Lesson 3: Dos and Don’ts with Computer

AIM

In this lesson you will learn:

How to use computers safely

LESSON OUTCOME
After you have studied this lesson, you will be able to:

Use a computer in a responsible and courteous way. You will

learn how to:

1) Be safe while using the computer.

2) Share a common resource, and

3) Have correct posture while using the computer.

Be SAFE

Computer is an electronic machine. Like other such devices as

Television and mixer, computer also runs on electricity. It is important

that you do not touch power cords and take care of the following:
A) Do not pull out all the wires from their slots.

B) Do not put fingers in the slots meant for cables

C) Do not pull parts away from computer

D) Do not bang very hard on the keyboard

Practice CLEANLINESS

A) Keep the computer clean

B) Do not eat or drink near computer

C) Cover the computer when not in use

Learn to SHARE

In school, you have to share computer with your friends. You should give proper

space to others and take turns in using computers. Do not crowd near the

computer and do not push or pull your classmates while using computers.
 A) Sharing is a good habit

B) Do not disturb others by playing loud music

Sit in correct POSTURE

A) Keep proper distance from the monitor

B) Keep you chair at proper height. Your chair should be neither too high
nor too low

The teacher must be told every time the computer is to

be turned on or off.
1. See in the pictures below. If it shows the correct way to use a

computer, enter a tick mark (Ö) in the box. If it shows the wrong way to

use a computer, mark it with an X.

a. The student is cleaning the computer with a cloth. Is this activity is

necessary to keep the computer clean?

b. The students are putting their fingers in the slots meant for cables. Is

this right or wrong? Is it Ok to put fingers in slots?

c. The students are sharing the computer. Is sharing a good habit ?
d. The student is banging very hard on the Keyboard. Is this the right way

to handle the computer?

e. The students are pulling out all the wires from their slots. Is it Ok for

them to do so?
f. The music is being played very loudly. Is playing music so loudly

correct ?
g. The girl is sitting with a straight back while using the computer ,

whereas the boy is bending and is very close to the monitor . Put a tick

mark on which position is right and a X on which position is wrong.

h. The student is neatly covering the computer so that it does not gather

dust. Is this the way the students should keep their computers clean?

i. Is this the right posture while using a computer?

 For the Teacher
Safety
• Ask students “what makes the computer run?” If they answer that it needs
to be plugged in, you can proceed to the next step. If not, ask them to think
of other things that need power to run, e.g., TVs.
• Ask if the students know what dangers are associated with power cords and
power outlets.
• Inform them that they should not eat or drink near the computer.

Health
• Show students the proper way to position the neck when viewing the monitor.
Or demonstrate with a student. You can give them the following guidelines:
• Keep your eyes at least a foot from the monitor.
• Make sure you are not looking up or down at the monitor. Keep
your neck as straight as possible.
• After 10 min. of using the computer, move your eyes and neck.
Stretch your hands and fingers if you are using the keyboard or
mouse.
• Show students the proper way to position wrist when using the keyboard and
mouse.
• Talk about how loud sounds can damage our ears. Tell them to keep the
loudness of the speakers at a comfortable level.
• Show students simple eye and neck rotations and stretching.

Social
• Lead a discussion on appropriate team behaviour – sharing, giving space,
taking turns, not crowding, pushing, pulling, etc. Tell them to take turns
when using keyboard or mouse.

Technical
• Emphasize that the teacher must be told every time the computer is to be
turned on or off. Depending upon their understanding, you may discuss with
them why the icons are arranged as they are – so it is convenient for everyone
to use. Ask them what would happen if they moved it – make it disappear into
the trash.

We recommend making a poster with the dos and don’ts and putting it up in a
prominent place near the computers.