Keyboarding First -- FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why teach keyboarding?

Keyboarding is a beneficial lifelong skill.

Keyboarding promotes:

Efficient use of computers
Academic achievement
Interest in writing
Creative thought
Student productivity
Language Arts Skills proficiency-- Reading writing, and spelling

Wisconsin Elementary Keyboarding Survey Results

Research shows keyboarding awareness classes are increasing in popularity in the lower elementary grades in Wisconsin.

To determine the status of elementary keyboarding instruction in Wisconsin and to compare growth of elementary keyboarding over a ten-year period, questionnaires were mailed in 1993, 1996 and 2003.

Over the ten-year period (1993-2003), more school districts are including keyboarding instruction in elementary grades. Only 15% are not introducing keyboarding in elementary grades, compared to 46% in 1993.

The trend indicates that the introduction of touch control keyboarding is increasing at the lower grade level.

For more information visit: http://academics.uww.edu/cni/faculty/rogers

What is an effective Keyboarding program?

K- 12 Keyboarding Program

Early Keyboarding—Teach the basics for keyboarding
Formal Keyboarding—Build speed and accuracy
Keyboarding—Apply skills to various software programs

Until the hours for each grade level are completed, keyboarding classes need to be:

Structured: Every week 2-5 times
Consistent: Every student
Sequential: Reinforce basic skills every time students are on the computer

Why use Keyboarding First?

Keyboarding First develops early keyboarding awareness.

Keyboarding First follows National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Guidelines.

Keyboarding First is developmentally appropriate:

Short Lessons

One New Key Per Lesson

Multi-sensory Approach

Concise Drill Lines

Large Font, Uncluttered Pages

K-2 Curriculum Connected

Keyboarding First is easy to teach by:

Classroom Teacher

Computer Resource Teacher

Business Education Teacher

Para-professional

Parent

Keyboarding First is appropriate for any beginning keyboarding students.

Keyboarding First is used with any word processing software.

Keyboarding First can be typed on a PC, Mac, or Battery-Operated Keyboard.

Keyboarding First

Kindergarten
5 Hours

First Grade 10 Hours

Second Grade 15 Hours

Keyboarding First = 30 Hours Total

Computer Skills Needed:

Log on/Log off

Open work screen

Choose/Size font

Save/Retrieve (optional)

Print (optional)

What is the cost of Keyboarding First?

Student Book and Introductory Keyboard (Order*)

Teacher Resource Guide—CD (Order and Resources*)

Teacher Training—DVD (15 minute introduction)