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Use of Repetition in Learning to Type
Repetition is needed to reinforce the complex motor reflex actions needed in touch typing. However, if caution is not exercised, repetition can lead to boredom.
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Getting Started
Beginning typists should concentrate on developing the correct keystroke patterns. Thus several initial sessions are devoted to the home row keys. Frankly, unless there are numerous errors on the home row keys, if learners are requested to re-key an exercise, they won't see the challenge. Besides, accuracy will improve with practice once the basic keystroke patterns are developed.
In a classroom environment, the teacher could conduct a discussion with the learners regarding errors after they complete the initial group of home row exercises. In a private environment, a modern typing program should have a means of monitoring and analyzing errors. Meaningful exercises for improving the identified deficiency could then be suggested.
For example, some typing programs have an "artificial intelligence" built in that performs a statistical analysis (the analysis is hidden so learners do not become nervous) to detect errors that might be attributed to poor posture. Thus if errors tend to be clustered in the lower rows, the learner could be told that he/she is sitting too close and to move back. Likewise, upper row errors would result in a suggestion to move closer.
In the second session, learners should try to key a home row exercise at 20 wpm or greater. Again, don't worry about errors in the beginning exercises, just concentrate on using the correct finger to strike a key.
Most learners will soon be able to key the home row keys at greater than 20 words per minute. They can then proceed to the exercises on keys g and h. Students should not progress beyond keys "g" and "h" unless they are able to key the home row without looking at their hands. Finally, a routine introduction of keys, one key at a time, will build keyboarding skills.
Use of Repetition in Learning to Type
All keyboarding programs must provide a means for repetition. That is, users should be able to re-key an exercise until they are satisfied with their performance. Touch typing skills are motor reflex skills that are developed with practice, and any typing program should have "encouragements" to enhance the learning opportunity.
Note: I am NOT talking about games. I am a keyboarding teacher, and I am opposed to games. A positive learning environment is needed in which enjoyment occurs via the learner's accomplishments. Games create the wrong learning atmosphere. Programs that ask the learner to "zap the aliens" or "type while racing" distract from the learning environment. Users can and will respond in a positive manner if the keyboarding program is designed correctly.
Adult learner need a program that provides a variety of exercises designed to keep their interest so they will be willing to practice longer. Repetition in keystrokes is needed, but this should be on a variety of subjects so that boredom does not occur.
One way of accomplishing this is to utilize a "learning guide" such as a "Little Professor" as a private instructor. For example, if the learner is in an advanced exercise, and the typing program is designed to detect a pattern of errors (not just errors, but patterns of errors) , this fact can be personalized by a "messenger" that tailors the information to the user's needs.
For example, the learner can be asked if he/she wants to practice a "troublesome" key. If "yes" is clicked, a mini review exercise can provide an opportunity to improve performance. The user is not always referred back to re-key the same material over and over again. The educational "balance" is that repetition is desirable but not to the point of creating boredom.
Always Use the Correct Finger to Strike a Key
Several techniques are used to prompt the learner to check that the correct finger is residing on its assigned key. One technique consists of showing a transparent hand over home row keys with each finger on its assigned key. Another approach is to graphically show a finger and its assigned key, one at a time. Often this is accomplished by having the key flash. Still another approach consists of detailed pictures of each of the finger-keystroke reaches.
Whatever approach is taken, the learner should be prompted to follow the recommended finger – keystroke reach, and the learner should be reviewed to assure he/she does not develop bad habits.
So How Do We Fight Boredom?
After all the keys are introduced, repetition is needed to reinforce the correct keystroke reaches. This can only occur with practice, yet practice leads to boredom. The previously-mentioned “practice troublesome keys” approach is fine for the basic keys, but not enough to hold attention so that the learner is encouraged to type hundreds of exercises.
Most typing programs use games in an attempt to keep the student’s attention. We take the approach of offering informative exercises that have been developed to keep the learners interest while practicing. In addition, exercises can be made available on the WEB for downloading on a wide variety of issues so that learners can select topics of interest.
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