Keyboarding

1. Keyboarding Presentation by Carol Reynolds and Heidi Whipple

2. Definitions of Keyboarding • Bartholome (2003) defined keyboarding as the act of placing information into various types of equipment through the use of a typewrite-like keyboard. • Erthal (2003) defined keyboarding as the manipulation of the computer keyboard by touch.

3. Methods of keyboarding • Hunt and peck • Pecking without much hunting • “touch type” method

4. Touch method training vs. exposure • There is debate as to whether formal touch instruction or learning from simple exposure is better.

5. At what age? • Fleming (2002) suggested finger size, manual dexterity, coordination, fine motor skills, and attention as all being developmental issues to consider when deciding if and when keyboarding instruction should be offered to elementary students. • General consensus in research is that somewhere between third and fifth grade is the most appropriate time to start keyboarding skills.

6. How much time is needed? • 20-30 minutes per session • 3-5 instructional sessions per week • Minimum of 8-12 weeks of instruction • Longer exposure creates better results • Stress technique over speed and accuracy

7. Where do teachers find the time??? • One of the biggest drawbacks that teachers face when having students complete assignments and projects on the computer is the lack of keyboarding skills by the students. • Where will teachers find more time in the day to teach keyboarding? • Bullock (2004) suggests using some of writing instruction time.

8. Software programs vs. teacher-led instruction • Bartholome (2003) believes software programs promote poor habits and incorrect techniques due to inability to provide feedback. • Erthal (2003) believes no software program has been shown to be superior to capable, teacher directed instruction • Some researchers believe software programs can be very motivational and fun for students

9. What are the expectations for students entering High school? • Students are required to have many computer skills such as PowerPoint, databases, word processing, spreadsheets, as well as keyboarding skills. • Students must take “Tech Apps” at Lake Region if they are not competent on the computer. • Prepared students can test out of “Tech Apps” saving time in the student’s schedule.

10. Conclusion • Keyboarding efficiently can assist students in many educational endeavors. • Research suggests grades 3-5 are the years best to start keyboarding. • 20-30 minutes per session • 3-5 times per week • Minimum of 8-12 weeks of instruction, more is better

11. References • Bartholome, L. W. (2003). Typewriting/keyboarding instruction in elementary schools. Retrieved January 23. 2005, from Utah Sate University, Business Information Systems keybaording/Articles/Bartholome.htm • Bullock, Allen (2004), Practical considerations for the implementation of keyboarding instruction in the elementary school. • Erthal, M.J. (2003). Who should teach keyboarding and when should it be taught? Retrieved from Education Department website: http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/ate/keyboarding/Articles/Whowhen.htm • Fleming, S. (2002). When and how should keyboarding be taught in elementary school? Educational Technology Wesite: http://ci,coe.uni.edu/facstaff/zeitz/web/general/WhenHowKeyboardingSmith.pdf

12. Barton KeyboardingProject!! • We created a Portaportal site with keyboarding activities • Students grades 2-6 worked together to explore these websites • Older students worked together with younger students • Students were extremely enthusiastic!

13. Portaportal • www.portaportal.com • Guest access: timetotype • www.barton.ocsu.org

14. Students working together

16. What next? • We will present our findings at our next technology meeting. (5/18/11) • We will discuss use of Mavis Beacon with students • We will brainstorm ideas around finding time!