Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - Basic 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify basic functions of word processing software.
• Create, format, and save a simple document.
• Insert images and tables into a document.
• Use spell check and grammar check.
• Print a document correctly.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces learners to one of the most powerful features of word processing: tables. We see tables everywhere in our daily lives in Ghana—from our school timetables and report cards to the price lists at the market or in a provision shop. Learning how to create and format tables on a computer is a very important skill. It helps us to present information clearly and neatly, making it easy for others to read and understand. This skill is useful for school projects, future jobs, and even for organising our personal lives.

Lesson notes

What is a Table? A table is a tool used to organise information into a grid. This grid is made up of rows and columns. Think of your class timetable; it uses a table to show you which subject you have at a certain time on a certain day.

Key Parts of a Table: Column: A column is a vertical set of boxes. It goes from top to bottom. (Think of the columns holding up a building). Row: A row is a horizontal set of boxes. It goes from left to right. Cell: A cell is the single box where a row and a column meet or cross. This is where you type your information. Borders: These are the lines that form the grid of the table, outlining the rows, columns, and cells. How to Create a Table Creating a table is simple. We use the Insert menu in the word processor.

Step-by-Step Guide: Open your word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, WPS Writer). Click on the ‘Insert’ tab in the menu at the top of the screen. Click on the ‘Table’ button. A dropdown menu will appear. You have two main options: Option A (Grid): Move your mouse pointer over the grid of squares. As you move, you will see a table appear on your page. Drag your mouse to select the number of columns and rows you need (e.g., 3 columns and 4 rows), then click. Option B (Insert Table Dialog Box): Click on ‘Insert Table…’ from the dropdown menu. A small window will pop up. Type the number of columns and rows you want into the boxes and click ‘OK’. This method is very useful when you need a very large table.

Example: Let's create a table with 3 columns and 5 rows for a list of Ghanaian regions and their capitals. Entering and Moving Around in a Table Entering Text: Click inside any cell to place your cursor, and then start typing. Moving Between Cells: Press the `Tab` key on your keyboard to move to the next cell on the right. Press `Shift + Tab` to move to the previous cell on the left. Use the arrow keys (↑, ↓, ←, →) to move up, down, left, or right. Formatting a Table Formatting makes your table look professional and easy to read. When you click inside a table, two new tabs often appear at the top of the screen: ‘Table Design’ and ‘Layout’. Applying Table Styles: This is the quickest way to format. Click anywhere inside your table. Go to the ‘Table Design’ tab. In the ‘Table Styles’ section, you will see many pre-designed formats. Click on one to apply it to your table. Shading (Changing Cell Colour): You can change the background colour of specific cells, rows, or columns. This is great for highlighting headers. Select the cell(s) you want to colour. To select a whole row, move your mouse to the left of the row until the pointer turns into a white arrow, then click. Go to the ‘Table Design’ tab. Click on the ‘Shading’ button and choose a colour from the palette.