Keyboarding Myths
There are a number of myths surrounding keyboard instruction. Unfortunately, these myths are keeping millions of students from learning a simple, yet powerful literacy skill.
Here are just a few.
Myth -Keyboard instruction requires specialized personnel or specialized training.
Fact – ANY regular education teacher can do it. But, to be successful, the teacher must have the right program. A program that is easy and effective. Many of our keyboarding programs are run by paraprofessionals or even High School work-study students.
Myth – Keyboard Instruction requires a computer and sophisticated software.
Fact - Computer dependent instruction should be avoided! Computer lab schedules and computer availability end up dictating program logistics…failure follows.
Computer dependent instruction (CDI) usually means no daily practice, large amounts of transition time, numerous program distractions and technical problems.
Additionally, CDI almost always means that the classroom teacher is not involved, which means no teacher ownership - no classroom follow-through.
Finally, CDI means little or no skill application in the classroom. Students may develop beginning skills in the lab, but ongoing skill application is absent where it counts most…in the classroom.
Myth - Keyboard instruction is a multi-year program. It must begin early and continue through multiple grade levels. (“We start in first grade…and continue through 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)
Fact - Reading is a multi-year program. Math is a multi-year program. Keyboard mastery is a 6-8 week program. Instruction begins and mastery develops within a two month time span. Multi-year keyboarding programs are a tremendous waste of instructional time and they usually are not successful. (Brief, daily practice, ongoing application and teacher supervision are the keys to a successful program).
Myth – We don’t have time to teach keyboarding.
Fact - The computer lab model of instruction is 30-40 minutes (Plus transition time) once each week. This is equal to 24 hours per year (year after year).
The Writer Learning Program is 8 – 10 hours of instructional time and mastery is guaranteed.
Time must be found for those curricular areas deemed to be necessary for students to be successful in today’s world. Quick and accurate keyboarding is just such a skill.
Myth – The Writer learning program is expensive.
Fact – Your Writer Learning Lab will be used by hundreds of students each year for many, many years. Instruction works out to be pennies a year. The current and real cost is borne by all of those students who never receive a quality keyboarding program at the right time.
