| Animation | |
| Data Logging | |
| Early Years | |
| Graphical Modelling | |
Keyboard Skills |
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| In this section | |
Keyboard Skills
Although not part of the ICT curriculum the development of good keyboard skills enhances childrens of the computer. Simple steps such as ensuring that children use both hands on the keyboard, use both the backspace and delete keys to delete text and use the shift key for capital letters will improve their usage.
Image from www.typing-lessons.org
Older children will benefit from learning to use keyboard shortcuts:
| CTRL+C - Copy | CTRL+B - Bold |
| CTRL+X - Cut | CTRL+U - Underline |
| CTRL+V - Paste | CTRL+I - Italic |
| CTRL+Z - Undo |
For an extended list of shortcuts go to - www.helpwithpcs.com/tipsandtricks
Typing skills
In the Renewed Framework for Literacy and Mathematics, Strand 12 (Presentation) of the Literacy Learning Objectives states that children should use a computer keyboard to enter text.
Year 1 asks for children to use the space bar and to type their name;
Year 4 objectives state that children should be increasing their typing speed and accuracy;
Year 6 are expect to select from a wide range of ICT programs to present their text effectively.
The following games/websitescould be used for a few minutes at the beginning or end of ICT lessons to provide some practice for pupils, see below* for a list of "Principles for Effective Learning" taken from www.typing-lessons.org
www.freewebs.com/weddell/findtheletter.html
Find individual, capital letters against the clock.
www.wartoft.nu/software/sebran/
Free dowload. This collection of simple games includes lower and upper case find the letter games:
Drag the keys to the correct location on the keyboard.
Not particularly pretty, but effective.
Structured touch typing for children aged 7 - 11 years through comic characters.
Structured touch typing for adults/older pupils
Touch typing exercises - advertising on site
Tutorials are unlcear, scroll down the page for practice games suitable for older pupils
Free download - with typing games
*Principles for Effective Learning
No mistakes. Always be sure and in control. Follow the principle of 100% correct practice: to make a mistake is to learn incorrect things, and to confuse that which you already know.
Slower is faster. Speed comes from certainty. The more you type things correctly, no matter how slow it has to be, the more certain you will be, and the faster you will become a proficient typist. Increase speed only when you feel sure enough to do so.
Don't look at the keyboard! If you don't know where a key is, look at the keyboard to find it, then look away and type the key. Do not guess; always be sure.
Relax. No unnecessary or dysfunctional tension!Hit the keys squarely in the center. If you find you aren't consistently doing so, SLOW DOWN!!! It should feel good to type!