[CASL-L] info needed - typing programs

[Elaine Shapiro]

We use Keyboarding without Tears because our school already uses
Handwriting without Tears.  I don't know the cost.  I think it is as good
as any program I have seen.  It uses color coded finger pictures to get you
to use the correct keys, which I like. It tracks kids year to year.  There
are a lot of drag and drop activities for K and grade 1, which helps with
mouse dexterity.

The problem with all of these is that kids won't use the correct fingers
unless you stand over them, and that gets really tiring.  They are able to
advance through the program even if they hunt and peck. We don't have a
computer class anymore (preK-4 school).  I used to take classes to the
computer lab for keyboarding from time to time, but now I have a computer
science curriculum instead.  Teachers are supposed to find the time, and I
don't think they find much.
.
I sometimes question the practicality of the whole endeavor.  Hands are too
small for the keyboard, and by the time they are big enough, they have the
2 thumb text habit.  My adult daughter (age 31) said to me "didn't they
give up on that in my generation? Kids are not going to learn to type
properly.  They will figure out a system that works for them."

Elaine Shapiro
Broad Brook School

On Thu, Jun 6, 2019 at 11:41 AM Carrie Seiden <
cseiden at northbranfordschools.org> wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Our school district is in a place of wanting to build up the keyboarding
> skills of our elementary school students. Is anyone out there using an
> endorsement-worthy typing program—free or paid?
>
> Thanks in advance for the help!
> Carrie
>
> --
> *Carrie G. Seiden, M.L.S*
> *Certified Teacher-Librarian & Gifted Education Specialist*
> *2020 CT Nutmeg Selection Committee Member *
> *Totoket Valley Elementary School*
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>
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