Factors to consider in making a decision whether to convert traditional typewriting classrooms to microcomputer classrooms include effects on oral instruction, ethical issues in file transfer, and use of keyboarding software and timed writing software. (JOW)

One group of secondary keyboarding students was taught on typewriters and switched to microcomputers after six weeks, the other used microcomputers first, then typewriters. Using computers, students showed faster completion times and fewer typographical errors. Transfer from computers to typewriters slowed times and increased errors. Overall,…

This tutorial for the word processing program WordStar, Version 4, begins with a glossary of terms/keyboard definitions and a brief description of the capabilities and features of the program. Individual chapters then explain start up procedures, creating a document, editing tools, saving and printing, and the use of dot commands to control…

Compared the ease and efficiency of the Qwerty and Dvorak keyboards by analyzing five popular lists on high frequency words to determine differences in fingering for the keyboards. Found that more high frequency words and more characters are typed on the Dvorak keyboard home row, and therefore children should be taught to use the Dvorak rather…

Error analysis of 260 timed writings by secondary and postsecondary beginning and advanced students found that, regardless of the level of instruction or the type of equipment (electronic typewriter or microcomputer), an inordinate number of errors were associated with home key rows. (JOW)

Presents five articles that consider computer keyboarding instruction at the elementary school level. Highlights include keyboard familiarization techniques that do not require a computer; integrating keyboarding skills into the rest of the curriculum; and Type-Right, an inexpensive laptop computer dedicated to teaching keyboarding. (LRW)

This is a teacher's guide to a 30-lesson keyboarding program for elementary and middle school students. The primary instructional objectives are to teach students how to: (1) keyboard from a correct position; (2) identify the names for the fingers to be used to keyboard; and (3) locate the most frequently used keys with the correct finger. No…

Designed for use by elementary and middle school students, this computer flip book contains the exercises for each lesson in a 30-lesson keyboarding program, a brief outline of the development of writing devices, and exercises for 25 bonus lessons. For each lesson, the flip book provides a keyboard diagram with the keys that have been introduced…

This is a teacher's guide to a 30-lesson keyboarding program for elementary and middle school students. The primary instructional objectives are to teach students how to: (1) keyboard from a correct position; (2) identify the names for the fingers to be used to keyboard; and (3) locate the most frequently used keys with the correct finger. No…

Designed for use by elementary and middle school students, this computer flip book contains the exercises for each lesson in a 30-lesson keyboarding program, a brief outline of the development of writing devices, and exercises for 25 bonus lessons. For each lesson, the flip book provides a keyboard diagram with the keys that have been introduced…

A literature search identified 14 studies that were examined concerning keyboarding and computer anxiety. Although research on the relationship between keyboarding skills and computer anxiety is scarce, studies are being conducted to measure the effects of basic keyboarding skills on increased productivity. In addition, research is being performed…

This article provides guidelines for teachers who have limited computer experience and find themselves faced with establishing a computer typewriting/keyboarding course. (JOW)

Addresses issues concerning (computer) keyboarding instruction in an attempt to determine if the teaching of such skills to kindergarten and primary grade students should be considered a "must" in the early childhood curriculum or if such practices might have some drawbacks. (BB)

A study concluded that there were no significant differences in posttest speed achievement of students in grades 3 through 6 when pretest typewriting speed score was used as a covariate. Fifteen or fewer hours of instruction allows development of typewriting speed at the lowest level of skill acquisition. (JOW)

This paper explores the issue of how, when, and where to teach keyboarding at the elementary school level through a review of the keyboarding literature and descriptions of three studies conducted with fifth grade students in the laboratory school at the University of Wyoming. The literature review briefly summarizes findings on the following…