Teach Typing Skills to Children on
QWERTY Keyboard
‘Qwerty’ is not a
word, though it definitely sound like one. It denotes the first 6 keys on the
left on the top row of the standard English language typewriters and keyboards.
Cambridge Online Dictionary defines qwerty as “with or
relating to the usual arrangement of the keys on the keyboard of a
computer, in which the top line of letters begins with q, w, e, r, t, and
y, as in a qwerty keyboard or qwerty layout”
Typewriters were a
ubiquitous presence in offices, schools, and even homes until they were
pensioned off by computers. But for the generation that used them extensively,
they evoke nostalgia. Catch an old movie on the telly to see a bunch of typists
in action in a government office and tapping away at the ‘keyboard’ furiously.
The typewriter was bulky and noisy, but it did its job well. In the days gone
by, possessing typing skills made one more employable.
How is possessing good typing skills
beneficial to students is a question relevant to educators, parents, and even
researchers? Let us see how:
● Typewriter may have become a part of
history, but the need to possess typing skills has most definitely not. Even
though touchscreens, autocomplete feature, and voice typing are useful for
certain tasks, typing is a skill that is likely to remain relevant for some
time.
● Before the advent of computers,
graduates learnt their typing skills in typing institutes. And students were
taught typing in schools in most parts of the world. Once typewriters were out
of the way, the practice was discontinued under the assumption that students would learn to type on their own.
Clearly, that did not happen.
● Search
and Peck, Hunt and Peck or Eagle Finger
are some of the terms used to describe two finger typing method used by
untrained people (and students) for their text-inputting needs. It is slower,
can lead to bad physical posture and related health risks.
● Typing is a skill that needs to be
learnt and practiced until you master it. In the age of computer-based
learning, children who have not mastered the skill are likely to lag behind
their skilled peers in academics, in spite of possessing other talents.
● Classical memory-based typing known
as Touch-type, teaches students to
assume correct physical posture, use all 10 fingers, and to type effortlessly
and with fewer errors. It improves hand-to-eye coordination and is less
stressful as it eliminates the need to constantly look at the keyboard to
locate the keys.
Typing is a skill
that has become an integral part of our everyday life - be it at school or at
workplace. So mastering it assumes greater significance and urgency. One can
master typing even with an instruction manual or book. Practice is what makes
you master the skill.
Internet is full
of useful resources for learning and
improving typing skills. However, make sure you carefully read terms of service
before using them.