How To Use A Computer Mouse

Photo Credit: 4vector.com

To some of us, it may sound like a foreign concept. Use the mouse?! Everyone knows how to use the mouse. Surprisingly, that's actually not the case.

I remember my very first Beginning Computers for Seniors class quite well. I asked my students to click on the Start Button and several gave me blank stares. One even went so far as to push the Start Button with his finger on the screen. If only it had been a touchscreen...

At first, I was at a loss for words. For the last 20 something years, I had been using the mouse almost as if it was an extension of my arm. I couldn't even fathom how I would explain it's function, let alone when to use the left and right clicks. Thankfully, my students are oftentimes very forgiving. And if I throw in a computer joke every now and then, it tends to lighten the mood.

So, how exactly did I explain how to use a computer mouse?

1. First of all, I knew I had to position the mouse correctly for each student. This happened to be the most trying step because several students wanted to turn their mouse sideways. With patience, we managed to figure it out.
Thumb: alongside left portion of the mouse
Pointer finger: on top of left-clicker
Middle finger: on top of the right-clicker
*Naturally, this differs for left-handed students. I have not had a left-handed student to date, so I have not run into this challenge yet.

Photo Credit: razorleaf.com

2. Next, we went through the two clickers. The Left-Clicker is used for two main functions: select (single left click) and open (double left click). The Right-Clicker is used to open a command menu. You only single click the right side of the mouse--you don't double-click. The Scroll Wheel in the center is used to move the page up and down.

3. Finally, we opened Paint and I had them draw me a picture of a tree after explaining how to use the program. Then, they had to draw a picture of an upcoming holiday, and, finally, a bug. It turns out that this has been my go-to program for helping my students understand how to use the mouse. They learn how to select colors and brushes. They learn how to click and drag. And the main thing they learn is how to move the mouse around on the mouse pad, which seems to be the of the most challenging part of learning how to use the computer mouse. By using Paint, all of my students have learned how to use in a mouse in 30 minutes or less. Trust me, this works! 

When your students walk into your classroom with no computer experience, it's important that you to give them the encouragement they desperately need. As I always tell my beginning computers students, learning how to use the computer is like learning how to speak a new language. It takes a lot of patience and determination. 

The truth is, some of your students won't think they'll be able to learn how to use the computer and, most of the time, they'll doubt your ability to teach them. Be patient; they will pick it up! And always encourage, encourage, encourage. When they get something right, tell them! It boosts their confidence and makes the entire experience a positive one. I've witnessed miracles in my classroom by always remaining optimistic. Do the same. Watch them progress at rapid speeds!

If you have any tips for helping teachers teach their students the basics of using the mouse, share in the comments. Thank you!

--Jessica