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Computer 7 Keyboarding Tips
Computer 7 class time is limited; practice a structured daily routine to keep students focused and on task. Closely monitor students on computers at all times. Constantly reinforce proper keyboarding technique. Conduct regular keyboarding technique checks.
Pace your students to try to complete 5 lessons in the keyboarding textbook every two weeks (5 class periods). Use the textbook, MicroType software, and other online keyboarding practice to complement one another and to add variety; not independently of each other.
Teacher Resources:
- RCPS Benchmarks for Computer 7
- Pacing Planner form (for classes limited to 45 minutes on Odd/Even days)
- Video on proper keyboarding technique and ergonomics
(6 minutes; option to download as QuickTime; produced by College of DuPage in Illinois)- Sample Keyboarding Speed Scale (3 pages)
- Online Century 21 keyboarding textbook resources
- Should we use one or two spaces after ending punctuation?
- Explanations on keyboarding terms and document formatting
- Proofreaders' symbols with examples
- More proofreading marks
Evaluate Keyboarding Technique (examples of evaluation instruments):
- Keyboarding technique (checklist form to use; plus tips on proper keyboarding form and ergonomics)
- PowerPoint presentation on importance of proper keyboarding technique
- Another keyboarding technique chart (four per page + sample gwam rates; pdf file)
- Self-evaluation tool (two per page; pdf file)
- Self-assessment (three per page; pdf file)
- Criteria sheet for evaluating keyboarding technique (pdf file)
- Online true/false quiz about correct finger reaches, etc.
Online Dictionaries for Tech Terms:
- Technology buzzwords for students (by TekMom.com)
- Tech terms computer dictionary
- Glossary for Keyboarding and Tech Terms
- Basic Keyboarding Vocabulary (4-page printable pdf file)
Online Keyboarding Practice & Games:
- Online drill practice (same order as textbook and MicroType)
- Keyman (like PacMan: type single letters to move the man or get eaten)
- Online timings and practice (by powertyping.com)
- Online typing games: Barracuda, Foggy, Alphabetic Rain
- 1, 2, 3-minute timings; you select the length of time and the topic (delete/backspace allowed)
Assessment Tools:
Technique
- Keyboarding Pretest (25 questions; online; immediate feedback; score at end)
- Class Expectations and Keyboarding Technique game (Rags to Riches)
- The keyboard and technique game (Rags to Riches)
- Online Posture & Technique Quiz (10 questions; score at end)
- Technique and Ergonomics Quiz (10 questions; immediate feedback; score at end)
Spacing After Punctuation
- Spacing with Punctuation game (Jeopardy; read carefully)
- Online quiz on Spacing with Punctuation (30 questions; immediate feedback; score at end)
- Quiz on Spacing after Punctuation (6 questions; view answers)
Proofreading Symbols
- Quiz on Proofreading Symbols (provide symbol and apply it to text; printable)
- Online Quiz on Proofreading and Keyboarding (13 questions; immediate feedback; score at end)
Vocabulary
- Keyboarding vocabulary review game (Rags to Riches)
- Keyboarding vocabulary review game (matching)
- Another keyboarding vocabulary review game (matching)
- Questions about keyboarding reaches and timings (T/F, multiple choice, & short answer)
Parts of Computers
- Parts of the computer and information processing cycle (10 questions; immediate feedback; score at end)
- Another quiz on parts of the computer and information processing cycle (10 questions; immediate feedback; score at end)
Correspondence/Documents
- Game on MEMOS (Rags to Riches)
- Matching game on MEMOS (matching or concentration)
- Matching game on parts of PERSONAL- and BUSINESS LETTERS (matching or concentration games)
- Quiz on parts and formatting PERSONAL-BUSINESS LETTERS (25 questions; score at end)
- Printable worksheet to label parts and spacing on PERSONAL-BUSINESS LETTER (24 items)
- Matching game on BUSINESS LETTER parts and formats (matching or concentration)
- Another matching game on BUSINESS LETTER parts and formats (matching or concentration)
- Review game on PERSONAL- and BUSINESS LETTERS (Rags to Riches)
- Quiz on parts and formatting BUSINESS LETTERS (25 questions; score at end)
- Formatting guidelines for unbound REPORTS