ICT

IS TYPING TOO OLD-FASHIONED IN THE 21ST CENTURY?

In Year 07ICT, we introduce the concept of touchkeying to our students using an online program called Typing.com. Students are encouraged to learn and practice the optimum fingers to use for each key and how to find them without looking so that they have the best chance of attaining a usable and accurate speed with the entry of text into a keyboard. This is not an easy skill and takes regular practice to achieve a workable speed, but the time saving possibilities are huge - especially at senior levels where there are more essays to be written.

Monash University is now conducting e-exams for several subjects where students are expected to type their text on a keyboard instead of writing by hand. If a student is not proficient with keyboard use, they will be severely handicapped in this endeavour. Students have already reported that they feel disadvantaged if they can’t efficiently and effectively use a keyboard for these exams and that it significantly adds to the stress of the examination period.

We invite all school members to access any of the range of free typing instruction offerings on the internet and practice to achieve proficiency. We would recommend http://typing.com as a starting point.

This is a skill that is still, very much part of the 21st century!

Ms Hatch

ICT Learning Area Manager