The marking period is over and we are finishing up keyboarding today. I would like every student to fill out the following questionnaire. When you're done you can either practice keyboarding or try and take the final test.
Currently we are using a typing tutor called Type to Learn 4. It is an application which is installed on the lab PCs. I am trying to evaluate some web based typing tutors which would enable students to practice their typing from any PC that has Internet access. That means they can practice in the computer lab, classroom, home, library, hotel on vacation, etc. The first web based application we are going to evaluate is Typing Pal. Here is a link to log in: This trial is scheduled to conclude at the end of the first marking period. Students will have the choice which Typing Tutor they want to use. If students decide to evaluate Typing Pal, they must:
It's unclear if and when we will switch to a web-based tool. It will be dependent on student feedback on this and other tools, evaluation of administrative features, and budget. Starting this week each half of the fifth grade will come to computer class for half a period twice a week. This will give students time to practice keyboarding every day - twice a week in computer class and 3 days a week using the NEOs in the classroom with Mr. Pitera.
Keyboarding is a skill that will help the students as they enter the upper school and beyond. The rest of the marking period students will be practicing this skill. As this is their 3rd year, many students will be focusing on increasing their speed and accuracy. The goal for 5th grade is 20 WPM with 3 or less errors. Students will use Type 2 Learn in computer class and NEOs in the class room to practice. Since most students have some proficiency in keyboarding, I have setup Type 2 Learn in the following way:
Students must use the cover for the final challenge for each lesson and assessment. When students pass the final keyboarding test (with the keyboard cover on) with at least 20 WPM and 3 or less errors, they will be able to do some fun computer activities (instead of practicing their keyboarding). FOCUS ON:
proper fingering, not looking down at your hands, and then speed (in that order!) |
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May 2013
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