Embedded Files
Keyboarding for Written Output
Keyboarding for Written Output
Typing may be more motivating than using the pencil to a student that struggles with printing. Typing on touch-screens is fine for short typing tasks; physical keyboards are best for longer tasks. Even if typing speed is slow, using the computer for written tasks may be helpful as it can reduce issues with legibility, and offers other features that may support the student’s writing (e.g. spell check or word prediction software).
Familiarity with the keyboard and typing is best learned in the context of writing. For example, sending emails, playing games that require use of the keyboard, using the computer for some assignments, etc. Initially, the goal is to increase familiarity with the keyboard. Increasing opportunities at home and school to use the computer will help students increase familiarity with the keyboard and typing speed.
‘Hunt and Peck’ typing can be a functional way to type:
Especially for younger students, students with dexterity or visual-perceptual challenges
Encourage students to use their left and right hand (vs. just 1 hand)
10-finger (or touch) typing is the preferred method for typing efficiency:
Most students can learn to 10-finger type over time.
Learning to 10-finger type takes LOTS of practice. This can be a long term goal for students.
Practice sessions should be short (i.e. 10-20 minutes) and frequent.
Practice needs to be motivating – try typing games, writing emails, etc.
Typing Games & Tutorials
Typing Games & Tutorials
Some of these games help with keyboard familiarity, while others help with 10-finger touch typing. Typing on touch-screens is fine for short typing tasks; physical keyboards are best for longer tasks.
Learn to Type Keyboarding Programs
Learn to Type Keyboarding Programs
TypingClub is web based and highly effective. TypingClub is free for both individuals and schools. There is an optional paid school edition. Keep practicing each lesson until you get all five stars. It really doesn't take much to learn, a few minutes a day for 4-6 weeks and you will be a pro!
Dance Mat Typing is interactive, fun, free and easy-to-use for kids; the system is complete with animated animal characters, graphics and sounds. They provide friendly menus or lists and other cool stuff to make it easier for kids to use Dance Mat Typing to effectively learn how to type.
Dance Mat Typing is structured as a series of four levels with three stages for each level. The animated animal teachers take kids through each of the 12 stages, narrating and showing them where to place their fingers on the keyboard, which fingers to use to type particular keys with onscreen cartoon hands. At the end of each stage, there is always a song by the teacher and his or her supporting cast to celebrate the kids’ accomplishments.
Free Typing Games
Free Typing Games
Typing Rocket is a fun game by ABCya that teaches you to type by blasting off into space. Pop the rockets by typing the letters that appear on them. The more you play the game the harder it gets
Keyboard Climber is a typing game in which kids help the monkey gets to the top fast by typing the letters that appear on the screen. Any wrong letter will result in the monkey falling down to the bottom.
Type Racer is a free online multiplayer typing game that helps users develop their typing skills through racing competitions. There are three different ways to play this typing game: multiplayer, singleplayer, and play with friends. Users are not required to register. They can simply click on the green button and enter a typing race against random opponents.
Nitro Type is a free online car racing game that helps players enhance their typing skills through competing with other players in real-time. Each player has a race car whose speed is determined by the accuracy of the typed words.To drive their car fast, players are required to correctly type words displayed on the screen. The player who types correctly and quickly wins the race.
Rapid Typing offers free access to a wide variety of typing games suitable for all ages. These include Word Mountain, Typing Arcanoid, Fast Typer Game, Key Racer, Farm Defender, War of the Words, Magic Spells, QuickType, TypeDown, Letter Cruncher, Horse Racing Typing, Typing Bean, and many more.
Typing Games Zone offers over 100 fun and free typing games for kids as well as adults. You can play the games online, no software download required
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