Beginner
60 mins
Teacher/Student led
+80 XP
Pupils work on their own device

The Operating System: Settings You Can Actually Use

Learn to navigate your device's settings to adjust comfort options like volume and brightness. Discover and try accessibility features such as zoom or larger text to make computer work easier and more inclusive.

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    1 - Introduction ~5 mins

    Today you will

    • open Settings on your own device.
    • change the brightness and volume.
    • turn on one accessibility feature and try it for five minutes.

    Illustration for IntroductionTo warm up, think about the last time you worked on a screen for a long time. Was the screen too dim, the sound too loud, or the text too small?

    2 - Key Concepts ~6 mins

    The operating system (OS) is the software that runs your computer. It might be Windows, macOS or ChromeOS.

    Settings is the control centre where you change the screen, the sound and more. On a Mac it is called System Settings.

    Accessibility features are built-in tools that help you see, hear or use the computer more easily. Zoom, larger text, high contrast, dictation and read-aloud are all examples.

    Example

    On Work Experience, you could use Magnifier on a small laptop to read tiny product codes.

    3 - Step-by-step Task ~15 mins

    Open the tab for your own computer: Windows, Mac or Chromebook. Follow the steps in the box below and tick each one. You will change the brightness and volume, then turn on one accessibility feature. Leave that feature on for the next task.

    4 - Common Issues ~4 mins

    If you get stuck

    • If there is no brightness slider, skip it and move on to the sound.
    • If everything is huge, turn the feature off in Accessibility, or press {{kbd:Win+Esc}} on Windows.
    • If you can't find a feature, type its name, like Magnifier or Zoom, into the Settings search box.
    • If dictation won't start, pick zoom or larger text instead.

    5 - Independent Practice ~20 mins

    Independent Practice

    Your goal: Use one accessibility feature for five minutes, then write a short note about it.
    Time: ~20 minutes
    Task:
    1. Keep your feature on and use the computer normally for five minutes.
    2. Go to {{code:onedrive.com}} or {{code:drive.google.com}} and open {{code:Project_Portfolio}}, then {{code:01_brief}}.
    3. Watch your teacher's demo, then make a new blank document there.
    4. Click the title and rename it {{code:01_accessibility_note}}.
    5. Copy the four headings below and write one line after each one in your own words.

    Feature tried:

    What it does:

    Who it helps:

    My five-minute try:

    If you can't find the {{code:01_brief}} folder, ask your teacher for help.

    When your note is written, you can turn the feature off.

    Success criteria:
    • {{code:01_accessibility_note}} is saved in {{code:01_brief}}.
    • It names the feature I turned on.
    • It says what the feature does and who it helps.
    • It says how my five-minute try went.
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