The introduction of a typing program in grades 4-8 is an exciting and important addition to our offerings at StMM. Below you will find a brief introduction to the program, with answers to frequently asked questions.
Q: Why introduce keyboarding in elementary or middle school?
Early introduction, as opposed to the more traditional method of high school keyboarding classes, has been shown to reduce bad habit development, and provide additional benefits that include improvements in spelling, writing, and reading comprehension. Research has shown that the most popular grade levels of introduction to keyboarding are 3rd and 4th grade. Recent years have seen successful introduction of keyboarding as young as kindergarten, with an approved program like the one we are using.
To find out more, please take a look at this white paper, which examines academic research into keyboarding over the last few decades.
Q: Why do we count time typed, rather than lessons completed?
There are a few reasons for this program model. Research over several decades has shown that it is at 400 hours of typing that a student/person gets proficiency, and another 600 hours is needed to become an expert. This MIT review on typing has that and additional information about the subject. Analyzing each student by lessons typed is not going to do the same thing. It is the time spent typing that wires the brain to become automatic at this skill.
Q: What can we do if my child(ren) cannot finish the assignment for a particular quarter?
Life happens. Whether it is related to scheduling, health, or the many other potential reasons, it is understandable that students may have difficulties finishing the assignment. All students, regardless of grade level, have the ability to request a change in their typing assignment. They can request this via a parent email, an in-person request, or using this form: http://bit.ly/StMMTypingRequest.
Students can use this form up until the quarterly due date. More information is contained within the form itself, but the most important thing to remember is that there is no reason why any student should be feeling “forced” to type for large amounts of time as the due date approaches. Help is available, and with parental permission, no student request will be denied. However, it is up to the student to make that decision and request; this shows the student is an active part of his or her own learning, and shows problem solving and communication skills.
Q: How does my child login?
Please visit http://www.typing.com. Typing.com lets users work on keyboarding skills from anywhere with an Internet connection - with no downloads or special software needed.
Login with your student ID number + initials and the password you were given in class.
Example username: 1202035ac (student ID number first + initials)
Q: Why is this an at-home assignment?
Given the way classes are scheduled at StMM, it is impossible that students will be able to receive the amount of keyboarding instruction they need to become more productive typists. There are options for at-home practice, and that is the focus of this program. Additionally, keyboarding in a school setting for more than a few minutes at a time can be counter-productive, and does not always result in accurate words per minute (WPM). Finding time outside of a busy school environment can more easily give students quiet, distraction-free setting. Currently there is no keyboarding elective because that would only serve the needs of a very small group of students; keyboarding is important for all students.
Q: Why do you have benchmarks for each grade level?
It is important for students to have goals, so they know what to strive for; there is never a penalty of any kind if a student cannot reach a given goal, and we are also looking for students to individually set and meet goals of their own based on the knowledge they have of their own typing data.
Currently, benchmarks for each grade level are as follows:
8th grade: 50 WPM (based on the researched WPM for automaticity, or when keyboarding skills become automatic) @ 95% accuracy
7th grade: 45 WPM @ 95% accuracy
6th grade: 35 WPM @ 95% accuracy
5th grade: 30 WPM @ 95% accuracy
4th grade: 25 WPM @ 90% accuracy
Students who meet their grade-level benchmark over the course of at least 30 days will be required to type half the time for that quarter, and going forward. This will help them keep their skills current. The next school year will start with their new benchmark. Students can reach the benchmark at any point in the school year.
Q: Why do students in the upper grades keep a typing spreadsheet?
We know the typing program does not currently give typing time past 30 days. There is a way to overcome this, using Google spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are an important part of our curriculum that is shared by all teachers in a grade level. Learning how to use spreadsheets for authentic learning, including formulas, editing, and the design of the sheet itself, is all a part of this ongoing assignment. Additionally, it is amazing how accurate the spreadsheets are when used correctly and consistently.
Instructional videos
The following videos have been created to help your students work with our typing program:
