Touch-typing on the typewriter and computer keyboard has been traditionally taught in high school.  As more core subjects where implemented into the high school curriculum resulting in less electives being offered, keyboarding was moved into the middle school curriculum.  With computers increasing both at home and in the elementary school, many students in grades 4, and 5 are being exposed to the computer keyboard without proper instruction or knowledge of how to type correctly.  Bad habits are thus formed which are difficult to break.

The keyboard continues to be the primary device for inputting data into computers.  Studies show that gains in reading comprehension, vocabulary, word study skills, and spelling skills often result when proper keyboarding skills are learned and used.

The fastest speed that an adult can write is 12 words per minute (wpm).  After lesson 10, many students will be able to type 20 to 25 words per minute with good accuracy provided that proper keyboarding techniques have been practiced in each lesson.  Such early success creates a desire for learning to type faster with greater accuracy.

Reading text for the purpose of finding and correcting errors is called proofreading.  Students who choose correct finger techniques and who also choose not to look at the keys, proofread as they type.  Correctly typed and incorrectly typed characters are felt at the keyboard.  Such mental concentration reduces the amount of time spent in actual proofreading.

The alternative to touch keyboarding is the hunt-and-peck method, which really is not typing at all.  Students who choose to look at their keys develop random and incorrect finger patterns.  Creative ideas are lost as the hunt-and-peck typist must be constantly searching for the letter location.  Bad habits associated with the hunt-and-peck method become ingrained, making it impossible for students to develop competency in touch-typing.

The objective of keyboard instruction is simple: learn to type, the correct way.  The correct way means using the correct finger for each key and choosing not to look at the keys. 

Beginning with Lesson 1, all keyboards in the computer lab will be covered with a cloth covering.  Each student must earn the right for the keyboard cover to be removed after Lesson 10 by showing that typing (or keyboarding) can be accomplished without looking at the keys.  When a student chooses to look at the keys instead of keeping eyes on the monitor, starting again at Lesson 1 will always result.

Touch-typing is a life-time skill that will never be forgotten.

Larry Nelson
Instructional Services
Technology & Information Systems
El Paso Independent School District