Basic Computer Skills for Students with

Mental Disabilities
Overview:
This module is designed to introduce basic computer skills to students with mental
disabilities in a structured and engaging way. The goal is to help them build foundational
computer literacy, including understanding computer hardware, navigating simple
software, and developing basic digital skills like typing and using a mouse.

Learning Objectives:
- Recognize and identify basic computer parts (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.)
- Perform basic computer operations (turning on/off, using a mouse and keyboard)
- Understand and use simple applications (paint, basic typing programs)
- Develop familiarity with assistive technologies, where applicable
- Follow simple, step-by-step instructions to complete tasks

Module Table:
Lesson Objective Materials Activities

Lesson 1: Introduce students - A basic 1. Show and Tell: Introduce

Introduction to to computers and computer or the main computer parts
Computers identify basic laptop (monitor, keyboard, mouse,
computer parts. - Picture CPU) and let students
cards with explore them.
images of 2. Matching Game: Match
computer picture cards of parts with
parts real components.
- Large-print 3. Turn on the Computer:
labels Guide students in turning the
computer on/off.

Lesson 2: Using a Help students learn - Mouse 1. Mouse Practice:

Mouse basic mouse - Simple Demonstrate how to hold,
navigation skills interactive move, and click the mouse.
(clicking, dragging). game (e.g., 2. Clicking Game: Let
balloon students play a game that
popping or involves clicking and
drawing app) dragging objects.
3. Reward System: Use
 stickers/tokens to reward
mouse use.

Lesson 3: Basic Introduce the - Keyboard 1. Keyboard Exploration:

Typing keyboard and help with large Allow students to explore the
students type basic keys (if keyboard and learn
letters and words. available) important keys.
- Basic typing 2. Typing Letters: Use typing
software programs to help students
- Flashcards type letters or simple words
with letters or like their name.
simple words 3. Assistance and Support:
Offer hand-over-hand
guidance for those who need
it.

Lesson 4: Familiarize students - Paint or 1. Drawing in Paint: Show

Introduction to with simple similar students how to draw shapes
Simple Programs computer programs drawing using the mouse in Paint. Let
like Paint or program them experiment with their
educational games. - Basic own drawings.
educational 2. Educational Games: Guide
games with students through simple
simple educational games focusing
instructions on basic concepts like colors
and numbers.

Lesson 5: Review all skills and Varies 1. Review Game: Play an

Reinforcement provide students depending on interactive game that
and Review with time to practice previous combines mouse, typing, and
independently. lessons clicking skills.
2. Assistive Technology:
Introduce assistive tools as
needed (e.g., on-screen
keyboard, touchscreen).
3. Celebrate Success:
Celebrate students'
achievements with
certificates, saved drawings,
or printed typing exercises.
 1. Teaching the use and
importance of short-cuts.
Lesson 6: Helping to master in
typing and be quick 2. Making them learn and
Teaching of in using of keyboard remember the short-cuts by
short-cuts in writing or memorizing them.
keyboard Remembering
short-cut 3. Applying them in actual
keys. use
Lesson 7: Familiarize - Introduction to
Introduction to students Word:
Word with - Show a simple
Microsoft overview of
Word and its Microsoft Word
basic using visuals or a
functions. video.
- Highlight the
toolbar and key
features (e.g., font
size, text color).

- Hands-On
Exploration:
- Allow students to
open Word and
explore the
interface.
- Use simple tasks
like changing font
size or color.
- Provide guided
practice: "Type your
name in a larger
font."

- Saving a
Document:
- Demonstrate how
to save a document
step-by-step.
- Use a visual
checklist for saving a
document (File >
Save As > Name the
document).
- Have students
 practice saving a
document with their
name.
Lesson 8: Teach - Introduction to
E-mail students Email:
writing how to - Explain what email
compose an is using relatable
email and examples (like
attach files. sending a letter but
faster).
- Show the email
interface using
visuals.

- Composing an
Email:
- Demonstrate the
steps to compose an
email (To, Subject,
Body).
- Provide a template
for students to fill in,
such as sending an
email to a
classmate.

- Attaching Files:
- Show how to
attach a file to an
email using step-by-
step visuals.
- Have students
practice attaching a
simple document
(like the one they
created in Week 1).
Lesson 9: Reinforce -Review of
Internet previous Previous Lessons:
Safety lessons and - Conduct a fun
and assess review session using
review understandi games or quizzes
ng; focused on Word
introduce and Email.
internet - Encourage
 safety. students to
demonstrate skills
they’ve learned
(e.g., composing an
email or saving a
document).

- Assessment:
- Provide a simple
assessment (like a
checklist) to
evaluate
understanding:
- Can they open
Word and type?
- Can they compose
an email?
- Can they attach a
file?
- Offer one-on-one
support for students
needing extra help.

- Introduction to
Internet Safety:
- Discuss key points
about internet safety
using visual aids
(e.g., don’t share
personal
information).
- Show a short,
engaging video on
safe browsing
practices.

Assessment:
- Observation: Monitor students’ abilities to complete tasks.
- Encouragement: Provide feedback and support throughout lessons.
- Informal Review: Repeat activities to check retention.

Websites for activities related to our modules

Basic Computer Parts

1. Starfall (www.starfall.com)
2. ABCya (www.abcya.com)
3. Sheppard Software (www.sheppardsoftware.com)

Mouse Navigation

1. Mini Mouse Games (www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm)

2. Tux Paint (www.tuxpaint.org)

Basic Typing

1. Typing Club (www.typingclub.com)

2. Dance Mat Typing (www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr)
3. Typing.com (www.typing.com)

Simple Programs

1. Tux Paint (www.tuxpaint.org)

Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Kahoot! (www.kahoot.com)
2. Quizlet (www.quizlet.com)

Microsoft Word

1. National Geographic Kids (www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/games)

2. Prodigy Education (www.prodigygame.com)

Email Writing

1. Prodigy Education (www.prodigygame.com)

2. Quizlet (www.quizlet.com)