Keyboarding in the 21st Century

Most Requested Links In Keyboarding:

Importance of Learning Keyboarding

Not too long ago, business education teachers gave formal instruction in typewriting at the high school level. At that time, the skill of typing was a necessity for certain occupations. Today, efficient keyboard and computer operation is a necessary skill for the majority of occupations. Keyboarding is an expected tool for communication throughout one's life. It is considered as important a skill as being able to print and write well.

With the widespread use of computers in schools and homes, keyboarding instruction has moved down to the elementary grades. Younger and younger children are becoming fluent computer users and it is important for them to learn proper keyboarding techniques early so that they do not develop bad habits that are very hard to break.

There are a large number of computer users who claim their system of hunt-and-peck is as good as touch typing. When tested, these individuals are often surprised to learn how inefficiently they type. Touch typing allows you to key much faster and you don't tire as quickly. This skill comes after the fingers have learned to operate the keys automatically with speed and a high level of accuracy. The fingers move without hesitation when they know where to go.

SAU 16 School Keyboarding

The philosophy at SAU 16 is that all students should be able to type at a rate of 15 words per minute in grade 6 with a high rate of accuracy and 20 words per minute by grade 7.

All schools are introducing the proper techniques of keyboarding in the early elementary grades and are encouraging students to work on developing and using proper technique at every opportunity - in the classroom, computer lab, and most importantly, at home - that's probably where they spend the most time on the computer, so parent involvement is very important. This site shares information for parents and teachers on keyboarding so everyone working with students will use every opportunity to help students learn keyboarding. It's a valuable skill for every student in this technological world. Parents - do your kids a favor and encourage them to learn proper keyboarding technique.

Strategies

The STRATEGIES section has general information on how to learn and teach keyboarding. Student objectives, discussion of the need of a computer program, educational emphases, practical suggestions, practice ideas, the importance of modeling good keyboard behavior, and some suggestions for rewarding students for practicing typing.