MRS. SEALY | THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Touch Typing Introduction & Techniques

Alabama Course of Study

Standard 3.) Demonstrate correct data input techniques with acceptable speed and accuracy.Example: Touch Method

Touch Typing

What is touch typing? Touch typing is the ability to type using the

correct fingers without looking at the keyboardWhy use touch typing?

Touch typing allows you to be more efficient and productive

In this class you will work toward typing while using the correct finger positions without looking at the keys while also improving speed and accuracy.

Keyboard Layout

Home Row

Keyboard Arrangement

QWERTY The most common

arrangement of keys. It is believed that Christopher

Sholes created this keyboard arrangement to minimize jamming on early typewriters.

The most commonly used letters are in hard to reach spots

Some of the longest words typed on a QWERTY keyboard using ONE hand? Stewardesses, Pumpkin, Minimum

DVORAK Named after Dr. August

Dvorak. It was patented in 1936

Keys are arranged to minimize the distance fingers have to travel when typing.

Conclusion Some independent studies

have shown no significant improvement in typing speed when using the DVORAK method although some still contest that DVORAK (or other methods) are faster and more efficient.

Typewriter keys were connected to metal poles.

When striking the keys, the poles would “hammer” the paper.

QWERTY vs. DVORAK

Ergonomics

What is it? It is the

science of designing equipment and workspace for a comfortable and safe working environment.

Ergonomics: Body Position

Sit up straight, facing the keyboard with your body centered

Sit at a comfortable distance from the keyboard and mouse

Adjust the height of your seat so that you are comfortably level with the keyboard and mouse

Feet flat on the floor, slightly apart

Ergonomics: Finger Position

Fingers curved and upright Tips of fingers lightly touching keys Hands are still while fingers reach for the

keysWrists and palms are low, off the keyboard

Review: Keys to Maximizing Typing Speed

Good postureKeep your body centered with the G & H keysUse correct finger placementKeep your eyes on your copy and place your

copy where it is easily seenKeep fingers curved

The Importance of Using Correct Form

Not using correct form when typing (especially when typing for extended periods of time) can cause muscle and joint pain or strain.

It is imperative that we always use correct form– not only to maximize speed and accuracy, but to stay safe!

Word to the Wise

A quote to leave you with… “ I am trying to get the hang of this new fangled writing machine, but I am not making a shining success of it. However, this is the first attempt I ever have made, and yet I perceive that I shall soon & easily acquire a fine facility in its use…One chiefly needs swiftness in banging the keys… ” (Mark Twain ’ s first typewritten letter. December 9, 1874)

What’s Next?

Go to www.typingweb.comMrs. Sealy will give you your log in

information Usernames (MOST follow this formula): first

initial + last name + class period number + tms EXAMPLE: Sara Smith is in THIRD period, her

username would be: ssmith3tms Passwords: Four digits you use when logging

into the computer (NO “-acs”) EXAMPLE: Your password is 1234-acs to log

into the computers, your Typing Web password is “1234”

Start typing lesson 1 (Home Row) using the correct form.