. It is an easy task on MS
Word. You can create tables with as many as rows as you want.
To insert a table in a file, click on Table on the Menu Bar. From the drop down menu select
insert and then click on table. You can specify the number of rows and columns you want in
your table and click [OK].
This is how you will reach tables.
74
This is where you need to specify the number of columns and rows you want to have in your
table.
This is how you can make a table of 5 columns and 10 rows.
You can move from each cell or field in the table to the next by using the Tab (
) key.
Inserting Pictures
To insert or add a picture in your document, click on Insert on the Menu Bar. From the drop
down menu select Picture and then Clip Art.
75
When the Insert ClipArt box appears you can select any picture and copy and paste it in your
document using the same method that you used to copy a text.
76
Using Language Tools
1. Sometimes, while writing a document, you want to use two words with the same
meaning (synonyms) or you want to replace a word with another stronger or better
word. For this kind of a need we normally use thesaurus. In MS Word, you can use
thesaurus as shown below.
First, select the word for which you want a synonym and then click on Tools on the
menu bar. From the drop down menu select Language and then select Thesaurus.
2. You can make several mistakes while typing. Sometimes, after typing a very large
document you see a lot of words appearing on the screen with a red zigzagged line
under them. This indicates that you have made some spelling errors. Some names also
appear like this because they are not recognized as correct words in the computer
dictionary.
new word
wrong spelling
77
To correct your spelling errors you can go to underlined word and click your right
mouse button once. MS Word suggests some words, out of which you can choose the
right one.
3. You may also get to see some words or entire sentences underlined in green zigzags.
This occurs when there are mistakes related to sentence construction or punctuation.
If the mistake is too obvious or very small, you can get a solution from a click on the
right mouse button. Otherwise, you have to go back and check your mistake in
sentence construction and fix it.
78
Part C: Introduction to the
Online Vocabulary Program
for Levels 2 and 3
Prepared by:
Katherine Usha
79
At Levels 2 and 3 of the Intensive Program, vocabulary activities were developed to help
students learn some of the most important and useful words in English. This section
gives students and teachers some basic information about how to answer the different
activities in this program.
The students should see Part A in this book about how to use WebCT if they do not
know how to do that.
When you log onto WebCT as a Level 2 or Level 3 student, you will see this page:
Click on the name of the course your teacher wants you to use.
80
Answering Quizzes
The quizzes help you learn a set of words at one time.
Each set of words is learnt and practiced in three stages.
1. In the Learning stage you will learn the meaning, the pronunciation or sound of the
word through the media player and finally, the spelling of the word.
Note : After you finish the quiz, you save each time. When you submit, the computer shows
how many of your answers are correct or incorrect. It also gives you ‘feedback’
or explanations for each word. This is quite useful as you will learn if you don’t
know a word.
2. In the Practice stage, you will have practice in using the word in a sentence. You
should also learn the different forms of the word; for example, the singular and the
plural form of the same word or past tense form or past participle form of the word.
3.
The Assessment helps you know how well you have learnt the words.
81
How to answer questions.
It is very important that you should answer the questions in a certain way. This page will
explain to you some ways that you should follow when answering. If you don’t follow these
instructions your answers will show up as wrong even if your answer is correct.
There are different kinds of questions. You will see what they look like:
Look for important notes at the end of each sample question.
1. Matching Questions
1 & 2 are examples of Matching questions.
Note : You simply choose the correct word from the drop down list.
Choose a word for the picture
Make the answer window fill the screen. (Maximise it.)
Question 1
(1 point)
Choose a word for the picture.
Matching pairs:
— Choose match
2.
Matching Question
Read the word on the left. Choose a phrase on the right with the same meaning.
Matching pairs:
Choose
—
Choose match
Match
—
Choose match
Find
—
Choose match
phrase
—
Choose match
82
3. Multiple Choice
3 & 4 are examples of Multiple Choice questions
Note : You simply click on the correct picture or word.
Choose a picture for the word ‘Listen’
Click the radio button
2.
3.
2
3
1.
4. Multiple Choice
It is a piece of land.
There is water all around it.
1.
beach
2.
river
3.
83
sea
4.
island
84
5. Short Answer Questions
5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are examples of “Short Answer” questions for which the answers are one
word.
Note: When writing the word in the box, you must be very careful. Do not add any space
between the letters. Do not add a full stop (.).
5.
Listen and write the word
Click below to hear the word.
Then fill in the missing letters to complete the word.
Write the complete word in the box.
__r_h
6. Short Answer question
There are four directions. Write the names in the boxes.
85
7. Short Answer Question ( gapfill)
Write the correct word.
The capital city is in the ________ of Oman.
8. Short Answer ( gapfill )
Note : If the answer is a phrase ( 2 or more words), type the words with a single space
between each word. Do not add a full stop (.).
Land Cruisers are very popular. They are made by Toyota one of
the most famous car companies (5) ___ ____ _______.
Write the answer in the box.
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9.
Short Answer ( Word order)
Note: If the answer is typing the correct sentence…..
Type the whole sentence. Begin with a capital letter and end with a (.) Leave just one
space between each word.
Put the words in correct order to make a sentence.
the deserts
The
in
keep moving
sands
all the time.
10. Short Answer (True or False)
Note: If the answer is true., just write True in the box.
If the answer is false, Write False. Correct answer.
Click below to listen to a short talk.
Read each statement below and say True or False in the answer boxes. If False, type the
correct answer in the same box.
1. The Earth is spherical in shape.
2. Venus is the satellite of the Earth.
Note: Remember:
1. The first letter of all sentences must be capital.
2. Put a full stop at the end of every sentence.
3. Put a space between words.
87
Appendix 1:
A list of computer based
English language programs in
the Language Center’s
computer labs
88
This is a list of only some of the computer programs students can use to improve their
English language skills.
No.
Programs
1
Dynamic
Business
English
Main skills
Listening and
speaking
Brief Description
Focus on Business English,
Listening and Speaking
Exercises, dictation, grammar
and question practices
2
Langmaster
Elementary
Reading and
listening
Collins Cobuild Students
Dictionary, Listening, Speaking
and Reading exercises to
develop vocabulary. Exercises
based on famous stories.
3
Langmaster Reading and
Intermediate listening
Collins Cobuild Students
Dictionary, Listening, Speaking
and Reading exercises to
develop vocabulary. Exercises
based on famous stories.
4
Tense
Buster
Elementary
5
Grammar
Tense
Buster
Lower
Intermediate
6
Grammar
Tense
Buster
Intermediate
7
Grammar
Tense
Buster
Upper
Intermediate
8
Tense
Buster
Advanced
Grammar
9
New
Dynamic
Business
English
Listening and
speaking
Grammar
Introduction to Simple Present
Tense,
there are Rules, Practices, Tests,
Vocabulary Learning Strategies
Introduction to Comparative,
Simple Present, Present
Continuous, Simple past,
Prepositions, there are Rules,
Practices, Tests, Vocabulary
learning strategies
Equality, Passive, Relative
clauses, will and going to,
Conditionals, there are Rules,
Practices, Tests, Vocabulary
learning strategies
Present Perfect, Must, Might,
Can’t, Past Continuous,
Conditionals, Future, there are
Rules, Practices, Tests,
Vocabulary learning strategies
Past Perfect, Articles, Reported
speech, Passives, Phrasal Verbs,
there are Rules, Practices, Tests,
Vocabulary learning strategies
Listening comprehension,
Practising use of names of
places, jobs and family
members, saying time.
Dictations-words and sentences,
Grammar review, Speech
practice- sentence reading,
89
Comments
Suitable for Level 4
onwards, particularly
for commerce L5,6
and commerce credit
students
Suitable for Level 4
onwards for all
programs. Very
suitable for learning
word stress, intonation
and pronunciation
Suitable for Level 5
onwards in all
programs. Very
suitable for learning
word stress, intonation
and pronunciation
Suitable for Levels 2, 3
and revision for Level
4 onwards
Suitable for Levels 5
and 6, grammar
practice for all levels
Suitable for Level 5
onwards
Suitable for Level 6
onwards
Suitable for L 6
onwards
Very suitable and
useful from Level 2
onwards
Grammar
10
Basic Focus
on
Grammar
11
Intermediate Grammar
Focus on
Grammar
12
Grammar
High
Intermediate
Focus on
Grammar
Grammar
The
Grammar
ROM
13
14
Tell Me
MoreGeneral and
Business
English
Listening,
speaking and
vocabulary
15
Vocabulary
Mastery
Grammar and
Vocabulary
16
Ultimate
Speed
Reader
Reading
answering questions, Video
interactive exercises to practice
depiction, introductions at a
party, in an office, in an
interview
For reference and practice of
basic grammar, Reading
Listening and Writing Exercises,
Review tests
For reference and practice of
basic grammar, Reading
Listening and Writing Exercises,
Review tests
For reference and practice of
basic grammar, Reading
Listening and Writing Exercises,
Review tests
Interactive English grammar
practice in a variety of contexts
covering 16 grammar topics.
Incorporates interactive video
comprehension exercises,
listening/speaking practice,
pronunciation practice, and
review tests. 300 exercises in
all, for intermediate-level
students. (Videos unavailable in
Labs 1 -3 because they are not
compatible with Windows
2000.).
Pronunciation practice with
emphasis on stress, intonation
through dialogues. Word
association, provides glossary of
words used in the program,
Grammar and Vocabulary use
practice, Lesson report section
gives a clear idea of student’s
performance
Grammar and Vocabulary
exercises
Reading warm up, provides
exercises on eye movement,
newspaper reading, paced
reading exercises, timed reading
exercises and Eye Max game.
Offers speed-reading training.
Includes over 200 reading
90
Very comprehensive,
Very useful for all
levels, very useful
review tests
Very comprehensive,
Very useful for all
levels, very useful
review tests
Very comprehensive,
Very useful for all
levels, very useful
review tests
Suitable for Level 4
and above
Very interesting
interactive exercises.
Full of fun. Suitable for
Level 2 onwards.
Detailed pronunciation
practice
Students have to type
the answers, No
pictures or colour, not
very user friendly, very
old software
Highly recommended
skills for all levels, but
a bit challenging for
lower levels, more
suitable for Levels 5
and 6. Teaches Speed
reading which is useful
for all levels
17
The Report
Writer- for
Lab Reports
Writing
18
Mavis
Beacon
Typing
Tutor
Business
Report
Writer
Typing
20
English
Assessor
Listening,
reading,
vocabulary
and grammar
tests
21
Mind Game
Vocabulary
19
Writing
passages in 10 categories:
Business, Technology,
Entertainment, Literature,
Sports, Speeches, etc.
Has a template for writing Lab
reports, has a report bank, a
report guide, a style guide with
printable model reports and a
personal report writing facility.
Practice typing, steps to know
the keys and using the right
fingers, custom lessons
Teaches to write progress report,
feasibility report, incident report,
research report, general report.
Among many other features it
has a check list of important
features of ideal reports. There is
a report bank, report guide, style
guide, process guide and
schedule which helps you to
plan when you can finish a
report
An English language testing
program with scores of
integrated listening, reading,
vocabulary and grammar tests.
The tests follow the same style
as many official examinations,
including Cambridge, Oxford,
City & Guilds. The tests are
divided into Levels 1-9, where
Level 2 is Elementary.
Learning game for elementary to
advanced users. A variety of
vocabulary items is presented in
the form of a screen game. The
student can play against the
computer or another student.
91
Suitable for Medicine
and Engineering
students Level 6
onwards
Very useful for all who
want to learn to type
fast
Very useful for
Commerce students in
credit courses
Highly recommended
for use for all levels as
a support for classroom
instruction, once a
month or so.
Level 5 and above