Computer Typing Resource Guide

Computer Typing Resource Guide

In an age where computers are used in most schools and workplaces, keyboarding skills have become vital. Most occupations now require the use of computers and keyboarding; many office jobs require that a person be able to type at least a certain number of words per minute. However, it isn't just jobs and school that require keyboarding. Daily personal tasks like emailing, surfing the web, using social media and typing personal papers and letters can be done much more quickly with increased typing skills.

 

Children are learning to use keyboards at a young age and it is important that they learn proper typing form and habits early on. Unfortunately, many schools do not teach keyboarding classes and it is up to parents and children themselves to practice typing on their own. Some adults never learn to type properly and realize as adults that they are wasting a lot of time hunting and pecking on the keyboard.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of free typing lessons, games, and tests online.

 

People of every age can benefit from improved typing speed, accuracy, and skill which lead to increased productivity. There are several games, lessons, and tests available online to practice with for people of all skill levels and abilities. Find the letter themed animated games great for beginning typists-they are popular and easy to find online for both children and adults. There are traditional exercises in which lines of text are displayed, the typists types them, and they are then graded for accuracy and speed; however not all are graded, some are just for practice. There are some websites that even give dictation exercises where the lines of type are spoken. Typing tests are also widely available to compute the number of words per minute typed and the number of errors. Practicing at home online is a great way to spruce up skills.

 

New and improved assistive technology is available for people with disabilities as well; there are many different kinds of keyboards to suit the needs of the user. Some examples of assistive keyboards are tactile feedback keyboards for the visually impaired, onscreen keyboards that can be used with mouses and switches, large keyboards, mini keyboards, and specially adapted keyboards with raised areas between keys for people with spasms and tremors. Mouth sticks and head wands are inexpensive devices that can be used to type with by people with little or no use of their hands. Customized keyboarding lessons are available as well. In addition to keyboards, voice recognition software and eye tracking devices can help people with extremely limited movement to communicate. Keyboarding really is for everyone!

 

It is important for everyone to learn proper keyboarding techniques and posture to prevent injuries such as back strain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Taking short breaks from the computer at least every hour by walking, stretching, and shaking out the arms and wrists can help prevent injuries. It is essential to not bend the wrists while typing-alternative keyboards such as split keyboards and ergonomic keyboards can be purchased if this is a problem. Shoulders should be relaxed and elbows should form a ninety degree angle when typing. Sitting up straight and not hunching over the keyboard is important to prevent back strain; additionally, a supportive chair adjusted to the right height is essential. Padded cushions for the wrists, hand and wrist exercises, and keyboards to suit individual body frames and needs will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. There are several exercises that are simple to do at a desk to help prevent repetitive stress injuries. Taking the time to learn proper typing techniques now can alleviate current pain and prevent future pain and discomfort.

 

Learning to Type:

 

Typing Assessments:

 

Typing Resources for Those with Special Needs:

 

Injury prevention: