Q. What is the difference between keyboarding and typing?
A. The terms are basically interchangeable these days. The term typing comes from using a typewriter and today's keyboards have additional features of a separate number pad and additional keys for computer functions. Learning to touch type today is much the same as it always has been - learning the proper techniques, posture and hand position and practicing through repetition. An important goal of proficient keyboarding is developing the ability to compose at edit at the computer, whereas typing was simply to reproduce material. With proficient keyboarding skills you should be able to type as fast as you can think - about 35-45 words per minute. The goal of accuracy is to maintain the flow of thought processes without having to correct mistakes.
Q. What is "touch typing"?
A. Touch typing is the ability to operate a keyboard efficiently and accurately, using all the fingers without looking down at the keys. A touch typist keys material rapidly without looking down at the keys, maintains their hands close to the middle row of the keyboard, uses individual fingers to reach up, down and inward to strike the keys and can read material from a book or paper and type it without looking away from the material.
Q. When will my child learn to keyboard?
A. All schools are introducing the proper techniques of keyboarding in the early elementary grades. Proper techniques are constantly reinforced at each visit to the computer lab. Hopefully parents and students will carry these techniques everywhere they use a computer and develop proper use from the beginning.
Q. What software programs are used in SAU 16 schools to teach keyboarding?
These are the programs in use as of January 2006:
Ultrakey by Bytes of Learning (CMS, Swasey & EKS grades 3-5)
- Typing Pal Online (Kensington, Newfields, Lincoln Street)
See the Resources section for more information on each of these programs.
Q. When is a child ready for keyboarding?
A. When the child can move his or her fingers independently on command and has shown an interest in using the computer.
Q. What is the ideal furniture setup for keyboarding?
- a desk large enough for all the computer parts - the preferred height for the keyboard is 26" - a few inches lower than the typical office desk or table.
- a chair with a comfortable, but firm, adjustable seat
- a good light source from above and behind with no glare on the screen from windows or other lights
See Ergonomics / Safety section for more information on proper positioning and equipment. Also, see Adjustments for Smaller Students to find out how you may need to adjust your setup.
Q. How long does it take to learn keyboarding?
A. Learning to keyboard is more than just learning which finger goes where. It is a process that involves repetition and the correct posture and hand and finger positions must be used consistently. This takes several hours of practice over a period of several weeks.
Q. I don't know how to type - how can I teach my child to do it?
A. There is no magic in learning to keyboard. Read through the sections of this website and use some of the resource links provided to learn what is required. A software package will guide a student through the lessons - you need to provide a proper environment, encouragement and discipline to practice regularly and adhere to the proper technique.
Q. How can I learn to not look at the keys?
A. To break the habit, the best practice is to blank out the keys using a skin or cover the keyboard. This can be as simple as a sheet of paper or cardboard. Learn to anchor one finger as other fingers need to roam from home position. The need to look at the keys is often a matter of confidence and results from fear of making mistakes.
Q. How are speed and accuracy recorded?
A. Speed is universally reported as so many "words" keyed per minute (wpm). A "typing word" consists of any 5 keystrokes. Accuracy is usually reported as a percentage of accurate keystrokes made during the timed period. You can take an online test to get a quick idea of how fast you currently type.
Q. What are the causes of most errors?
Resulting Error
Problem Extra Keys Missed Keys Wrong Keys Heavy touch X Long fingernails X Poor lighting X X X Holding keys down too long X Looking away from screen X X Reading too far ahead X Getting tired X Tension X Fingers not anchored on home row X Wrists on computer or desk X Body not centered X Wrong Fingering X Keyboarding too quickly X Keyboarding too slowly X The above list gives you a good idea of bad habits to steer clear of!
Information from How to Teach Keyboarding, Cheryl Cerri-Llamas and Frances Henderson, Bytes of Learning, 2000
Q. Can students with disabilities learn to keyboard?
A. Absolutely! Many companies produce special devices to help people use computers with adaptive equipment. One-handed keyboards, software that expands screen images, speak-back software are just a few of the aids available. View this website for information on learning to type on a regular keyboard with only one hand. For students with disabilities such as dyslexia and dysgraphia and those with fine-motor skill difficulties, keyboarding is an essential skill to learn. For more information on assistive technologies, click here.
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