My students participate in a program called Typing.com where they are put through various exercises which teach them how to type properly. These tasks include knowing how to sit correctly, learning and memorizing where the keyboard is and developing speed and accuracy. Keyboarding is a skill that will be necessary for students well into the future of their schooling and adult life.
Many students continue to struggle with the QWERTY keyboard as they do not know where each letter is. Did you know that the letters are always in the same place, no matter what keyboard you use? It's fascinating to watch when students continually search for a letter even though they may have pushed the same letter many times in the past. Another pet peeve that I've noticed is when kids type with one finger of one hand while using their other hand to rest their head. Did you know that if you type with at least two fingers, you'll be twice as fast?
Experts keep telling kids that they were born with a phone in their hand. This sentiment seems true only in that they know how to press buttons, but not necessarily type.
What do you think about learning how to keyboard? What difference will being an efficient typist make in your life? Do you like learning how to keyboard? Why or why not?
~The Big Ham
BLOGGER OF THE WEEK
