Methods of Methods of Instruction for Instruction for

Teaching Teaching KeyboardingKeyboarding

Excerpts fromExcerpts from“Typewriting: “Typewriting: Learning and Learning and Instruction”Instruction”

Keyboarding is a cumulative skill–what can be effectively learned at one level depends heavily upon what has been learned earlier. If hunt ‘n peck habits become ingrained, it becomes much more difficult to develop a

competent keyboardingskill. You need thatbasic foundation earlyon.

Desert News, April 5, 1999

Keyboarding ContinuumKeyboarding Continuum

1.1. Recognize lettersRecognize letters2.2. Locate letters on keyboardLocate letters on keyboard3.3. Type wordsType words4.4. Learn select control keys (space Learn select control keys (space

bar, shift key, enter/return)bar, shift key, enter/return)5.5. Efficient motor actionEfficient motor action6.6. Type sentences with correct Type sentences with correct

spacing and punctuationspacing and punctuation7.7. Develop speed and accuracy. Develop speed and accuracy.

When To Start?When To Start?

Most research has Most research has shown that a shown that a child's visual motor child's visual motor and finger isolation and finger isolation skills are skills are developed to the developed to the point where touch point where touch typing would be typing would be effective by effective by 4th 4th gradegrade (approx. (approx. age 9).age 9).

However….However….

Introduction to keyboarding from a hunt Introduction to keyboarding from a hunt and peck approach and mouse skills can and peck approach and mouse skills can be introduced as early as be introduced as early as pre-K.pre-K.    

You can initiate introductory keyboarding You can initiate introductory keyboarding skills at any age – one hand for right and skills at any age – one hand for right and one hand for left sides of the keyboard, one hand for left sides of the keyboard, thumb for the space bar and possible thumb for the space bar and possible little fingers for shift, enter or backspace little fingers for shift, enter or backspace key. key.

As always, it depends upon the child. As always, it depends upon the child. Some children will develop effective Some children will develop effective hunt and peck keyboarding. And some hunt and peck keyboarding. And some children will have a great deal of children will have a great deal of difficulty learning touch typing because difficulty learning touch typing because they need to visually monitor their they need to visually monitor their fingers to know where they are in space fingers to know where they are in space (proprioception). (proprioception).

http://www.schools.utah.gov/ate/keyboahttp://www.schools.utah.gov/ate/keyboarding/Articles/Whowhen.htm rding/Articles/Whowhen.htm

National Education Teaching Standards:National Education Teaching Standards:

Grades PK–2 (Ages 4–8)Grades PK–2 (Ages 4–8)

Demonstrate safe and cooperative use of technology. Demonstrate safe and cooperative use of technology. Independently apply digital tools and resources to address a variety of Independently apply digital tools and resources to address a variety of

tasks and problems. tasks and problems. Demonstrate the ability to navigate in virtual environments such as Demonstrate the ability to navigate in virtual environments such as

electronic books, simulation software, and Web sites. electronic books, simulation software, and Web sites.

Grades 3–5 (Ages 8–11)Grades 3–5 (Ages 8–11) Practice injury prevention by applying a variety of ergonomic Practice injury prevention by applying a variety of ergonomic

strategies when using technology. strategies when using technology.

Since curriculum is set on state and local Since curriculum is set on state and local levels, each school district determines when levels, each school district determines when and how to start keyboarding instruction. and how to start keyboarding instruction.

Keyboarding facilitates skill development in writing, spelling and grammar… Students who can keyboard are not only faster but also more imaginative. They are free to think about composing text or copying material rather than constantly trying to find their place.

Research Shows…

You would not sit a child down at a piano and use a software package to teach piano playing. Similarly, children are taught to play sports with a coach and much guided practice. The coach provides motivation, reinforcement, and corrective action.

Keyboarding Software…

Software to Introduce and Software to Introduce and Develop Keyboarding SkillsDevelop Keyboarding Skills

Bailey’s Book House (Riverdeep)Bailey’s Book House (Riverdeep) Type to Learn (Sunburst)Type to Learn (Sunburst) Kid Keys (Knowledge Adventure) Kid Keys (Knowledge Adventure) KidsTime (Great Wave Software)KidsTime (Great Wave Software) Jump Start Typing (Knowledge Adventure)Jump Start Typing (Knowledge Adventure) Write: Outloud (Don Johnston)Write: Outloud (Don Johnston) Spell-A-Word (R.J. Cooper) Spell-A-Word (R.J. Cooper) Writing Skills/Keyboarding Skills (Diana Writing Skills/Keyboarding Skills (Diana

Hanbury King)Hanbury King)