The resources listed in this guide are software applications designed to teach keyboarding or typing or to enhance proficiency.
Prior to the common use of computers, most high schools taught typing, preparing students for a degree of proficiency with a typewriter.
The computer keyboard is not so different from the keys on a typewriter, even to the dominance of the QWERTY format. One major difference is that the computer is equipped to provide feedback, given the appropriate software, something that was not available from a typewriter.
Software applications are available to teach keyboarding in a variety of ways, including the traditional methods of touch typing and interactive lessons that integrate games, trivia, and other methods of keeping students interested and engaged. Software programs intended to teach younger students use different types of methodologies, such as awarding stars and badges as the student's typing progress and skills increase, as well as certificates of completion and other awards.
Such software may be entirely web-based, downloadable, or available on CD, and applications are available for most, if not all operating system platforms.
Whatever the methods used or the platform, any software designed to teach proficiency with a keyboard, or typing, is appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Dick Ainsworth created the original Typing Tutor more than thirty years ago. Ainsworth & Partners offers two complete software systems, teaching keyboard training and number keyboard training, monitoring hand position during typing lessons or drills, helping students to avoid “home row” problems. Its features are highlighted here, along with an installation guide, an instructor’s guide, support information, and a downloadable free sample. Ordering information is included.
http://www.qwerty.com/
Available for use online or as a free download for the most recent Windows or Mac operating systems, KeyBlaze is designed for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, teaching mastery of the skill of typing with speed and accuracy, adding typing skills to the user’s credentials. Exercises include several typing games. An overview of the software is put forth, including a list of its features, along with the requirements for its use. User reviews are published to the site.
http://www.keyblazefree.com/
Established in 1976, the keyboarding tutorial site maintains all software development and support in-house, offering Keyboard Mastery, a 50-60-hour course for students in middle school through college, teaching beginners to type, and experienced typists to type faster and more efficiently, as well as Keyboard Short Course, Ten Key Mastery, which teaches the numeric keypad, Keyboarding for Kids, Skillbuilding Mastery, Nuts ’n’ Bolts Formatting, and Introduction to Microsoft Applications.
https://www.keyboardingonline.com/
PowerTyping is a free online typing tutor that teaches typing on a computer keyboard, using a US English layout. Featured are typing lessons for QWERTY, Simplified Dvorak, and Programmer’s Dvorak layouts, including typing tests, typing practice, and typing games. To learn keyboard layout, users can use the typing lessons page, and to practice specific keys, there is the Space Cadet game and the typing practice page. All keys can be practiced on the typing test page and in the games.
https://powertyping.com/
Available for Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, and GNU Linux, the typing tutor program may be downloaded from the site or delivered on CD after purchase; an upgrade may also be purchased. Multi-user licensing is also available, to be used for classes, and a feature comparison chart shows the differences between single and multi-user options. The system requirements are published to the site, and a free typing test is featured, with contacts.
http://www.tenthumbstypingtutor.com/
Available from Typing Master, Inc., the browser-based typing instructional program is compatible with Android 6+, Chrome, Firefox, IE 11/Edge, iOS 10+, and Safari. Intended to teach typing to elementary, middle, and high school students, it uses a game model, offering more than seven hundred free typing activities for all primary and secondary grade levels, and includes introductory games, motor skills training, touch typing, numbers and symbols, typing fluency, and timed tests.
https://typetastic.com/
As children begin to play with mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at a young age, and they often use the two-finger method, which can become a difficult habit to break. The Typing Games Zone uses typing games to teach children to learn finger positions, as well as to read and write. In addition to the core typing lessons, the site also acknowledges and teaches spelling and grammar skills. There are also games appropriate for adults.
https://www.typinggames.zone/
Offering visual training, a step-by-step approach, customized reviews, games, typing skills tests, and an analysis widget, Typing Master is available as a free download for a one-week trial, after which it can be purchased. Typing Master Pro, for schools and companies, offers over ten hours of interactive training, prints out test diplomas, and offers user management and reporting, including network-enabled teacher tools. Both support the Windows platform.
https://www.typingmaster.com/
Typing Trainer is designed to encourage the exercise of typing skills, improving both speed and accuracy, providing an environment in which the user copies an original text within a specific time period. The program includes the ability to store the results of such an exercise for examination purposes. Supported by Linux, Typing Trainer is available for free under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Screenshots, documentation, and development notes are included.
http://typingtrainer.sourceforge.net/
TypingClub is a web-based typing tutor. Although an account is not required to participate in the lessons, those with a profile can track their progress on the site. Subscription to its Individual Premium Edition offers an ad-free experience, as well as access to exclusive features. A three-day trial is available. The TypingClub School Edition features comprehensive lesson plans, progress tracking, an interactive experience, and district and school management.
https://www.typingclub.com/
The online typing test program is free and allows users to choose one-minute tests, three-minute tests, or five-minute tests, as well as random text, sentences, or words. Several lessons are available for each, and it allows for practicing, skills testing, and a scorecard. Tutorials are also available on topics related to each section, such as touch typing. Also available is Typing Test Pro, which is intended for professional use, such as recruitment assessments. No installations are required.
https://www.typingtest.com/
