By Fiona Lilley
“Why should I use this program?”
It is a valuable life skill to be able to use a keyboard with fluency and accuracy, particularly in this day and age when technology dictates that we become skilled users of computers. Just like a child leaning to write for the first time, it is important that a child learn to “move” around a keyboard using the correct methods from the start. This avoids the build up of “bad habits”. It is far easier to learn the correct way from the start than to have to “undo” bad habits and re-teach the skill. As adults, many of us know how frustrating it is to have less than adequate typing skills. We know how limiting this can be when attempting to work quickly and efficiently at the keyboard.
“How and what does this program work on?”
This fun program works on drills to build up accuracy and speed within a variety of tasks. This program differs from many other available programs in that the user very rapidly begins to type real words, making the user feel that the skill is immediately transferring into more realistic settings. The child feels that their newly acquired has relevance and this in turn motivates the child to practise the next step of the program. Tips for use are given, as is a “contract” which is drawn up between the child and the caregiver/ teacher to motivate the child to complete the program in its entirety. A list of “shortcut keys” is given (Microsoft Word) which allows the child to save time by avoiding use of the mouse. This increases flow and speed.
“What are the results that I can expect to see?”
Completion of this program results in a child who is able to use the keyboard with confidence, accuracy and speed. For those children who experience handwriting difficulties, this provides an alternative method through which the child is able to display his work. This program does not necessarily take the place of handwriting, but is does provide another temporary “tool” through which a child is able to express himself and be proud of his work presentation. It has also been found that at times, learning this useful life skill can in fact take the pressure off the child’s handwriting (particularly the child with poor handwriting). In this way, an indirect improvement may be noted in the child’s handwriting purely from the alleviation of pressure in this area.
Download a sample page.
