In ACS ES, what grade levels are being given keyboarding instruction?

There are many opinions on what age keyboard instruction should begin; at ACS
we begin keyboard instruction in the 3rd grade. The instruction is continued
through 4th and 5th grade.

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Why is keyboarding instruction not begun in the earlier years?

Most young children do not have the eye-hand motor coordination to learn
keyboarding skills much earlier.  Another reason for waiting to teach
keyboarding is that students need to develop handwriting skills as well.

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What are the bump keys?

The bump keys are the f key and the j key.  The bump keys help locate the
correct placement of the fingers.  The left index finger should be on the f
and the right index finger should be on the j.

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What is the home row?

The home row is the middle row of keys where the fingers are placed as such:
         left hand: asdf               right hand: jkl;

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What are skins?

Skins are thin opaque coverings for the keyboard.  They help the students
learn the placement of the letters, without actually seeing most of the keys
on the keyboard. Not seeing the keys enables the students to work toward
becoming touch typists.  If you click on Keyboarding and then scroll down a
little, you'll see a picture of the skin in place.

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What is the most important aspect of keyboarding?

Although accuracy and speed are important, without a doubt, proper technique
is the single most important aspect of keyboarding.

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What typing speed is considered acceptable?

Research indicates that if a child cannot type 11 words per minute (wpm) with
almost complete accuracy, then he or she might just as well hand write the
work.  It is faster and less frustrating for the child.

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How can you help from home?

Let your child work on the computer at home. There are several typing
activities on line (see "Keyboarding" on this website), but if being online 
is not possible, then working on the computer keyboard alone is fine.  
Please pay attention to body posture and finger placement.

Try draping a cloth over your child's hands.  It's good to practice not
looking at the keyboard.

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Where did we get your information?

We have read a variety of articles on keyboarding research.  The following
links provided most of the information for the basis of our keyboarding policy.

Keyboarding Research
Articles


Recommendations
Recommendations


Keyboarding in the 21st Century
21st Century

Keyboarding Goals  
Goals 

Keyboarding Research and Resources
KeyboardingResources

Professor's Opinion (University of Northern Iowa)
Dr. Z
 
Elementary Keyboarding Research (University of Northern Illinois)
Research

Frequently Asked Questions
ISTE

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