Teaching Keyboarding

Keyboarding - Resources

It is not imperative for a student to use a typing program. Like reading, some students will learn it on their own, given guidance and appropriate instruction, but most find it helpful to work through a program that teaches proper positioning and provides repetition to assist in memorizing the keys.

Programs are available commercially (at stores or from commercial websites), through websites which can be used online, and downloaded from shareware and freeware sites.

Evaulating and Previewing Keyboarding Instructional Software Programs

Consider these features in any keyboarding program:

Explains the value of and shows the purpose for learning to key by touch
Teaches and repeatedly stresses correct posture and keying technique
Reminds students to exercise, stretch and relax frequently
Consider the age of the student and select software appropriate for that age and reading ability
Consider learners with special needs
Focuses the student's attention on what is important in the current lesson
Encourages the student with positive feedback when appropriate and suggestions for improvement as required
Allows sound to be turned on or off as desired
Provides a substantial amount of practice material of graduating difficulty
Keeps records of student performance
Allows students to practice with their own copy material

Commercial Programs

There are many learn-to-type programs on the market. Listed are some that we recommend and are used in our schools:

Ultrakey by Bytes of Learning (CMS, Swasey & EKS grades 3-5)
Type 2 Learn by Sunburst.com (Lincoln Street School, EKS grades K-2 Junior program, Stratham grades 4&5)
Read, Write and Type (Stratham Grades 1-3)
Typing Pal Online (Kensington, Newfields, Lincoln Street)

Children's Software website - Kids on the Keyboard - reviews keyboarding software based upon developmental appropriateness.

Ultrakey SAU 16 purchase

The Cooperative Middle School runs a program where you can order the Ultrakey Home software through them at a reduced rate ($19.95 instead of $49.95) and for each unit purchased, the school keeps $5.00 cash to fund additional technology. Parents can order a copy at the beginning of each 7 week term during the school year. Contact Larry Dobson at CMS if you are interested. Anyone in the SAU 16 district may order a copy of this software through this program (recommended for grades 4 and above).

Ultrakey Order Form for CMS

Send order form and check to Larry Dobson at: Cooperative Middle School, 100 Academic Way, Stratham, NH 03885. You will be contacted to pick up software at the Middle School when it arrives. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Assistive Technologies

LD Online Website - Keyboarding Resources for those with Learning Disabilities
One-Hand Typing - resource for those with only one hand
Custom Typing - Assessment tools, resources for adaptive computer technology / assistive technology users

Online Programs

You can use these programs over the web without having to install software on your computer.

BBC Dance Mat Typing
Typing Pal
Learn 2 Type
Touch Typing - online or download - can enter your own text or use exercises
Nimble Fingers - this site also has information on healthy typing and teaching typing.
Custom Typing - free trial available
Ugly Typing Practice Program - allows you to practice exactly the characters you need to practice

Shareware/Freeware Programs

Touch Typing Now by Compucall
Animated Beginning Typing Shareware by Flix
Elite Typing - 30 day free trial, then $19
Typing Tutors Website - lists several different typing tutor programs
Captain Keyboard Typing Tutor - learn to type in an action packed "space-invaders" type game environment

Online Typing Tests

Teacher/Parent Resources

Other Websites on Teaching & Learning Keyboarding