Accessing Applications

Overview

Year group: 7
Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 1 student
Unit: Mastering Computer Basics (Lesson 4 of 10)
Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for Computing – Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

• Subject content: “Use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content.”
• Relevant computing aims: “To develop competence in information technology and understanding of hardware and software, including applications.”

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Confidently locate and open a range of software applications on a Windows operating system.
2. Explain the difference between types of applications (productivity tools, creative software, and communication applications).
3. Use basic features within at least two common applications (e.g., word processing and spreadsheet).
4. Understand how accessing appropriate applications can improve productivity and manage tasks efficiently.
5. Demonstrate safe and responsible use when launching and closing applications.

---

National Curriculum References

Area	Reference	Detail
Computer Science	KS3 Computing - 3.1.1	Understand and use software applications effectively to solve problems.
Digital Literacy	KS3 Computing - 3.1.2	Apply IT skills to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content.
Online Safety & Security	KS3 Computing - 3.2.3	Recognise the importance of safe and responsible use of software and information systems.

---

Resources Needed

• Personal computer or laptop with Windows OS
• Installed applications: Microsoft Word, Excel (or free alternatives like LibreOffice)
• Projector or screen-sharing tool (for teacher demonstrations)
• Prepared worksheet with step-by-step task instructions
• Timer or stopwatch
• Notebook for reflections

---

Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and set purpose

• Begin with a quick oral discussion: "What is an application? Name any you have used before."
• Introduce the lesson focus: accessing and using applications to help with everyday tasks.
• Show visual icons of common applications on the desktop and taskbar.
• Ask the student to predict which application would be best for different tasks (e.g., typing a letter, creating a budget).

2. Teacher Demonstration (10 minutes)

Objective: Model accessing and opening various applications

• Demonstrate how to find applications using:
  • Start Menu search
  • Desktop shortcuts
  • Taskbar quick access
• Open Microsoft Word and Excel, briefly describing their main purpose.
• Highlight features like opening, saving, and closing an application safely.
• Discuss the importance of updating software and recognising app icons for security.

3. Guided Practice (20 minutes)

Objective: Build confidence through hands-on application use

• Task 1: Open Microsoft Word and create a simple text document (e.g. type a short paragraph).
• Task 2: Open Microsoft Excel and input data into a few cells (e.g. create a mini budget).
• Use a checklist for the student to tick each step (finding, opening, using basic features, saving, closing).
• Teacher provides prompt questions to encourage reflection:
  • “What did you find easy or difficult?”
  • “How could these applications help you in school or at home?”

4. Exploration and Reflection (10 minutes)

Objective: Encourage independent thinking about software uses

• Discuss different categories of applications: productivity, creative, communication.
• Brainstorm examples within the Windows environment (e.g., Paint for creative, Outlook for communication).
• Challenge the student to think of one new application they would like to learn and why.
• Complete a short written reflection in the notebook about what was learned and how this skill can be used responsibly.

5. Assessment and Plenary (10 minutes)

Objective: Assess understanding and consolidate learning

• Oral questioning:
  • Describe how to open a word processor.
  • Explain why it’s important to save your work regularly.
  • Name an application for communication and its use.
• Review the checklist from the guided practice for completeness.
• Set a simple homework task: Identify three applications on a home or school computer and write one sentence on what each one does.

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• As this is a one-to-one class, tailor pacing according to student confidence and needs.
• Use visual prompts and clear, accessible language to support understanding.
• Allow extra time for practical tasks if needed.
• For students with fine motor difficulties, consider speech-to-text options to open applications.

---

Extension Opportunities

• Explore keyboard shortcuts for opening and switching between applications.
• Introduce cloud-based software (e.g., Microsoft 365 online) for remote access skills.
• Discuss accessibility features in applications (e.g., Zoom for text, read-aloud functions).

---

Teacher’s Notes

• Emphasise the relevance of the lesson to everyday life and future studies.
• Encourage curiosity about the variety of software beyond initial applications introduced.
• Reinforce safe computing habits throughout the lesson (e.g., closing apps properly, not downloading unknown software).

---

This focused 60-minute lesson aligns with the National Curriculum’s Computing requirements by developing practical and critical competency in application use, fostering both digital literacy and safe computing practices.