Computer classes teach basic skills such as how to turn devices on and off, operate a computer mouse and understand computer and mouse vocabulary, according to the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium. Additional courses teach students how to open and close files, operate software programs and utilize the Internet.
Once a student has mastered computer vocabulary and understands how to operate the hardware and mouse, skills such as installing and uninstalling programs are often taught in intermediate computer classes. In addition, basic functions within programs are taught, such as how to zip a file, cut and paste text, change fonts, edit text and spacing and create tables, according to the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium.